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MGT Final > Chapter 14 > Flashcards

Chapter 14 Flashcards

1
Q

vertical niches

A

vertical niches

Sometimes referred to as vertical markets. Products and services designed to target a specific industry (e.g., pharmaceutical, legal, apparel retail).

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2
Q

cloudbursting

A

cloudbursting

Describes the use of cloud computing to provide excess capacity during periods of spiking demand. Cloudbursting is a scalability solution that is usually provided as an overflow service, kicking in as needed.

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3
Q

security-focused

A

security-focused

Also known as “hardened.” Term used to describe technology products that contain particularly strong security features.

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4
Q

server farm

A

server farm

A massive network of computer servers running software to coordinate their collective use. Server farms provide the infrastructure backbone to SaaS and hardware cloud efforts, as well as many large-scale Internet services.

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5
Q

PaaS

A

platform as a service (PaaS)

Where cloud providers offer services that include the hardware, operating system, development tools, testing and hosting (i.e., the platform) that its customers use to build their own applications on the provider’s infrastructure. In this scenario the cloud firm usually manages the platform (hosting, hardware, and supporting software), while the client has control over the creation and deployment of their application

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6
Q

black swans

A

black swans

Unpredicted, but highly impactful events. Scalable computing resources can help a firm deal with spiking impact from Black Swan events. The phrase entered the managerial lexicon from the 2007 book of the same name by Nassim Taleb.

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7
Q

OSS

A

open source software (OSS)

Software that is free and where anyone can look at and potentially modify the code.

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8
Q

utility computing

A

utility computing

A form of cloud computing where a firm develops its own software, and then runs it over the Internet on a service provider’s computers.

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9
Q

SLA

A

service level agreement (SLA)

A negotiated agreement between the customer and the vendor. The SLA may specify the levels of availability, serviceability, performance, operation, or other commitment requirements.

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10
Q

Scalability

A

Scalability

Ability to either handle increasing workloads or to be easily expanded to manage workload increases. In a software context, systems that aren’t scalable often require significant rewrites or the purchase or development of entirely new systems.

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11
Q

TCO

A

total cost of ownership (TCO)

All of the costs associated with the design, development, testing, implementation, documentation, training and maintenance of a software system.

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12
Q

LAMP

A

LAMP

An acronym standing for Linux, the Apache Web server software, the MySQL database, and any of several programming languages that start with P (e.g., Perl, Python, or PHP).

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13
Q

virtual desktop

A

virtual desktop

When a firm runs an instance of a PC’s software on another machine and simply delivers the image of what’s executing to the remote device. Using virtualization, a single server can run dozens of PCs, simplifying backup, upgrade, security, and administration.

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14
Q

virtualization

A

virtualization

A type of software that allows a single computer (or cluster of connected computers) to function as if it were several different computers, each running its own operating system and software. Virtualization software underpins most cloud computing efforts, and can make computing more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable.

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15
Q

Linux

A

Linux

An open source software operating system

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16
Q

IaaS

A

infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

Where cloud providers offer services that include running the remote hardware, storage, and networking (i.e., the infrastructure), but client firms can choose software used (which may include operating systems, programming languages, databases, and other software packages). In this scenario the cloud firm usually manages the infrastructure (keeping the hardware and networking running), while the client has control over most other things (operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and perhaps even security and networking features like firewalls and security systems).

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17
Q

marginal cost

A

marginal cost

The cost of producing one more unit of a product.

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18
Q

SaaS

A

software as a service (SaaS)

A form of cloud computing where a firm subscribes to a third-party software and receives a service that is delivered online.

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19
Q

n00b

A

n00b

Written with two zeros, pronounced “newb.” Geek-slang (leet speak) derogatory term for an uninformed or unskilled person.

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20
Q

cloud computing

A

cloud computing

Replacing computing resources—either an organization’s or individual’s hardware or software—with services provided over the Internet.

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21
Q

What is one reason the software business is so attractive?

A

The software business is attractive due to near-zero marginal costs and an opportunity to establish a standard—creating the competitive advantages of network effects and switching costs.

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22
Q

Describe some trends in software that are creating challenges and opportunities.

A

New trends in the software industry, including open source software (OSS), cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), and virtualization are creating challenges and opportunities across tech markets. Understanding the impact of these developments can help a manager make better technology choices and investment decisions.

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23
Q

Is OSS available for free?

A

OSS is not only available for free, but also makes source code available for review and modification (for the Open Source Initiatives list of the criteria that define an open source software product, see http://opensource.org/docs/osd).

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24
Q

How are large tech companies treating OSS?

A

While open source alternatives are threatening to conventional software firms, some of the largest technology companies now support OSS initiatives and work to coordinate standards, product improvements, and official releases.

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25
Q

What is the flagship OSS product?

A

The flagship OSS product is the Linux operating system, now available on all scales of computing devices from cell phones to supercomputers.

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26
Q

What is the LAMP stack?

A

The LAMP stack of open source products is used to power many of the Internet’s most popular websites. Linux can be found on 30 percent of corporate servers; supports most Web servers, smartphones, tablets, and supercomputers; and is integral to TiVo and Android-based products.

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27
Q

Who pays for open source projects?

A

The majority of persons who work on open source projects are paid by commercially motivated employers.

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28
Q

What are the most widely cited benefits of OSS?

A

The most widely cited benefits of using OSS include low cost; increased reliability; improved security and auditing; system scalability; and helping a firm improve its time to market.

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29
Q

How has OSS helped many large companies?

A

Free OSS has resulted in cost savings for many large companies in several industries.

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30
Q

How is OSS superior to commercial counterparts?

A

OSS often has fewer bugs than its commercial counterparts due to the large number of persons who have looked at the code.

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31
Q

What helps strengthen the security of OSS?

A

The huge exposure to scrutiny by developers and other people helps to strengthen the security of OSS.

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32
Q

What is a “hardened” version of an OSS product?

A

“Hardened” versions of OSS products often include systems that monitor the integrity of an OSS distribution, checking file size and other indicators to be sure that code has not been modified and redistributed by bad guys who have added a back door, malicious routines, or other vulnerabilities.

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33
Q

How can OSS handle larger workloads?

A

OSS can be easily migrated to more powerful computers as circumstances dictate, and also can balance workload by distributing work over a number of machines.

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34
Q

Why is OSS attractive to vendors?

A

Vendors who use OSS as part of product offerings may be able to skip whole segments of the software development process, allowing new products to reach the market faster.

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35
Q

Are open source products widely available?

A

There are thousands of open source products available, covering nearly every software category. Many have a sophistication that rivals commercial software products.

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36
Q

Are all open source products contenders?

A

Not all open source products are contenders. Less popular open source products are not likely to attract the community of users and contributors necessary to help these products improve over time (again we see network effects are a key to success—this time in determining the quality of an OSS effort).

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37
Q

Just about every type of commercial product has an _____ equivalent.

A

Just about every type of commercial product has an open source equivalent.

38
Q

Describe business models for firms in the open source industry?

A

Business models for firms in the open source industry are varied, and can include selling support services and add-on products, offering hosting to run and maintain customer projects ‘in the cloud’, licensing OSS for incorporation into commercial products, and using OSS to fuel hardware sales.

39
Q

How are firms using OSS markets?

A

Many firms are trying to use OSS markets to drive a wedge between competitors and their customers.

40
Q

How has Linux been successful?

A

Linux has been very successful on mobile devices and consumer electronics, as well as on high-end server class and above computers. But it has not been as successful on the desktop. The small user base for desktop Linux makes the platform less attractive for desktop software developers. Incompatibility with Windows applications, switching costs, and other network effects-related issues all suggest that Desktop Linux has an uphill climb in more mature markets.

41
Q

Describe the drawbacks and challenges of OSS.

A

OSS also has several drawbacks and challenges that limit its appeal. These include complexity of some products and a higher total cost of ownership for some products, concern about the ability of a product’s development community to provide support or product improvement, and legal and licensing concerns.

42
Q

What is cloud computing?

A

Cloud computing refers to replacing computing resources—of either an organization or individual’s hardware or software—with services provided over the Internet.

43
Q

What is SaaS?

A

Software as a service (SaaS) refers to a third-party software-replacing service that is delivered online.

44
Q

What is PaaS?

A

Platform as a service (PaaS) delivers tools (a.k.a. a platform) so an organization can develop, test, and deploy software in the cloud. These could include programming languages, database software, and product testing and deployment software.

45
Q

What is IaaS?

A

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) offers an organization an alternative to buying its own physical hardware. Computing, storage, and networking resources are instead allocated and made available over the Internet and are paid for based on the amount of resources used. IaaS offers the most customization, with firms making their own choices on what products to install, develop, and maintain (e.g. operating systems, programming langauges, databases) on the infrastructure they license.

46
Q

What type of cloud computing requires the most and least amount of support and maintenance?

A

SaaS typically requires the least amount of support and maintenance, IaaS requires the most, since firms choose the tech they want to install, craft their own solution, and run it on what is largely a ‘blank canvas’ of cloud-provided hardware.

47
Q

How is cloud computing impacting markets?

A

Cloud computing is reshaping software, hardware, and service markets and is impacting competitive dynamics across industries.

48
Q

Name 3 benefits SaaS firms offer their clients.

A

SaaS firms may offer their clients several benefits including the following:
• lower costs by eliminating or reducing software, hardware, maintenance, and staff expenses
• financial risk mitigation since start-up costs are so low
• potentially faster deployment times compared with installed packaged software or systems developed in-house
• costs that are a variable operating expense rather than a large, fixed capital expense
• scalable systems that make it easier for firms to ramp up during periods of unexpectedly high system use
• higher quality and service levels through instantly available upgrades, vendor scale economies, and expertise gained across its entire client base
• remote access and availability—most SaaS offerings are accessed through any Web browser, and often even by phone or other mobile device

49
Q

Name 3 things that vendors of SaaD products benefit from.

A

Vendors of SaaS products benefit from the following:
• limiting development to a single platform, instead of having to create versions for different operating systems
• tighter feedback loop with clients, helping fuel innovation and responsiveness
• ability to instantly deploy bug fixes and product enhancements to all users
• lower distribution costs
• accessibility to anyone with an Internet connection
• greatly reduced risk of software piracy

50
Q

What additional benefit do SaaS and cloud computing have that might not be obvious?

A

SaaS (and the other forms of cloud computing) are also thought to be better for the environment, since cloud firms more efficiently pool resources and often host their technologies in warehouses designed for cooling and energy efficiency.

51
Q

Name 3 risks associated with SaaS.

A

The risks associated with SaaS include the following:
• dependence on a single vendor.
• concern about the long-term viability of partner firms.
• users may be forced to migrate to new versions—possibly incurring unforeseen training costs and shifts in operating procedures.
• reliance on a network connection—which may be slower, less stable, and less secure.
• data asset stored off-site—with the potential for security and legal concerns.
• limited configuration, customization, and system integration options compared to packaged software or alternatives developed in-house.
• the user interface of Web-based software is often less sophisticated and lacks the richness of most desktop alternatives.
• ease of adoption may lead to pockets of unauthorized IT being used throughout an organization.

52
Q

What is a major source of corporate tech spending and how is it being addressed?

A

It’s estimated that 80 percent of corporate tech spending goes toward data center maintenance. Cloud computing helps tackle these cost by allowing firms to run their own software on the hardware of the provider, paying only for services that are used.

53
Q

Name 2 firms offering cloud computing.

A

Amazon, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle/Sun, Rackspace, Salesforce.com, and VMware are among firms offering cloud computing services.

54
Q

Name 2 types of cloud computing varieties.

A

Cloud computing varieties include platform as a service (PaaS), where vendors provide a platform (e.g., the operating system and supporting software like database management systems, a software development environment, testing, and application service) but where client firms write their own code; and infrastructure as a service (IaaS), where cloud vendors provide and manage the underlying infrastructure (hardware, storage, and networking), while clients can create their own platform, choosing operating systems, applications, and configurations.

55
Q

What is a “private cloud”?

A

Some firms use cloud computing technology on hardware they own or lease as a sole customer. This is referred to as a private cloud. Other firms allocate resources between their own systems (the private cloud) and the public cloud (where resources may be shared with other clients). This is referred to as a hybrid-cloud strategy.

56
Q

How does Amazon help the CIA?

A

Amazon provides software and services, helping the CIA build and maintain its own private cloud.

57
Q

What is the average user of cloud computing?

A

Users of cloud computing run the gamut of industries, including publishing (the New York Times), finance (NASDAQ), and cosmetics and skin care (Elizabeth Arden).

58
Q

What are benefits and risks of cloud computing.

A

Benefits and risks are similar to those discussed in SaaS efforts. Benefits include the use of the cloud for handling large batch jobs or limited-time tasks, offloading expensive computing tasks, and cloudbursting efforts that handle system overflow when an organization needs more capacity.

59
Q

What is a problem with legacy systems and the could?

A

Most legacy systems can’t be easily migrated to the cloud, meaning most efforts will be new efforts or those launched by younger firms.

60
Q

When does cloud computing not work?

A

Cloud (utility) computing doesn’t work in situations where complex legacy systems have to be ported or where there may be regulatory compliance issues.

61
Q

How might the size of an organization impact if it uses cloud computing?

A

Some firms may still find TCO and pricing economics favor buying over renting—scale sometimes suggests an organization is better off keeping efforts in-house.

62
Q

Is cloud computing seen as important?

A

Cloud computing’s impact across industries is proving to be broad and significant.

63
Q

What has cloud computing done to entry barriers?

A

Clouds can lower barriers to entry in an industry, making it easier for start-ups to launch and smaller firms to leverage the backing of powerful technology.

64
Q

How have clouds impacted the amount of capital needed by a firm to launch a business?

A

Clouds may also lower the amount of capital a firm needs to launch a business, shifting power away from venture firms in those industries that had previously needed more VC money.

65
Q

How do clouds impact capital spending?

A

Clouds can shift resources out of capital spending and into profitability and innovation.

66
Q

What shift is happening as a result of cloud computing with regards to sales in one industry?

A

Hardware and software sales may drop as cloud use increases, while service revenues will increase.

67
Q

What does cloud computing do to innovation?

A

Cloud computing can accelerate innovation and therefore changes the desired skills mix and job outlook for IS workers. Tech skills in data center operations, support, and maintenance may shrink as a smaller number of vendors consolidate these functions.

68
Q

What is currently needed in a technologist?

A

Demand continues to spike for business-savvy technologists. Tech managers will need even stronger business skills and will focus an increasing percentage of their time on strategic efforts. These latter jobs are tougher to outsource, since they involve an intimate knowledge of the firm, its industry, and its operations.

69
Q

How is the cloud impacting the server hardware business?

A

The market for expensive, high margin, sever hardware is threatened by companies moving applications to the cloud instead of investing in hardware.

70
Q

What do server farms require?

A

Server farms require plenty of cheap land, low cost power, ultrafast fiber-optic connections, and benefit from mild climates.

71
Q

How do Google, Oracle’s Sun, Microsoft, IBM, and HP get ahead of the game when it comes to servers?

A

Google, Oracle’s Sun, Microsoft, IBM, and HP have all developed rapid-deployment server farm modules that are preconfigured and packed inside shipping containers.

72
Q

What is virtualization?

A

Virtualization software allows one computing device to function as many. The most sophisticated products also make it easy for organizations to scale computing requirements across several servers.

73
Q

What does Virtualization do to a firms hardware costs?

A

Virtualization software can lower a firm’s hardware needs, save energy, and boost scalability.

74
Q

What is at the heart of private clouds and scalable corporate data centers?

A

Data center virtualization software is at the heart of many so-called private clouds and scalable corporate data centers, as well as the sorts of public efforts described earlier.

75
Q

How does virtualization work on the desktop?

A

Virtualization also works on the desktop, allowing multiple operating systems (Mac OS X, Linux, Windows) to run simultaneously on the same platform.

76
Q

What impact does virtualization have on data center utilization?

A

Virtualization software can increase data center utilization to 80 percent or more.

77
Q

How can virtualization use differ publicly and privately?

A

While virtualization is used to make public cloud computing happen, it can also be used in-house to create a firm’s own private cloud.

78
Q

Describe the containers type of virtualization.

A

While traditional virtualization acts as a software representation of hardware where each virtual machine requires its own operating system, a type of virtualization known as containers performs many of the functions of virtualization without requiring a separate operating system. This saves even more power and computer space, and helps resources execute even faster.

79
Q

Name two companies getting into the virtualization market.

A

A number of companies, including Microsoft and Dell, have entered the growing virtualization market. Container startup Docker is seeing widespread adoption across industries and leading firms.

80
Q

How many smartphones are sold a year?

A

Over one billion smartphones are sold a year, providing a rich platform for app deployment.

81
Q

How do apps compare to packaged software?

A

Compared with packaged software, apps lower the cost of software distribution and maintenance. Apps offer a richer user interface and integrate more tightly with a device’s operating system, enabling more functionality and services such as app-delivered alerts.

82
Q

How are firms using apps?

A

Several billion-dollar firms have leveraged smartphone apps as their only, or primary, interface with consumers.

83
Q

Do mobile apps have any down sides?

A

Mobile apps do provide additional challenges for developers, especially when compared against browser-based alternatives. Among them, more challenging updates, version control, and A/B testing.

84
Q

What do critics say about apps?

A

Critics of apps say they force consumers into smartphone walled gardens and raise consumer-switching costs.

85
Q

How has the number of apps been a negative?

A

While development and distribution costs are cheaper for apps than packaged software, discovery poses a problem, and it can be increasingly difficult for high-quality firms to generate consumer awareness among the growing crowd of app offerings.

86
Q

Does a make, buy or rent decision ever change? Is it the same across the entire company?

A

The make, buy, or rent decision may apply on a case-by-case basis that might be evaluated by firm, division, project or project component. Firm and industry dynamics may change in a way that causes firms to reassess earlier decisions, or to alter the direction of new initiatives.

87
Q

Name 3 factors managers should consider when making a make, buy, or rent decision.

A

Factors that managers should consider when making a make, buy, or rent decision include the following: competitive advantage, security, legal and compliance issues, the organization’s skill and available labor, cost, time, and vendor issues.

88
Q

When should technology project factors be evaluated?

A

Factors must be evaluated over the lifetime of a project, not at a single point in time.

89
Q

Name 2 options managers have available when determining how to satisfy the software needs of their companies?

A

Managers have numerous options available when determining how to satisfy the software needs of their companies: purchase packaged software from a vendor, use OSS, use SaaS or utility computing, outsourcing development, or developing all or part of the effort themselves.

90
Q

When are functions not a good candidate for outsourcing?

A

If a company relies on unique processes, procedures, or technologies that create vital, differentiating, competitive advantages, the functions probably aren’t a good candidate to outsource.

MGT Final (6 decks)

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