Sourcing and IT Systems - Essay Example

They serve as a bridge between communication and IT infrastructures allowing its users "maximum choice and flexibility over how, where, and when they wish to communicate. UC systems will intelligently route voice and data messages to the user's preferred communication device based on the user's profile." (Jennings, 2006) So UCS may be vital for companies that rely on fast and accurate information flows. Business IntelligenceToday the success of a business greatly depends on the feedback that managers receive from company operations.

The health of an enterprise is constantly monitored and analyzed in order to avoid unexpected failures. Business intelligence without the use of IT is as ineffective as a diagnosis without medical equipment. Management needs to get comprehensive information on factors affecting a business. Indicators and metrics on sales, production, or internal operations serve as the best base for decision-making. Software used for business intelligence may be divided into storing and analyzing the performance, or internal operations and tools for more "human" side of the businesses, i.e. CRM and marketing tools.

Nowadays, BI software is still limited with rather slow dynamics. Systems are updated monthly, weekly, or daily. Meanwhile, Golfarelli (2005) argues that "'daily updates are unacceptable whenever an immediate decision must be kept. This is the case for many applications in the industrial world". Thus the business intelligence industry is currently working on dynamic instant updates of information, which will allow using it effectively in every business. Security and PrivacyInformation stored within companies along with their technology infrastructure often presents the base for their competitive advantages.

That is why security issues become increasingly important with the ever-growing use of IT in business. Of course, the main driving forces behind security developments are banks. Modern security information systems include not only reactive but proactive measures as protection from perceived threats, such as surveillance, encryption.