Teacher-Initiated Discussion (TID) 1: Informed redefinition of Information Technology

1. According to your informed judgment,  how would you now define information technology?
2. A METACOGNITIVE EXERCISE: Compare your definitions--before and after you
studied the first module. Have you moved forward in this learning journey?
The Source of Motion
Being able to delve deeper into information technology (IT), I had proven that the
definition I had perceived about it as a pervasive and broad concept is correct. For, IT is
indeed far way more than just its name, which is to "Inform" and a mere "technology" or
something that just stores data. Upon knowing deeper what IT is, I saw how revolutionary it
is that it can make the world move and even put it to a halt. In a way that everywhere we look
and do, there is always the influence of IT. We have even become too reliant on it, to the
point that it seems like we cannot function anymore without them. It's like it has become our
basic need to move forward and adapt to this modern time.
This notion is also very relevant in the business industry because without
Information Technology, it is just an empty shell. As mentioned in this lesson, the
components of Information Technology such as its hardware, software, Data management,
Networking, telecommunications technology, and Technology services drive businesses to
work and make them move towards their objectives, leading to success. Actually, due to this
significant influence of IT in the business world, it is one of the main reasons IT became
popular and gained the power that makes people reliant on it. Because we are in a capitalist
world, the output produced by the businesses always has IT involved, be it in its services or
products, and market it to the people that give them the urge to patronize IT products. Then,
unknowingly made us hooked into it for it undeniably offers many things that satisfy what
we need and even make things much more accessible, for people today want things instantly.
With these learnings and realizations acquired, I can affirm that I had raised another
step in getting to know Information technology because, in my conclusion about IT before, I
had made mention how I want to learn the effect of IT in our lives today. It had indeed let me
view its tremendous impact on our lives, especially in the business world. It had also given
me a glimpse of what more it can offer to us in the future, that I had also been looking
forward to discovering more as I get along.
In conclusion, as I have attained new knowledge about Information technology, I can still
define it as a concept with a vast scope that involves storing data and giving information that
can broaden one's knowledge. However, added to its meaning is its power that makes our
world function, due to its great influences in the business world that had made it work and
produce products from IT that had also helped us move in this modernized world.

TID 1.a: IT and its Business Implications

The Path of Success

1. Why is selecting computer hardware and software for the organization an important
business decision?

It is a crucial business decision to choose the right computer hardware and software for
the organization because it lies in it the cost it brings. Having these computer hardware and
software are costly and can exhaust an organization's assets. However, the company cannot
neglect availing it because it also bears future assets that can make your business flourished.
Hardware and software are costly since we are in a modernized age, and these two things are
essential for a business because they will help you meet the ever-changing demands of your
customer. Then, if you happen to choose hardware and software that is not fitted for your
business or your customer's needs, you are only leading your business to its downfall. That is
why it is very critical to choose the right hardware and software for your organization because it
would lead you to either of the two paths; the path that will acquire you more gains, leading to
success or exhaust your assets from its cost and put your business at risk.

2. What people, organization, and technology issues should be considered when selecting
computer hardware and software?

Upon choosing the right computer hardware and software, the organization must consider
the issues on (1) People's demands, (2) Capacity, and (3) Information Security.

People's demands. People's preferences, wants, and demands change constantly. To make your
company succeed, you must satisfy their needs and adjust your company to this ever-changing
world. To adapt to it, the company must choose hardware and software that can carry out this
constant change without needing a continuous update every time a new trend comes up. By this,
the company will be able to cut off costs from the constant updates of the hardware and software
to meet the people's demand.

Capacity. In selecting hardware and software, an organization must know its capacity to handle
costs from these two technologies, for these things will constantly give you cost. If you choose
hardware and software beyond your capacity to pay its price, you will only lose more money
than gaining one. That is why it is also essential to know your organization's production capacity
and assess what kind of hardware and software it needs to have proficient work with less cost
required. Also, make sure that the hardware and software you choose is what is best and is
necessary by your organization at the current time to avoid the unnecessary cost that does not
give you any benefits.

Information Security. As time passes, we are becoming more advance in terms of technology.
Along with these advancements are also the arousal of issues on the security of our information
stored in these technologies because there are many methods that can manipulate a system and
breach important information. That is why in acquiring hardware and software, one must
consider its security features and must assure you that your important files and information will
be safe. For once your essential data will be leaked or lost, it would put your organization at a
high risk of destruction.

TID 1.b: Trends

1. Should organizations use software service providers (including cloud services) for all their
software needs? Why or why not?
2. What people, organization, and technology factors should be considered when making this
decision?

The Risk Must Take

The advancement of our technology today had offered us so many good things; however,
as it continues to upgrade, we cannot fully put our trust in it. The fact that It is man-made makes
it open for manipulation by those who are expert in it this field. That is why I do not think it is
wise for the organization to use software service providers in all of their software needs, most
especially with cloud services. For, having your important document stored in a service provider
limits your control over the software that endangers your important files from being leaked,
stolen, or deleted. It would lead to a big mess that might lead to your organization's collapse if
not fixed or handled immediately.

However, I am not saying that the company should not avail of those software services
because it is undeniable that these software providers are also beneficial in reducing an
organization's cost. For, having your own system is very costly and does not actually guarantee
that it will give you gains in the long run because there are instances that you will be exhausting
more money on its development, risking your finances, and still gives you fewer benefits. But, in
terms of security, an own system has its leverage since the organization has the only control over
it and lessens the risk of information breaching, being stolen, or deleted.

What I am implying is that an organization can use a software service provider, but I do
not recommend using it for all of its software because it is so risky. I suggest that an organization
can have at least its own software for its crucial data. So that if ever the software service provider
undergoes problems, your company can not be too affected and can still manage to stand, since
those important files are still safe in their control. Looking into it both has its risk. It is only up to
a decision on what risk bears less consequence and more benefits. Moreover, before choosing
which risk to take, one must critically analyze what is best for the organization while considering
the security of your information, your cost, and your productivity with this software. Most
importantly, one must also take into account that the software would be able to meet the needs
and wants of the employees, customers, suppliers, and business partners to achieve the business
objectives, leading to its success.