P5 Describe Recent IT Developments

1. P5 Describe Recent IT Developments

2. Assessment Criteria P5 • Describe Recent IT Developments

3. Task • The MD of Full of Beans has asked you to create a report for IT developments over the last 2-3 years • This should include Hardware and Software Developments • Use the text from pages 101 – 105 to help with hardware tasks • Use the text from pages 105 – 109 • Also use computer magazine and computer vendor websites to help with this

4. Hardware Developements • Investigate and write how the following have developed over the last 3 years • increasing power, • increasing capacity and sophistication of computerplatforms, • increasing sophistication of communication technologies

5. Power and Capacity • Explain how Processors, Memory, Hard Drives and Cards have become more powerful and faster over the last 3 years • Show all web addresses for this

6. Computer Platforms • Explain how computer platforms are increasing in capacity and sophistication • Explain how collaboration between rival manufacturers has allowed cross platform software • Explain how operating systems have developed and what new features the lastest software has • Explain hardware requirements that new operating systems require

7. Communication Technologies • Explain the different platforms available for communication and devices • PDA’s • Blackberry • CCTV • Smart Chip • Haptic Technology • Bluetooth • EDI • GPS

8. The Cloud • Cloud computing is a phrase used to describe a variety of computingconcepts that involve a large number of computers connected through a real-time communication network such as the Internet • In common usage, the term "the cloud" is essentially a metaphor for the Internet. The Cloud refer to software, platforms and infrastructure that are sold “as a service” i.e. remotely through the Internet. • Typically, the seller has actual energy-consuming servers which host products and services from a remote location, so end-users don't have to; they can simply log on to the network without installing anything. • The major models of cloud computing service are known as Software as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Infrastructure as a Service. These cloud services may be offered in a Public, Private or Hybrid network.[

9. Software Developments • The more powerful the hardware in business systems then the a wider range of application software can be supported • The may include specialist database and Management Information Systems • CRM ( Customer Relationship Manager Programs) are used when multiple persons carry out the same tasks in large organisations to develop confidence in customers • CAD programs produce 2D and 3D engineering drawings and plans

10. Integration Of Application Software • Software is becoming very sophisticated • Websites and Presentations now include video and sound to make them more interesting • Producing podcasts and websites are much easier due to intuitive software WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get) • This means that you do not need a high level of technical skills to make professional products • Applications integrate with each other so that outputs from one software system can become inputs into another using common interfaces • Experts are still needed to manipulate and to understand data but software makes their job easier e.g. an accountant would use Sage

11. Specialised Support Software • There are many examples of support software • Network management and troubleshooting • Call logging • Product Information • Disability Software • MIS Systems • Diagnostic Software

12. E-commerce • Advanced shopping cart software and back office databases • Improved search engines • Credit Card Technology • Online Banking