Data handling refers to the storage, transfer, recovery and archiving of data. However, this blog will look specifically at how the growth of the internet has changed the process of how data handling is done by the business within three categories, namely:
- Within the business
- From business to consumers
- From business to business
- Within the business:
When we think of the handling of data within a business, we may think of memo's and other documents being manually carried around the business place by a messenger. But with the use of the internet, documents can now be E-mailed to and from different employees within the business. For instance, the business may employ the use of an intranet for this purpose. An intranet is a private network, which uses the same mechanisms of the internet, but internally, only for the business. It provides services such as E-mail and search and retrieval functions among others. The use of msn chat, skydrive and live webcams may also be used within the business for communication, such as video conferencing, which very useful particularly when participants are in different locations or countries.
Employees that maybe overseas, telecommuting or in branch offices, will find the use of remote access to the business's network to be very advantageous. Remote access is the ability to get access to a computer or network from a remote distance. It allows employees to access data from the office's computer, without actually being at the office. It is achieved through desktop, notebook or handheld computer modem over regular telephone lines, among other methods.
In general the use of the internet for data handling has made it more efficient, provided improved speed, cost savings and security options. The use of e-mails has allowed for data and information to be sent and received in seconds, which is also cost-effective as it is soft copy opposed to printed ink on paper, including the faxing of documents. Traditional methods of storing data, namely filing cabinets, which were time and space consuming can now be eliminated or somewhat limited in their use, as storage can now be done in databases, which consists of an organized collection of information for one or more users in digital form.
- From business to consumers
The internet has also impacted how businesses send information and interact with their consumers. For example, the use of E-commerce is a very popular method of shopping. It consists of the buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems, such as the internet or other computer networks. This allows consumers to see what businesses have to offer, in the privacy of our own homes as opposed to going to the business or calling a representative. Consumers would have access to stock levels, prices and other information about the product or the business. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW4X3b_j0eE. Podcasting and streaming media is also useful as it may be used to inform customers of sales and other promotions.
The payment process of E-commerce is done by the use of a credit or debit cards. The consumer would enter his/her card number over the internet when buying the products. During this process, the technique of encryption is used to protect the customers credit card information from hackers. Encryption refers to the process of transforming information, using an algorithm, to make it unreadable to anyone except those possessing special knowledge, usually referred to as a key. Examples of E-commerce includes E-bay, visit http://www.wikinvest.com/concept/E-Commerce for further reading.
Businesses also use the internet as a mean of reaching a broad range of consumers by advertising on popular social sites such as, Facebook, Twitter and Myspace. Because these social sites are so popular it allows the business to come into contact with more people, especially those who spend a large amount of time online, over traditional methods, such as newspapers, fliers or billboards. It also allows for customers to give feedback on what problems may be experienced and what can be done to improve the business, via the mean of online surveys. The use of VOIP may also be used to provide customer service online. VIOP refers to voice over internet protocol, which means that customers would be able to speak to business representatives, and would be able to ask what ever questions they may have.
- From business to business
The use of an EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) allows businesses to exchange information with their suppliers and retailers electronically. It makes possible the electronic communication between businesses on transactions such as, orders, confirmations and invoices. Visit http://www.answers.com/topic/electronic-data-interchange for further reading.
Search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo makes it possible for business to research other businesses. Suppliers and competitors can be searched online to find relevant and useful information. The internet also offers a diverse set of information which, in many formats such as video, making it simpler to find information on other businesses.
In terms of the cost aspect, putting systems in place such as EDI, would be expensive to install and maintain, however, it would eliminate the need for the printing of transactional documents such as, invoices, which would over the years save money for the business. However, the staff would have to be trained to use the systems being installed, and more highly skilled workers would have to be hired. In addition, the implementation of systems such as the EDI would also eliminate the needs for jobs such as mail sorters and messengers.
Search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo makes it possible for business to research other businesses. Suppliers and competitors can be searched online to find relevant and useful information. The internet also offers a diverse set of information which, in many formats such as video, making it simpler to find information on other businesses.
In terms of the cost aspect, putting systems in place such as EDI, would be expensive to install and maintain, however, it would eliminate the need for the printing of transactional documents such as, invoices, which would over the years save money for the business. However, the staff would have to be trained to use the systems being installed, and more highly skilled workers would have to be hired. In addition, the implementation of systems such as the EDI would also eliminate the needs for jobs such as mail sorters and messengers.
