Week 12: Clear - Big Brother Isn't the Only One Listening & Watching

Be Careful Little Children What You Say and Do... 

Telecommunication, as defined by Dr. Means:

1. electronic communication: the science and technology of transmitting information electronically by wires or radio signals with integrated encoding and decoding equipment 
2. information transmission over communications lines

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fensterbme/64985745/sizes/z/in/photostream/

by fensterbme

  

The power and convenience afforded by telecommunications, coupled with the power and convenience afforded by the Internet, has already radically changed our world - and shockingly enough, it's not over yet.  There are still things to come that exceed the capacity of my limited understanding of the subjects. 

 With telecommunication and internet (TAI) usage growing exponentially every day, the number of questions regarding societal issues associated with using TAI has also increased.  These issues include but are not limited to privacy rights, security, net neutrality, unproductive time online (gaming,  Facebook, etc.).  The jury is still out on these issues so it's really too early to tell the final outcome.  However, we should remain vigilant and keep an active watch and voice regarding anything that could strip our privacy, security, etc. away from us. 

This is why it is so important that we remember that anything we say and do online, could ultimately be seen and heard by others.  Electronic media is not just monitored - every second of every minute of every hour of everyday of every week of every month of every year - information is being collected (24/7 - 365) by sources we don't even think about and servers and search engines are the biggest culprits. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fensterbme/5074208506/sizes/z/in/photostream/ 

by fensterbme 

   

Why should you care you might ask.  Well, this means that even though you may delete something off your page, blog, etc., unless you have the ability to delete it off every server, search engine, index, personal computer, thumb-drive, CD, etc. that saved a copy of the information - it could still come back to haunt you.  We have no way of knowing who is collecting our information or how it might be utilized in the future. 


For me, this has always been "A LITTLE TOO SCARY!!!  So I have always been conscious of my on-line reputation and I'd like to share some good advice that's lasted me for a life-time and is still very relevant today:

• From my mother many, many moons ago, "IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO REPEAT IT VERBATIM TO THEIR FACE, DO NOT SAY IT BEHIND THEIR BACK..." 
• And not quite as many moons ago but still a very long time, from a UF Trainer.  As I was a UF employee and I was required to attend a training/in-service regarding business communications and although I do not remember anything personal (height, weight, sex, race, etc.) about the instructor, I do remember the main point of the session and I have made it a matter of practice and I know it still applies today, perhaps even more when you think about the craziness on some of the popular sites, "IF YOU WOULD NOT WANT IT READ ALOUD AND DISCUSSED IN COURT - DO NOT PUT IT OUT THERE..."   

Telecommunications and the Internet is here to stay because responsible use adds value to our lives and increases productivity, etc. but I think it would be a nicer experience for us all if everyone would just choose to use a little restraint and discipline...

Week 7: Clear - Just How SAASSIE Is SAAS?

MORE THAN JUST HYPE - SAASSIE IS WHAT SAAS DOES!!!
 
So what is SaaS?  SaaS is an acronym for software as a service and refers to software that is made available online by a third party provider.  It is a tool that lets you use someone else's operating system, hardware, applications, software - any and everything you require for your computing needs.  Salesforce.com is the leading SaaS firm - other SaaS firms include NetSuite, Workday, Aravo, and Zoho.  Cloud computing makes SaaS possible and I have provided a two (2) minute YouTube video below, should you desire to learn more about cloud computing technology:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAUuY0Yld0E

"Video uploaded to YouTube by fahaimedia, 2011. Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License." 

And I'm sure by now you've asked yourself at least once, maybe twice - "Well, what is SAASSIE?"  SAASSIE is a term I made up (I'd like to interject a disclaimer here - I came up with the idea for SAASSIE before watching Dr. Olson's video #07.03 "The Cloud" - I noticed in his video that salesforce.com's mascot's name is Saasy).   Anyway, after reading the first eight (8) sections of the material it became crystal clear to me that SaaS appears to be the adrenaline or dynamite behind many of the changes that have and are taking place in the software, hardware, consulting, computing, and networking and other technology driven industries.  A few of these developments I already knew about, while the majority of which I only now know about as a result of this class, UF's ISM 3004 - Computing in the Business Environment. 
 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cloud_computing.svg Sam Johnston. 

SaaS has really leveled the playing field and made it possible for all firms to accomplish what they once only thought was possible in dreams or with a boat load of cash.  SaaS is a thing of financial beauty and SAASSIE is the way I choose to express most of the assets and benefits that SaaS brings to any firm's table (large or small):

• SAVINGS!  SAVINGS!  SAVINGS!  A firm utilizing a SaaS provider immediately saves money because allocated funds for acquiring, licensing, and maintaining software and hardware are no longer fixed but are replaced by variable expenses, so can be reduced or even eliminated all-together.  Firms also save money on IT staff as the SaaS provider takes care of most, if not all issues/tasks concerning your computing needs.  So, a lower total cost of ownership than that of a traditional platform with commercial software and associated maintenance and service cost is also a benefit.   
• Access to powerful virtualization software tools, as well as enterprise, desktop and web-based storage, applications, software and hardware.   
• Accessibility and remote access.  SaaS services can be accessed via any Web browser and some providers even offer access via the phone. 
• Scalability through increased utilization and maximum capacity at data centers, as much as 80% or more in most cases and on an as needed basis. So firms are able to handle Black Swans (unexpected spikes in activity) and/or cyclical busy periods without incident.  And due to the fact that coverage is allocated and additional servers are only brought online as needed, you only pay for what you use.    
• Secure.  Even though, Saas providers take security very seriously, firms should make sure matters concerning security are spelled out in the contract and do periodic audits to make sure the agreement is being adhered to.      
• Innovative technology without paying top dollar for all of the associated expenses (research, proto-types, trial runs, acquisition, installations, development, staff, etc.).  
• Expert advice and support 24/7.  Expandable services customized to the firm's needs.  Environmental footprint that is smaller/greener than most firms' not using the service.   

Yes, like with anything else there are some risks associated with the use of SaaS providers so make sure you research any SaaS firm thoroughly before partnering.  Be sure to look at the firm's long-term viability and make sure you incorporate an exit strategy in your strategic plan.  Privacy and legal requirements may restrict/prohibit a firm's use of a SaaS provider - should this be the case, there probably will not be a way around this. 

Overall, from my observations, once a firm has "done their homework" (a minimum of which is addressed above), and also addresses contractual forensics, uses federated authentication and performs audits and accessibility assessments, in most cases, the benefits of SaaS will far out-weigh any remaining potential of risk.  With all that said, the only thing left to say is... SAASSIE UP!!! 

Week 3: Clear - Networks and the Internet

APs to Wireless - All I Needed to Know:

This week has been really interesting.  In a few short days, I have learned more about networks and accessing the Internet than I've ever known.  Should I ever be responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of an enterprise network - thanks to ISM3004 - I will be ready! 

One thing clear to me is that there is no way around networks and the Internet, they are an ever present fact and necessity in the world we live in today.  There's no sign of this changing as our dependence on them is continuing to increase as a result of the increased use of the Internet - not just by businesses - but also by private individuals like you and me.

   http://www.timothyedwarddowns.com/Tim_Downs_Portfolio/illo/Pages/infog.html#29 

*Image by Timothy Downs. Written Permission granted for reused with attribution.

Ever improving advancements in technology not only produces better equipment and lowers its cost but also makes the process of setting up a network and using the Internet more accessible to everyone.  I do all my banking, stream Netflix, Hulu and other services, take on-line classes, and much more - all on-line via my home VPN (Virtual Private Network).  My VPN consists of a DSL modem, Linksys Wireless router, 802.11g All-in-One (printer, fax and copier), laptop and a desktop replacement.  I really can not imagine what it would be like without my direct access to the "CLOUD"... 

To ease any concerns regarding security, I utilize WPA2 Encryption. Doing all I can do to maintain the integrity of my VPN is also the reason why I chose DSL over cable.   I just wasn't comfortable with the idea of my Internet activity being sent to everyone on the Internet Service Provider's network.  The thought of leaving it to the cable modem to handle (deliver or discard) the information correctly & without failures would be just one more thing to worry about for me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ADSLmodemWestell6100.jpg
Permission granted for reuse with Wikimedia Commons. 

Your needs, preferences, and price-point may lead or have already led you to setup your home or small office network utilizing equipment and/or services that are very different than those I have chosen to use for mine - in most cases you will find this to be true as no two (2) networks will be exactly the same.  They are designed to cater to individual needs.  Happy surfing!!                   

  http://www.timothyedwarddowns.com/Tim_Downs_Portfolio/illo/Pages/infog.html#22

*Image by Timothy Downs. Written Permission granted for reused with attribution.

*Timothy Downs  written consent for reused by Hawiane Tidwell with attribution: