Week 3 Part 1 Task 3: Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing and IT Jobs

Cloud computing is at an early stage, with many new providers large and small delivering different cloud-based services, from storage services to spam filtering. [1] When a company purchases new computers, instead of installing a suite of software for each computer, they would only have to load one application. That application would allow workers to log into a Web-based service which hosts all the programs the user would need for his or her job. Machines owned by another company and a completely different location would be maintaining most of the company’s software. [2] Many jobs will change because of cloud computing. Some job roles will likely have reduced demand, some will have more demand, and even some new jobs will be created. [3]

Some jobs in the IT industry are predicted to have less demand in the future, with organizations moving their systems to cloud services. Since much of a company’s hardware and software would shift to an external cloud provider, there will be less demand or jobs such as system administrators and database administrators. But on the other hand, there will be jobs opening up at the cloud provider’s location. [3] The article “Effect of cloud computing on future IT jobs” described an interview between the writer of the article and Rick Chapman, the Founder of SaaS University, managing editor of Softletter and author of the just released book SaaS Entrepreneur: The Definitive Guide to Success in Your Cloud Application Business. Their discussion looked at the use of software as a service (SaaS) within IT and its future effect on IT jobs. SaaS is a software delivery model in which software and associated data are centrally hosted on the cloud. [4] “Rick’s belief is that the number of jobs within IT will decrease over the next ten to twenty years. This is the case because many of the systems previously developed and/or purchased and supported by IT staff members will eventually be replaced by SaaS (cloud) based applications which do not require internal IT staff.” [5]

Jobs with continued demand are IT project managers, business analysts, and software developers. The IT project managers will still be required to manage teams and will need to become versed in cloud computing. Business analysts will be required to know software not included within the cloud. Software developers will be needed simply because softeware will still need to be created. [3]

“Several studies, including one article published by Forbes, state that many new jobs will be created as a result of the cloud. New companies will be formed to provide cloud computing and other related services. New job titles will be created.” As mentioned before, new jobs will be opening at the cloud providers as more and more companies use them. Roles that have appeared is that of a cloud architect. A cloud architect is someone who has knowledge of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and cloud concepts, as well as enterprise architect skills. It will also be important for companies to have a liaison between them and the cloud provider in order to maintain communication between the two entities. [3]

In conclusion, the implementation of cloud computing will cause a shift in the job market. Some job roles will be reduced, some will have more demand, and new jobs will be created. In the IT profession, it is important to keep educating yourself on the new technology developed so when companies move toward new software, like cloud computing, they will keep the employees with the most knowledge of the product or an employee will be able to transition to a new company, like the cloud provider.

[1] http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031

[2] http://www.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing/cloud-computing.htm

[3] http://www.computer.org/portal/web/computingnow/careers/content?g=53319&type=article&urlTitle=the-impact-of-cloud-computing-on-it-jobs

[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_as_a_service

[5] http://www.itworld.com/career/322016/effect-cloud-computing-future-it-jobs

Week 1 Part 1 Task 1: Student Info

1. What is your major?

Hi all. My name is Miles Siegel and I am a senior Accounting student.

2. What operating system do you have on your computer?

I use an apple Mac book laptop with operating system X version 10.8.4.

3. Do you have the right to upgrade the software on your computer?

 Yes I have the right to upgrade my software.

4. What Internet and computer related courses have you already taken and what are your usual activities on the Internet (Facebook, email, chats, etc.)?

I have not taken any courses relating to computers or the Internet. My main activities on the computer are Facebook, web-surfing, iTunes, email, and research for courses.

5. Have you taken online courses before?

I have taken two online courses from Ramapo: Contemporary Africa and Principles of Managerial Accounting. I am also taking an online course for Health and Life Insurance.

6. Do you have MS Office on your computer? If yes, which version?

I have MS Office 2010 for Mac.

7. Do you work anywhere now?

I currently work as a customer service representative for an Allstate insurance agency in Ramsey. I process payments handle most calls, and do miscellaneous office duties.

8. When do you graduate?

I will be graduating in May 2014 with a second bachelor’s degree in accounting.

9. Add anything you want about your interests, skills, job projects, etc. that might help the instructor and students understand you and your computer/Internet skills and interests better.

I received a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Ramapo in 2010. The majority of my computer skills are in online databases and statistical software.

10. What are your hobbies or what do you like to do outside of school and work?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love trying food from different cultures, as long as its not meat since I am a vegetarian. 

•Do you work anywhere now (where if yes, and what do you do there)?

I currently work as a customer service representative for an Allstate insurance agency in Ramsey. I process payments handle most calls, and do miscellaneous office duties.

•Your desirable occupation

My plan is to get my CPA licenses after I graduate and work in public accounting for an accounting firm. I ultimately hope to go into private accounting and work for a major pharmaceutical company to add my passion for science into my work life.

•When do you graduate?

            I will be graduating in May 2014.

•What benefits do you see for yourself in a distance learning format?

Distance learning is a great format for people who have busy schedules and need the flexibility of making there own schedule to learn the material. I am currently working and the distance learning is great because I can work more hours since I don’t have to physically go to a class for 9 hours a week. I do work on my lunch hour or before work and after work.

Week 1 Part 2 Task 7: Gadget

I decided to add the follow by email gadget to my blog. I first went to my blog dashboard, then chose the layout tab on the left hand side. I placed it at the bottom of the blog, this way, after reading the first post if the reader is interested in following the blog they can simply submit their email. This gadget is intended to make it easy for visitors to subscribe to email delivery when I publish a post. This adds value to my blog because some readers might not want to log onto my blog everyday, especially if there are no posts that pertain to them. I can get more diverse group of followers by allowing them to get email updates and if they are interested in a post they can view my blog.Users want easy access to things and it needs to be a way that requires them to do the least amount of work.

Week 1 Part 2 Task 6: Social Network Monitoring Business Plan

In order to be successful in business today, a company has to capitalize on the recourses and technology available to them. Today’s world is socially connected, and a business needs to join this social community to prosper. One major resource is social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These programs allow customers to discuss, comment, criticize and even endorse a company’s products. Using products that monitor these social media outlets, the company can learn what customers are saying about their products and use this information to their advantage.

Social media monitoring products allow businesses to analyze, measure, display, and create reports about wait is being said or posted about their products or brand name. For example a business could use the product Salesforce Marketing Cloud to gain valuable information from consumers about specific products. The Salesforce Marketing Cloud is the world’s only unified social marketing suite. This program offers social listening, powered by Radian6, social publishing, powered by Buddy Media, and social advertising, powered by Social.com™. “Listen with Radian6 is used to gain valuable insight into conversations happening online about your brand, products, competitors, and industry. Publish with Buddy Media allows the company to manage and schedule posts and create and publish compelling content with social apps. Advertise with Social.com allows the company to build, optimize and automate highly targeted social advertising campaigns that are integrated with your customer data.”^[1]

After these programs gather all the information, the company can use it to better their brand. If customers like a competitor more, the business will know this and can see what improvements need to be made to their product so that customers will be satisfied. This is information straight from the best source out there, the consumer. 

Programs like Salesforce Marketing allow a business to gain valuable knowledge about their products and using information that is already out there. It would be a waste if they didn’t gather this information and use it to their benefit. Listening to what the customers, competitors, critics, and supporters are saying about a firm’s product is key to a successful business.

[1] http://www.salesforcemarketingcloud.com/about-us/

Week 1 Part 2 Task 5: Systems

A system is defined as “an organized, purposeful structure that consists of interrelated and interdependent elements. These elements continually influence one another to maintain their activity and the existence of the system, in order to achieve the goal of the system” [1]. There are 4 basic components that make up a system: inputs, processing, outputs and feedback mechanisms. These inner working help maintain a properly working system from falling out of rhythm despite any changes that may effect it. The basic structure of a system can be seen in all aspects of life. Systems can be simple to complex.

A simple system that most people do every day is brewing coffee/tea. The kettle is filled with water and heat is applied to the kettle. These are inputs to the system. Tea/coffee is added to a pot and the water after it is brought to a boil is added to the pot. This is the processing of the inputs. The brewed coffee/tea is added to a cup, sugar and milk are added and the coffee/tea is drunk. These last steps represent the outputs of this simple system. [2]

An example of a complex system is the education in the United States. This follows the order: early childhood education is followed by primary school (called elementary school in the United States), middle school, secondary school (called high school in the United States), and then postsecondary (tertiary) education. [3] The education system is designed to teach students the skills needed for modern life. The inputs are the students, teachers, syllabus and classroom. The processing is the educating of the students by the teachers. The outputs are the students leaving school with knowledge. Teachers, lessons and examinations are all part of the process that aim to turn an uneducated child into an educated adult.

From small to large, simple to complex, systems require all of their parts to function successfully. All the raw components of a system are, processed and reformed into the desired outputs. Systems are essential for the success of life. 

[1] http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/system.html#ixzz2ZA6pFsPe

[2] http://www.technologystudent.com/designpro/system1.htm

[3] http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-structure-us.html

Week 2 Part 1 Task 3: Mobile Hardware and Software

In order to run a successful business, a firm needs to consider what hardware and software to use in order to minimize costs and compete with other firms. Having the best and most up-to-date technology can improve worker productivity, increase revenue, reduce costs, and provide better customer service. I currently work for Allstate Insurance, where each office is own by an individual agent. There is software provided by Allstate that contains insurance information for the customers. But, all other hardware and software is to be updated and purchased by the agency owner. After talking with the agency owner that I work for I was able to make a small list of some hardware and software that she had to consider purchasing and or updating to remain productive. Also, the agency owner is often out of the office at meetings, conferences, and appointment. New mobile technology allows her to maintain a constant connection between her and her two offices.

Hardware

1. A major purchase she is making this year for her agency is a new telephone system (communication system). This new system will use the telephone number that is calling in and match it to a phone number on file. If the number is in our system, the computer will automatically pull up the insured information on the computer screen allowing us, the employees, to assist the customer faster.

2. A major device used in our office is our All-in-one printer. This printer is connected to a server, which allows for wireless printing form all computers in the office, including notebook computers and tablets. The printer also allows for faxing and emailing documents directly to customers.

3. On a smaller scale, the agency also needs to have a digital camera on hand. This allows us to take pictures for the customer so that they do not have to worry about sending it to us. It also allows us to immediately upload the pictures to our computers and send them to wherever they need to go.

4. Notebooks/Tablets are an important purchase for the agency. Allstate offers financial services such as life insurance. The life specialist in the office usually meets clients at their homes. He needs a way to input the client’s data for the application in real time. A notebook/laptop allows him access to the application without requiring the customer to be inconvenienced by requiring them to come to the office.

Software

5.  Insurance leads software provide and agency with a list of potential new customers. Agents can often reach consumers while they’re still sitting at the computer and can receive leads by email, text message, or both. Finding the best lead service/software is important for the agency owner to grow their business.

6. The new phone system needs to be linked to a database of client information. We use an online database called eAgent® to create customer profiles and store detailed information about the customer that can allow us to better assist them. This system can be accessed form any computer since it is online based (cloud) allowing the agent to work from any location.

7. Microsoft Office® is a very important software application to many companies. This one application is equipped with a suite of different uses. It contains Word (a word processor), PowerPoint (presentation graphics program), and Excel (spreadsheet analysis program). It is also important that the agency owner update this program when newer versions are available to take full advantage of the updates that are made. Also the new cloud feature that Office offers called Office 365 for business. This allows for access to shared documents and calendars form any computer in the office and even on mobile devises at any location.

Week 1 Part 2 Task 4: Value Chain

I have decided to open an Internet site where students can buy and sell used music CDs. The first aspect to set up would be the Internet site where the students go to see the CDs available for sale and where they can sell CDs to me to resell. The domain name would be www.CD4U.com. I would then need to arrange for a storage facility to hold the CDs during the time between my company buying them and a student purchasing. In this scenario there is no warehouse needed for raw materials because the CD are already made and have music on them. The website will be linked to the inventory of the storage facility. Anytime my company purchases used CDs, they will be added to the website and therefore linked to the inventory list. A receiving section of the storage facility would need to be set up to accept used CD we bought from students while also checking that the CDs are in working order. This receiving center will also deal with payments to students for the received items. The next component to set up would be a shipping system to send out CDs that are ordered by students.

Marketing would be done on the local level. Flyers would be placed all around campus. An ad would be placed on the school website and in any school publication (ie newspaper, magazine). My company would set up tabling on campus to advertise this company and to set up chances for students to come and sell there CDs directly to my company. We would also set up a customer service center to deal with any issues regarding customer satisfaction. This center would handle complaints regarding CDs not working or not to their liking and determine what the best decision would be to make the customer happy.