Overview of Information Systems and Technology - Essay Example

? Overview of Information Systems and Technology Affiliation Table of Contents Business Technology Needs and Solutions 3 Management Information System 4 MIS at Riordan Manufacturing 4 Virtual Private Network (VPN) 5 Technology Issues 6 Technology Management 7 Conclusion 7 References 8 8 8 At the present, data has turned out to be a valuable asset for the business organizations. Majority of organizations run their business on the basis of this data. In this scenario, they implement an information system to collect, process, and distribute data in different departments of the organization. An information system consists of various parts such as people, hardware and software (Laudon & Laudon, 1999; Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2005). This paper presents a detailed overview of business management technologies for Riordan Manufacturing. Riordan Manufacturing Corporation is now expanding and, as a result, it requires an excellent information technology based support for better management of its business. In fact, information technology based solution (i.e. information system) is the only choice for this kind of business management. This paper outlines specifications of the new information system for Riordan Manufacturing. Business Technology Needs and Solutions Riordan Manufacturing requires an information technology based solution to effectively manage its business operations. The company has different offices located at different locations. The business desires to expand the company’s IT infrastructure by setting up the IT system in new office. The business also requires new technology based systems connectivity to main business head office. For this purpose they need a web based technology that could allow them to assess and manage the business using internet. In this paper, we suggest Riordan Manufacturing to implement a corporate management information system. This kind of information system offers an excellent support for the management of corporate operations and working. In addition, this business also needs to implement a secure communication arrangement. This business network for online communication and collaboration will be a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Management Information System Management information system (MIS) is a combination of software and hardware utilized to handle and process corporate data and information automatically. In fact, a management information system is implemented inside an organization to allow many individuals to access data and information simultaneously. In addition, the MIS mostly works behind the scenes, and the client community is infrequently concerned or even aware of the procedures that are handled by the system (Schauland, 2012; Stair & Reynolds, 2003). MIS at Riordan Manufacturing This section of the paper discusses various uses of a management information system with respect to the business of Riordan Manufacturing. The business can implement an information system to allow its customers to place orders online. In addition, this system also offers an excellent support for the online payment of the bills for instance when a bill is planned to be paid. In this scenario, an MIS will offer us data and information intended for the system to perform against specified plan of payment. The MIS then performs operations according to the payment plan when the suitable date comes near. Additionally, the computerized process will be performed by the information system to disburse the bill as demanded. Moreover, when the bills inside an online bill payment system are planned can be automatically paid, and clients do not need to offer additional details and information. For Riordan Manufacturing Corporation, MIS will offer an excellent support for managing and updating staff details and also their preferred processes to maintain existing systems and applying new technologies inside the firm. An information system can also be used to manage the information regarding available stock. In this scenario, the MIS will offer an excellent support for maintaining the level of stock and handle daily stock management operations. Virtual Private Network (VPN) The next main information technology solution we are going to implement at Riordan Manufacturing Corporation is VPN (Virtual Private Network). This technology will offer a global connectivity to business and corporate arrangement. In addition, VPN is very effective when a business is in development stage; it can expand to numerous offices or shops all through the world. Additionally, the VPN is a wonderful technology to maintain and manage the entire corporate arrangements, for quick data movement, and it presents safe and dependable methods to share data and information all through the world as well as within a computer network (CISCO, 2011; Tyson & Crawford, 2011; Collins, Keeley, & Waye, 2000). Thus, the implementation of VPN at Riordan Manufacturing Corporation will ensure secure and reliable execution of business operations. In this scenario, a virtual private network is a private communication network that makes use of a public network (typically web/internet) to allow a connection with remote working and business sites or clients jointly. In addition, the use of VPN will ensure that no one is able to access the business network without some security details (CISCO, 2011; Tyson & Crawford, 2011; Collins, Keeley, & Waye, 2000). By implementing VPN technology, Riordan Manufacturing Corporation will be able to attain following advantages: (CISCO, 2011; Tyson & Crawford, 2011; Collins, Keeley, & Waye, 2000) It will get extremely secure communications, with access rights modified to individual clients VPN will allow them to include new tasks and business sites or clients, without considerably changing their existing infrastructure It will improve business performance by widening business operational applications, networks and collaboration tools It will minimize the cost of communications with improved flexibility Technology Issues Though, the implementation of both MIS and VPN technologies at Riordan Manufacturing Corporation will offer a lot of benefits, but there are still a number of issues which can make this implementation a failure. This section discusses the security and privacy related issues and concerns. In this scenario, security of MIS and VPN is one of the biggest challenges to the business. In case of a security attack such as hacking and spamming the entire business network can be influenced. The next main issue that Riordan Manufacturing Corporation can face could be in form of virus attack. At the present, internet has become a best tool for the hackers. These attacks can be extremely dangerous and can lead the business toward failure. Technology Management In case of a security attack to the MIS or VPN the overall working of Riordan Manufacturing can stop or destroy. In order to ensure smooth working and operations of business network Riordan Manufacturing needs to implement some innovative solutions. Some of the well known solutions can include the application of corporate network firewall, virus protection application and anti spamming systems. Conclusion At the present, data has turned out to be a valuable asset for the business organizations. Majority of organizations at the present run their business on the basis of this data. In this scenario, they implement an information system to collect, process, and distribute data in different departments of the organization. In addition, an information system consists of various parts such as people, hardware and software. This paper has presented a detailed analysis of MIS and VPN and its implementation at Riordan Manufacturing Corporation. This research has also pointed out some of the security and operational issues which can cause business failure. References CISCO. (2011). Virtual Private Networks (VPN). Retrieved from http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps5743/Products_Sub_Category_Home.html Collins, T., Keeley, R., & Waye, D. (2000, October). virtual private network (VPN). Retrieved from TechTarget.com http://searchenterprisewan.techtarget.com/definition/virtual-private-network Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (1999). Management Information Systems, Sixth Edition. New Jersey: Prentice Hall . Schauland, D. (2012). What Are Management Information Systems? Retrieved from WiseGeek.com http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-management-information-systems.htm Stair, R. M., & Reynolds, G. W. (2003). Principles of Information Systems, Sixth Edition. Toronto : Thomson Learning, Inc. Turban, E., Leidner, D., McLean, E., & Wetherbe, J. (2005). Information Technology for Management: Transforming Organizations in the Digital Economy. New York: Wiley. Tyson, J., & Crawford, S. (2011). How VPNs Work. Retrieved from HowStuffWorks, Inc http://www.howstuffworks.com/vpn.htm Read More