Technology

The original purpose of a computer network was to promote the basics of communication within scientific users, but now it has become a social tool as the work continue to experience major technological advancements. Very many people are today being able to access the internet regularly through World Wide Web as a source of information. Different Global Information Systems will be developed differently, either by a single organization, or by many organizations coming together to have a jointly owned GIS System so that no particular company owns the system. This term paper will discuss the major strengths and weaknesses with every kind of GIS System, and the decisions that are vital in coming up with a GIS System.

For the last ten years, the main purpose of a computer network was to promote the basics of communication within scientific users, but now it has been a socio-economic phenomenon which is seen by many as the right tool which will bring about economic development in the world. Press coverage involving the internet use has also become quite ubiquitous and extremely frequent. Over 30 million people across the world are now accessing the internet regularly through World Wide Web, WWW, as the major source of source of information. At the same time, more people and organizations have been recognizing the existing potential in internet use which will result in economic growth, and therefore the organizations are seeking for the Internet use in all their marketing and selling operations. Actual trade through the Internet has been on rise over the past decade (Heinzl  Rudy, 2006). However, it sounds good to talk about the Global Information systems, it is necessary to note that there are a number of strengths and weaknesses which will result from any Information System. In terms of Global Information Systems, we can have a Global Information Systems created and owned by a given organization, and another one which has been developed by a number of multiple partners, while owned by none. A good example is the World Wide Web.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Different GIS Systems
Global Information Systems Incorporation has been a reputable company providing Information Technology Services and continuity of business solutions and services since in the mid 1996. The main business of the company has always been focused on the custom applications and system developments, integration of systems and designing management infrastructures. With its headquarters in Michigan, the corporation has a number of development centers and offices in different parts of United States like in Southfield, Michigan and Pennsylvania, and Allenton. This has made the company able to serve a number of companies across the country. Through the necessary experience and knowledge, the company has been able to succeed in most of its business operations (Mena, 2001). There is also the incorporation of equipped technological centers and in-house developments. This is developed with the necessary software and hardware. If we look at this company, we will note that it has been able to offer GIS Systems to a number of companies and people around the country. But there are a number of issues that will arise from this plan.

There are very many responsibilities which have to be offered in any given GIS. Therefore, it requires any GIS system to offer these responsibilities. The strength of a system owned by one company is that high security is maintained since the company provides the IP addresses. On the other hand, the World Wide Web will not be able to offer such services and the reason it can be highly compromised (Kenneth, 2007). For instance, passwords which are used in the WWW are themselves weak in protecting ones information for a number of reasons. The main reason is that all passwords will depend on a very weak link connected to a computer and chains of network security, all controlled by the human user. This has been the major cause for cyber crime which is common while using the WWW whereby no single company is held responsible. On the other hand, there are a number of strengths and importance of WWW. One, the user can easily get fast and cheap publication and distribution of materials unlike with a company owned GIS. Once that has been done, materials will circulate around the globe instantly since world web reaches the largest portion of the population.

Generally, the wide applications and strengths of the WWW are quite explicit on themselves. For instance, the web is very easy to use due to the connectivity interfaces, presence of hypertexts and links in documents, integrated images and sound when viewing, and limited abilities of editing or formatting documents displayed on the web. This ensures that the data contained there-in is not in any case compromised. Another thing with the web is that it provides the users with servers who are available in all hardware platforms. This ensures that a document published in one language can be easily viewed and available in other formats, and operating systems. Finally, the ease with which we can use the World Wide Web is very promising. Web browsers have made it easy to use the internet.

The major weaknesses are that the creators of the web pages and documents care little about their appearance on the user. There is also no any documented and acceptable method in displaying line drawn vector graphs, and graphics. This is only done through bit-map which doesnt relay the best information to the user (Jones, 2002). The other thing is the slowness of the sites between the server and the user. When the response needed is instantaneous, sometimes an individual will have to wait for long than expected. It also very hard for the server to keep and maintain all the statuses of the users and their information since the web has been designed for discrete transactions only, so that once the link is broken, the server will therefore have to forget about that particular user.

On the other hand, a GIS system owned by one organization will tend to address most of the above weaknesses with the World Wide Web. This will therefore become the source of strength for the single corporation owned GIS. But that having been solved, there are a number of weaknesses which emerge with it. For example, it is not easy to contact and make information reach a lot of people. Also, it may prove expensive to deal with cases of security since the organization is liable to all transactions through its system (Gunasekaran, 2009). Also, the maintenance is also expensive as compared with the World Wide Web and its use.

Architecture, Standards, Support and Types of Systems
Different GIS Systems will have different standards, support systems and architecture. This difference occurs since it should be necessary for the system to be able to meet its goals and provide the user with the best services. The major important system types for both GIS Systems are the integration of software and hardware. These should be adopted depending on the demands, standards and effectiveness in providing the use with the best results (DeMers, 2005). The GIS Systems will incorporate a complex architecture in its functioning. These systems are brought together in such a way that they can bring about integration of sources between the server and the user. There is also an effectiveness coordination whereby more and more developments and implementations are done to improve the architectural constitution of the system. There should be good interconnections between the servers and the users. In that given GIS, it would be necessary that relevant standards are met which are acceptable in the Global perspective. There are a number of elements which have to be considered here for example, the system should be able to meet all the needs of a GIS system in order to meet the requirements of the user. Others include the use of a language like English which is acceptable is default language, and also ensure to retain the standards of measurements and time which are universal.

Decisions in Designing and Pursuing a Global Information System
There are a number of decisions which have to be put into consideration whenever developing and pursuing a GIS system. This is to ensure that all the issues are addressed from time to time and be in a position of providing the necessary service. For both GIS Systems owned by many organizations and a single organization, the very first vital decision lies in the Database Warehousing. All the data to be used in the system should have a secure warehouse whereby data can be easily accessed (Borgman, 2003). The other important decision lies in the question of outsourcing. This is an inherent question whenever an organization is to organize and design a GIS which will functions effectively. There should also be question of system sustainability and capability to meet the requirements of the user. The tools and systems which are to be integrated in the overall system should be in a position of supporting the entire system. For instance, in case of a single organization, it would be necessary that financial matters are put into considerations in order to ensure that all the users will be provided with the necessary services which cannot be easily compromised. Also, the managerial perspective of the system has to be addressed in a competent manner. Managers should be able to perceive and respond to all information and questions raised within the organizations GIS this will be important in making further decisions. GIS Systems should also be designed in a way that they can combat overloads of information in the system. This should be done through practical consideration in the GIS Systems (Avgerou, 2002).

In conclusion, the world really needs GIS Systems if we were to have further human economic developments. This is because the web will help speed up operations and transactions being done today. Therefore, it would be required that any global information system provider to meet all the requirements for an effective usage of the system. Basically, there should always be continuity in decision making for any GIS system to ensure there is security and user satisfaction. This should be done in a manner which meets all the protocols and requirements for internet connections around the globe (Kumar, 2000). These decisions should be necessary in addressing all the given technological challenges that may face the system.