Expert: Robert Gilgen - 10/29/2000

Question
I am researching current trends in IT, I wish to find out about how application software is used to solve business problems? This information is required for a Higher National college course in the UK. I Thank You for anyhelp you can give me in this subject.
Yours Adam Waller
Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK

Answer
Adam,

I'll start a short (and of course incomplete) list
of some of those business problems:

Business today depends on
- people and effective communication
- accurate and timely information
- effective management and planning
- creating and maintaining a professional image
- attracting and holding customers
- using streamlined support services

I believe that application software is very important
for all of those items. Here are some ways applications
help solving problems:

People and Communication
- intranets for information sharing
- communication devices and software
- event notifications
- remote collaboration, groupware

Information Collection and Retrieval
- databases, ad hoc reporting
- access to historical information
- unified content delivery via different channels

Business Management, Scheduling and Planning
- financial software
- effective project and resource management
- forecasting: anticipate trends and future developments

Company Image and Customer Service
- businesses compete regionally and often globally
- customers expect extended support hours
- phone and e-mail support, tracking of requests
- knowledge base for own products for support team or self-help

The trend of using IT for business is usually driven
by reducing risk and improving effectiveness. Collecting and using information in an standardized fashion, e.g. through data warehouses, allows managers to make better decisions. Systems have to be able to be integrated, independend from the hardware and operating system platforms of each system. Standardized interfaces, e.g. via web browser, will make it easier for users to make use of the existing infrastructure. Mobile applications is another important trend. Last but not least there is an ever increasing need for system security...

I hope this gives you a start - let me know if you
have further questions.

Robert