Unit 5: Technology Trends
No course in the strategic use of information technology in business would be complete if it did not cover technology trends. These trends are impacting how businesses use technology, and how companies choose to utilize technological tools will have a profound impact on the future of the organization. In this unit, we will focus on understanding such technologies as Cloud Computing, Web 2.0, and mobile processing.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.
- Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  
  explain cloud computing, including server hosting;
  
  identify why an organization might want to use cloud computing; and
  
  analyze how current trends in e-commerce technologies, including cloud computing, online transactions and user interface, influence an organization’s competitive advantage.
- 5.1: Cloud Computing
  - Information Systems: "Chapter 9: Understanding Software: A Primer for Managers" URL
    In order to understand the cloud and the implications of cloud computing for business organizations, it is important to first understand software and its role in IT strategy. This chapter will help you recognize the importance of software for strategic decision making.
  - Introduction to Business: "Computer Networks and Cloud Computing" URL
    Read this section and complete the exercises at the bottom of the page. When you have finished click the link for "Next Section" at the top right and read the next section. Complete the exercises at the end of that section as well. In these sections, you will see how cloud computing fits into a business organization's software strategy.
- 5.2: Cloud Computing as a Competitive Advantage
  - Information Systems: "Chapter 10, Section 6: Cloud Computing: Hype or Hope?" and "Section 7: The Software Cloud: Why Buy When You Can Rent?" URL
    Read this section and complete the exercises at the bottom of the page. When you have finished click the link for "Next Section" at the top right and read the next page: "10.7: The Software Cloud: Why Buy When You Can Rent?" Complete the exercises at the end of that section as well. In these sections, you will see how cloud computing fits into a business organization's software strategy.
- 5.3: Trends in Cloud Computing
  - Wikibon Whiteboard's "The State of Cloud Today" Page
    Cloud networks are used internally in business organizations (private clouds), externally with customers (public clouds), and to link systems that support business applications (enterprise). This video helps you visualize how businesses employ different forms of the cloud for different purposes.
  - Duc Nguyen's "Top 5 'Giants' of Cloud Computing" Page
    Owning space in the cloud to run applications, store data, or host a server is easier than ever with the growth of cloud computing in recent years. This article describes the five big players in the industry and briefly highlights the services each company offers. What other cloud computing providers do you use on a regular basis?
- Unit 5 Assessment
  - Unit 5 Assessment Quiz
    Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
    
    This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
    
    You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
    
    You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.

Unit 5: Technology Trends