Overview

We have delved into data and knowledge management systems, and mobile and social computing. At this point, you should be able to determine how these technologies can be used in your current or future jobs and how they can be used to ensure the success of your organization. In this module, we will learn about cloud computing and intelligent systems, defining them and examining how they are used in business. Cloud computing refers to accessing data and programs on a network of remote computers over the internet instead of locally. An intelligent system, is a machine that has the ability to quickly analyze large amounts of data, solve problems, and adapt to new situations (as data changes) to help a business choose the appropriate action.

Why are these two technologies important? Cloud computing allows companies to create a network that can be accessed over the internet from anywhere and at any time. This is extremely beneficial for geographically dispersed teams. As you read the module resources, you will discover that there are different types of cloud computing, as well as other benefits and disadvantages. Similarly, intelligent systems may be implemented over a cloud network, but most importantly, they can assist a business with decision making. For example, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area in California has a total population of over 13 million. This would probably generate too much commuter traffic data to store and analyze on a daily basis. Cloud computing could be used in this scenario to not only run the traffic management system but also store large amounts of data, as you would need the expanded processing and storage capacity. This is just one example; there are many others. Consider the applications and tools you could use to read email, store your school files, or even collaborate on work-related documents with team members located in different time zones. Of course, cloud computing and intelligent systems do not come without flaws. We will see that there are security and privacy concerns and other risks related to these technologies.

In this module, you will complete your second milestone. In Milestone Two, you will continue analyzing the business case study and gathering the technological requirements needed to support the business by analyzing competitor websites provided in the case study. You will use the decision matrix again to document your findings on the competitors. Then, you will select two technologies, identify the competing company, and explain how the technology helps them run their business efficiently. You should also include supported examples and then discuss two possible technology solutions for meeting the information technology needs previously identified.

• 5-1 Final Project Milestone Two: Technology Solutions and Recommendations

Assignment

This assignment is the second milestone that you will complete for your final project. This is an important practice opportunity to draft this section now and get instructor feedback that will help you improve upon your final submission. This is graded differently than the final project given this is a practice opportunity. Review the rubric for full details.

If you have not already reviewed your feedback from your instructor on Milestone One do so now. Make any corrections or adjustments to improve upon that section of your draft so that you are working from good premises before beginning this Milestone which depends on that information.

To complete this assignment, review the attached Final Project Template Word Document and Milestone Two Guidelines and Rubric PDF documents.