Technology

Continued exponential growth in the worlds population has heightened the stress on most of the resources the society needs to live. Energy is one of such resources and the world is struggling to meet its energy requirements. In lieu of these circumstances, there is an urgent need to conserve energy. It is the responsibility of us in the technology field to come up with solutions tailored to help the society to conserve energy by using it sparingly and only when needed. The DaySwitch is an example of how technology can be used to save energy in homes, offices and industries. It is a simple device, which uses microprocessor logic to turn lights on or off depending on a rooms ambient lighting (Allan).

There have been switches that reduce light emission in filament and halogen lamps but they are not applicable in fluorescent lamps and bearing in mind that the use of fluorescent lamps is increasing due to their low power consumption, there was a need to engineer light controllers that can automatically control these lamps (Allan). This is the motivation behind the invention of the DaySwitch. This device is capable of reducing the use of energy in lighting efficiently in commercial buildings and homes without the drawbacks exhibited by dimming systems (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). Dimming systems are hard to program and install and are expensive.

The DaySwitch consists of two essential components an optical sensor and a microcontroller unit (Allan). External circuitry is connected from the microcontroller unit to the lighting system of the building in which lighting is to be controlled (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). An optical sensor is a transducer that converts light energy into an electric current (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). It is this electric current that is applied to the microcontroller as an input to trigger an action that is either to turn on the lights or to turn them off. Externally, it is connected to a solenoid switch that turns the lighting systems power supply on or off depending on the signal produced by the microcontroller (Allan).

The microcontroller is a very minute electronic component that has inbuilt logic elements capable of processing a signal or a combination of signals to produce an output signal that can be used to control an external system through actuators (Allan). It is mainly built using digital electronic devices and therefore uses a very little amount of electric power. Since digital circuits run on direct current averaging 12 volts, a microcontroller has an in-built power inverter that converts nominal supply-line voltages, normally 240 volts alternating current, into the desired maximum of 5 volts (Allan).

Now, let me explain how the DaySwitch works. The optic sensor is strategically placed in a position where the natural lighting is optimum (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). It then generates an electric current whose magnitude is dependent on the amount of light falling on it. If natural ambient lighting is insufficient, it will generate an insignificant potential difference (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). This zero voltage (the sensors output while it is not generating any voltage) is fed into the microcontroller. The logic of the microcontroller is programmed in such a way that when it receives a zero voltage from the sensor, it turns on a secondary circuit, called the controlled circuit. This is achieved by the use of a NOT gate (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). A NOT gate is a digital integrated circuit, which takes an input and inverts it that is if it receives a False (logic level 0) at its input, it generates a True (logic level 1) at its output (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). False and true are terms defined in digital electronic technology to represent voltage levels a false level represents voltages ranging between 0 and 2.8 volts while a true level is from 3 to 5 volts. At logic level 0, the microcontroller, through inversion, turns on a secondary circuit, which feeds a live signal into an amplifier. It is this amplified signal which, through a solenoid, turns on a mechanical switch coupled to the buildings lighting power supply to turn on the lights (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute).

When natural lighting is sufficient enough, the optical transducer generates voltage to create a logic level 1 at the microcontroller inputs (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). The inversion circuit is then turned off, supplying no electric current to the amplifier. The amplifier in turn feeds a zero current to the solenoid operating the electromechanical switch, which goes and opens the circuit supplying electricity to the building (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). The lights then are automatically turned off. The DaySwitch operates continually switching lights off during brighter times of the day when natural light is sufficient on its own and turns lights on when darkness begins to creep in (Science Daily).

A DaySwitch works with all types of electric lamps. It uses very simple circuitry, is cheap and is relatively easy to install (Science Daily). Since it applies the principles of digital electronics, it accurately determines light intensity and reliably turns lights on and off when necessary. I would therefore recommend its usage in homes and offices as it is a technology that has the potential to reduce the consumption of electricity and minimize power demand on the national grid.

1. Energy can be defined as the ability to do work (Pahl, 2008). Energy exists in several forms including kinetic energy, potential energy, electrical energy and mechanical energy. One of the laws of nature is that energy can never be destroyed, but can be converted from one form to another through a process known as transduction (New Mexico Solar Energy Association, 2010). A device that converts energy from one form to another is called a transducer.

One of the best examples of energy transduction is the process of generating electricity from a hydroelectric power station to the lighting of a house. The hydroelectric power station holds water in a reservoir, which has potential energy (New Mexico Solar Energy Association, 2010). When this water is channeled to a tunnel bearing a gravitational gradient, it converts its energy from potential to kinetic (New Mexico Solar Energy Association, 2010). The slanted tunnel can therefore be referred to as the transducer. When the flowing water reaches the turbine, its kinetic energy is transformed into mechanical energy, putting the turbine into rotation. The turbine is coupled to an alternator, which acts as a transducer, converting the mechanical energy of the rotating turbine into electrical energy, which then flows into the final transducer, the light bulb (New Mexico Solar Energy Association, 2010). The bulb has a filament that converts electrical energy into excessive heat energy, producing light.

Another example of energy conversion is the conversion of potential chemical energy in gasoline and oxygen into kinetic energy through compression and combustion in the pistons. The kinetic energy is converted into translational movement (mechanical energy) through the crankshaft, the transmission assembly and to the differential, causing the automobile to move (New Mexico Solar Energy Association, 2010).

2. Fossil fuels are substances that can be consumed to produce energy which have been formed through anaerobic decomposition of living organisms that died millions of years ago (Shannon  Chughtai, 2010). Fossil fuels contain a very high percentage of hydrocarbons and include petroleum, coal and natural gas. The conditions necessary for the formation of fossil fuel deposits are absence of oxygen and the presence of much heat and pressure (Shannon  Chughtai, 2010). That is why deposits occur deep under the earths surface. Fossil fuels cater for over 85 percent of the worlds energy needs and this use is mainly through combustion, either directly or combustion of products generated after they have been subjected to refinement processes. Such is the case with petroleum, which is refined into finer products like petrol, kerosene and diesel.

Fossil fuels are an attractive source of energy since they are combusted into carbon dioxide and water, producing very high amounts of heat (Shannon  Chughtai, 2010). Furthermore, products from fossil fuels are very portable making them suitable for mobile applications, for example in motor vehicles and ships. Almost all motor vehicles run on petroleum products while seagoing vessels like ships and tankers mostly use coal. Another advantage of fossil fuels is that they can efficiently be transported and stored to be used when the need arises (Shannon  Chughtai, 2010). Gasoline and diesel can be stored in tanks, either stationary or mobile, for later use. Natural gas, used for lighting, cooking and heating can be stored under pressure in specially designed cylinders for prolonged time periods without expiring.

The efficiency of using fossil fuels is that they do not need a support infrastructure to use their application is purely stand-alone (Shannon  Chughtai, 2010). Other sources like electricity for example need an elaborate cable system to deliver power to the point of consumption. If an area is not covered by this cable network, then electricity cannot be used there but fossil fuels can be transported for use even in the remotest areas.

3. With world population increasing rapidly, the load on energy sources has risen sharply. The world is struggling to meet its energy needs and the situation is made more severe by the fact that fossil fuel deposits are getting depleted. There is thus an urgent need to find alternatives to fossil fuels.

Biodiesel is one of the alternatives to fossil fuels. It is very much similar to diesel derived from petroleum, only that it is extracted from vegetable oils and fat from animals. Chemically, biodiesel is an alkyl ester obtained through a process called trans-esterification of vegetable oils or animal fats by using ethyl alcohols (Pahl, 2008). One of the plants most commonly used in manufacturing biodiesel is Jatropha. Biodiesel however does not compare to diesel derived from fossil fuels in terms of efficiency but once mixed with fossil diesel at certain ratios, the mixture has a higher efficiency and reduces carbon emissions, which have been the subject of very much heated debate because of their perceived contribution to global warming (Shannon  Chughtai, 2010).

Bio-alcohol is another emerging type of fuel that can excellently supplement fossil fuels. Organic alcoholic substances such as ethanol, butanol, methanol and propanol have similar characteristics as gasoline and are efficiently applicable in internal combustion engines, for example in light automobiles (New Mexico Solar Energy Association, 2010). The good thing with bio-alcohols is that they can be readily extracted from biological sources. Like fossil fuel derivatives, bio-alcohols also produce carbon emissions even though at a much lower rates. The preferred bio-alcohol is ethanol, which is readily manufactured by fermenting natural sugars and starch.

Finally, liquid hydrogen as emerged as the most environmentally friendly alternative of fossil fuels as a source of energy. Under normal circumstances, hydrogen exists as a harmless gas in the atmosphere, needing an external source of energy to ignite. However, technologies have been formed that utilize its chemical properties to produce energy. Fuel cell technology is one such invention, and chemically combines hydrogen and oxygen atoms with the aid of a catalyst to produce an electric current and water as the only by-product (New Mexico Solar Energy Association, 2010). Fuel cells find wide application in spacecrafts and are currently being used to power electric cars. Even though not as reliable as fossil fuel derivatives in terms of capacity, fossil fuels are more efficient energy converters and do no harm to the environment.

The identification of persons has increasingly become an important aspect for both commercial and conventional security. To enter a building, open a box, or withdraw money from a bank requires some process of identification which verifies or authenticates the valid person. For enhanced security, the verification of individual using biometric systems should be employed in order to minimize cases of impersonation in commercial organizations (Woodward, 2001). This paper focuses on different biometric systems used in commercial organizations and compares the applications to the conventional security measures and their reliability. Key elements such as the cost, benefits and public acceptance are addressed in the paper. The paper concludes giving weight to the use of biometric system in entering premises, obtaining employee passes, and accessing secured facilities through the use of the physiological and behavioural features.

Keywords security, biometric system, conventional security measure, mode of verification

Using Biometric Systems and Conventional Security Measures in Commercial Organizations A Comparison

Biometrics technologies are automated techniques that utilise computer systems in the verification and identification of individuals taking advantage of the physiological and behavioural human characteristics (Woodward, Horn, Gatune,  Thomas, 2003). Computer systems have the capacity to recognise behavioural features such as signature dynamics and keystrokes to accurately identify individuals. In addition, biometrics can utilise different physiological characteristics such as veins network, fingerprints, speech, and human eye features such as retinal and the iris examination.

Identification using biometrics is achieved using physical and behavioural patterns and comparing the obtained features of the person under examination with the features already in the database. Instead of availing personal identification cards, keys, or passwords, biometric systems can be used to identify fingerprints, palm prints, as well as signature for efficient verification. Face recognition is also a powerful tool to verify the identity of humans (Collin, 2006). Biometrics is the most reliable and simplest solution when it comes to online-based business and the frequent need for accurate identification when accessing information.

Storing and comparing are the two main modules of biometric system. The system stores a person s information and then uses this stored information for comparison and verification. For example, if thumb biometrics is going to be used as a mode of verification, the thumb will first be taken in film form compressed and then stored in the biometric database. If it is a face biometric mode of verification, a person s face will be photographed first in various angles and stored in database systems (Woodward, 2001). The same procedure applies to voice and eye mode of verification.

On completion of storing process, the comparison process is carried out when necessary. For instance, a company that uses finger print biometric system installs a finger print reader at the employees  entrance so that they put their fingers on the finger print reader which will take their finger print and send the data to the biometrics system. Comparisons are made by biometric system using finger print with the finger print previously stored in the database. If both finger print matches, one is authenticated.

In sci-fi movies, an actor may be seen placing his hand on the doors of a building or ordering a door to open using his sound. This is an example of the applications of biometrics which was once fiction but now a reality. When a customer goes to the bank to withdraw money, he has to fill the withdrawal forms appropriately sign it and hand it over to the cashier. The signature and identity card are the ones which verify the identity of that customer.

Nowadays, the use automated teller machines are frequently used by customers for getting quick and efficient banking services (Andress, 2003). However, there have been increased cases of fraudulent persons presenting themselves to banks and they end up withdrawing money. Signatures can be learnt by any person, photographs changed in the identity cards, as well as passwords accessed, making customers lose their money very easily. The answer to the above scenario is biometrics. The thumbs, face, eyes, and voice of every person are unique. Therefore, it is wise to make use of these unique features for identifying individuals.

When people go for shopping, they do not carry money with them, but they use their credit cards in paying their bills (Mccabe, 2003). While settling their bills, they are identified using the photograph on the credit cards as well as the signature on the credit card. It has been outlined above that this type of information can be easily accessed as well as changed. Therefore, a different person can easily use this credit card without the knowledge of the owner. To do a way with all these, the use of biometrics is the only solution.

In big companies, employees are given employee pass with their photograph on it in order to access the premises of the company. This is an exercise carried out within the company premises as one of the internal control systems to check for attendance and security within the company. However, employees have discovered a loophole as they give their colleagues the pass card and clock in cards to gain access to companies  premises. Many companies using clock-in cards and pass cards as one way of checking their employees have recorded fewer profits, and others have even incurred losses. On the other hand, western companies which have adopted biometrics as one way of monitoring their employees have recorded tremendous profits since there are on loopholes for employees to skip their duties (Koslow, 1997).

The ridges and valleys patterns on a person s hand are totally unique to that person. For many years, many government law enforcing agencies have been verifying and determining the identity of a person by comparing key points of ridges and valleys. These are the conventional uses of biometrics and have shown significant success. Even the fingerprints of identical twins are totally different and unique from each other. In conventional biometric systems, fingerprints can be used for recognition when individuals want to access their own laptop or desktop computers or their own premises.

With the biometric system, users of this device do not need to memorise passwords instead, their body features gain them access instantly. The biometric system is able to recognise the owner of the laptop or desktop computer or the owner of the premise by reading the body features. In many occasions, individuals forget computer log-in passwords or confuse the password because of use of more than one password. Further still, an intruder can easily know a person s password by using key-loggers or other tools which allow hackers to get unauthorised access into machines and still passwords. The hackers will then access the confidential information as well as alter the system for their own benefits. Therefore, the only solution to this loophole is the use of fingerprint biometric technology.

Voice recognition biometric system also has contributed greatly to the security in tight and restricted places that need to be accessed by a specific person (Sullivan, 1997). Many companies in the western countries have employed this mode of biometric system in ensuring that only the right persons can enter places that are not supposed to be accessed by other persons. Compared to other conventional security measures, voice biometric system has proved more effective since a voice of a person is also unique and cannot be impersonated (Baird, 2002).

Unlike the conventional securities, for instance, keys and clock cards can be stolen by the people one is working with hence, the restricted place stands jeopardised. Although this mode of biometric system is becoming more widespread, the public argues that what if one loses his voice or changes his voice due to ageing The response to this argument is that he or she can no longer access the place.

Theft of cars is becoming so rampant in societies today. Tracking systems are being used to trace stolen vehicles. To register in tracking companies, one incurs huge costs, and in some cases, stolen vehicles are not recovered (Adler, Bell, Clasen,  Sinfield, 1991). These thieves are very fast and before the tracking companies start their task, the vehicle is dismantled and changed completely even the tracking company ends up losing the tracking ability of that particular vehicle.

It has been reported that fake tracking companies have been fraudulently registering vehicles, but in the real sense, they do nothing like offering tracking services. Thus, the only option is putting in place the biometric technology to curb the theft of vehicles. Thumb biometric system should be employed in vehicles so that only the owners can access the vehicle (Amoruso, 2005). Although this mode of biometric security is secure, it restricts the use of the vehicle to the owners only not even the family member can use the vehicle if the owner is not there.

Hospitals have been having problems of keeping patients  medical information private. Since passwords can be shared or known by other people working in hospital, fingerprint biometric has proved effective in this area. Cases of doctors being prosecuted in courts have increased in the recent past because they are not keeping patients  records private. Junior staff can also access the patients  information without the knowledge of the doctor and they may disclose the information to the public which is unethical in medical profession (Helen, 2005).

To do away with these scenarios, doctors should switch to fingerprint biometric systems to be on the safer side as well as reducing court fines costs due to negligence of keeping private patients  information. Doctor s fingerprints cannot be shared since they are unique hence, complaints about the difficulties of constantly resetting and recalling passwords have been put to rest. Not only is this more convenient for doctors, but it is also more secure than using passwords. Only the authorised staff can be in a position of accessing patients  records, and this enables the hospitals to protect the patients  privacy which is one the professional ethics in the medical field (Helen, 2005).

Banks have been losing a lot of money due to fraudulent persons using automated teller machine cards to withdraw money from auto cash around them. This shows that people have become more knowledgeable in technology to the extent of making their own ATM which they use in committing fraudulent practices in our banks today. Therefore, in the near future, banks may be forced to employ fingerprint biometric technology whereby a customer is not required to carry ATM cards but uses his or her fingerprints in accessing bank services such as withdrawing cash from ATM stands (Horn, 2008). However, in countries which have put in place the biometric system in banks, such cases have been completely eliminated and those banks have reported tremendous growth in their profits.
Furthermore, there have been cases wherein a person presents someone elses documents in supermarkets and manages to get expensive items on hire-purchase. The person whose document has been used to secure hire-purchase items carries the burden of paying the cost for items he never took (Marcus, 2004). In contrast, businesses which use biometric technology have not experienced such cases since the person taking items on hire-purchase is the one who claims to be.

In few occasions, there have been cases whereby the system identifies an individual when someone else s biometric (finger) is presented for verification. In this situation, the software falsely identifies someone as another person. Also, a system may refuse to accept an individual s fingerprint as the software fails to match the biometric with the ones the software is comparing with (Harper, 2006). These situations embarrass the customers who want to access the facility or getting services. At the same time, employees get frustrated when they cannot clock in and out efficiently using their fingerprints. If a person gets accident and loses his fingers, he cannot utilise the fingerprint biometric facilities.

The cost of installing and running biometric systems in businesses is not huge compared to conventional securities. Theft will be minimised in business, and as a result, higher profits will be reported (Amoruso, 2005). The cost of putting in place the biometric system is a little bit higher compared to the conventional security measures, but it becomes cheaper in the long run because of the minimal cost of running and maintaining the system.

In developed countries, the biometric system has been employed in various activities especially in businesses, and this has improved security compared to conventional security measures. This is so because biometric technology is simple to use as the employers do not need technological skills to use them. Whether a business is small or large, biometric has become beneficial as it is convenient to log in access without using passwords (Orr, 2000).

In conclusion, using of passwords and written signatures is no longer as secure as it was in the past. To enter companies  premises, employee passes will also no longer be needed as the biometric systems fast replace conventional ways of ensuring security. Using some parts of the body, the biometric system can easily identify a person. Therefore, it is high time for businesses that are still using conventional security measures to shift and embrace the biometric systems for security purposes.

There are numerous technologies developed to a commendable level in the last few years.
Almost all the businesses experienced a different change in various operations. The advent of internet in the area in the business sector resulted into some marvelous achievements by facilitating transactions, ordering and selling processes. It became possible from the electronic business or of E-Business. E-Business allows transactions over electronic medium or internet. Internet was initially, evolved as a mode of sharing, nobody had thought of selling and purchasing goods or commodities over the internet. The commercial viability of the internet gradually developed with time. These days, it has become quiet common to pay, sell, buy or order through internet. One of the common e-commerce website is e-bay.

Electronic business methods enable companies to link their internal and external data processing systems more efficiently and flexibly, to work more closely with suppliers and partners, and to better satisfy the needs and expectations of their customers. (Varlan, 2010)

Types of E-Businesses
E-Business can be classified on the basis of provider and consumers. It can be between two parties in the following ways.

Business-to-business (B2B)
This exists between two business entities. The concept is the same as the traditional business mode. The only thing is that the transactions and ordering process becomes easier and faster in this model.

Business-to-consumer (B2C)
This is a form of retail electronic business or e-tailing. Wal-Mart, E-bay, Amazon.com are some of the leading examples where the individual customer can browse products from the product categories, check the specifications, select the product and place the order by paying it.

Business-to-employee (B2E)
Businesses can use this platform for their intra-business activities, offering products and services to their employees. Businesses utilize this platform for employee discounts, supply requests, announcements, reporting and others.

Recent Developments of Technology
In the recent past, there have been various developments in the area of e-business and related technologies. The companies developing Enterprise Resource Planning packages like Oracle, SAP and others have realized the role and benefits of e-commerce in the present business. They have developed particular packages to deal with the needs of the organizations. There have been various developments in the Middleware in order to facilitate the backend operations to the front end. Developments in the recent past took place in the areas of legacy, client server and internet based computing, access gateway, network interface, communication interfaces, security of transactions, information and data, integration with CTI (Computer telephony)  mainly. Companies have focused in developing better programming languages and easy and secured application execution services. Development and upgrades in COBRA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) helped in streaming business and application logics. There are various types of middleware developed in the recent past like database middleware, message middleware, transaction middleware and many others.

Merits and Demerits of E-Business-
E-commerce like any other business solutions has its own merits and demerits. Some of the most common merits are as follows

E-commerce provides easy and fast services at door step. It has potential of reducing time, money, efforts and others resources used for the commercial processes. Advertising and promotions through electronic means is easy and cheaper and it also saves the market space and you deal with customers at home convince.

Cost of entry is very low. The initial capital or investment requirements are low. The human resource requirements are less as compared to the traditional processes. It can be easily maintained by updating the site time-to-time.

Regulations and restrictions such as geographic limits are very limited. Business can take place 247 and around the globe.

The recent development have helped in improving this platform in terms of scalability, LDAP support, improved architecture, performance, security and fault tolerance.

However, the demerits of the e-commerce are also very important to understand. These are as follows
The threat for the breakage of cyber security and cyber crime leads to the chances of financial losses (Calkins et al, 2000).

Few websites are fraudulent and as soon as you enter your login credentials they captures everything you type and send them to a email address given in the software this application is called as key logger which gets installed as soon as you open such websites without your permission (Dawson, 2003).
Due to credit card frauds and scams customers are reluctant to buy or to do business over the internet and to prove the validity customer might need to purchase a certificate from verisign or godaddy which may cost yearly to business owner (Chaudhury and Kuilboer, 2002).

Businesses need to spend some money in updating their web server with the updated definitions of antivirus and need to buy a dyn-dns or a static ip address to host their website.

Complexity of the website may lead to loss of sales or business. The complexity can come from the content published on the website, intractability of web pages and alternates available to the customer.
Any up gradation involves lots of money. The ERP software is not only expensive at initial levels but also the maintenance and service charges are high.

Recommendations
E-Businessuses expert E-architects to develop a comprehensive online strategy to accomplish business goals for branding, functionality, audience and traffic through a well designed website.

Trust and Faith of Customer
The process of acquiring customer trust is a tedious process. The reason to this is that trust cannot blossom simply as a result of an expensive marketing campaign or a spiffed-up image. It is all about repetition (Millard, 2003)

Amazon and eBay has customer trusts and that has helped these websites to develop a large customer base.

Staying Steady
The organization needs to be trustworthy as well as reliable for the customers to make e-transactions. Customer values companies which are reliable in their offerings, transactions, service, delivery and accessibility of the websites. These factors help in customer retention.

Proactive Response
There are some companies like Orbitz which are proactive in their services. They notify their travelers when flights are delayed through cell phone and e-mails. Companies like Dell ensure that their customers get the right products, timely and good services. Trusted sites need to maintain their reputations. This is a continuous process in which leading companies are involved. This is probably the best reason for these companies to maintaining their image at top of the mind of their target customers.

Conclusion
The entire outlook of the business world can change if e-business is used appropriately and efficiently. The primary and secondary benefits of the e-businesses are worthy enough to consider this platform for the business processes. In the recent past, more focus has been given to developing architecture, better security of the transactions and integration of different business modules.

Wireless and mobile computing are expected to dominate the Internet industry in future (Mariga 2003, p. 20).  A powerful way for sellers to communicate with consumers  mobile technology is meant to enhance e-business by lowering costs, as it reduces time transaction time, allowing mobile consumers to reach sellers faster than before (Mariga, p. 26).  As it is, electronic commerce helps firms reduce their service costs and simplify as well as streamline business processes (Mariga, p. 29).  With mobile technology, electronic businesses can increase their revenues, seeing that the number of mobile users goes on increasing around the globe.  By the end of the year 2007, there were 3.3 billion mobile phone subscribers around the around (Using Mobile Technology 2008).  Hence, e-businesses benefit from a huge increase in the number of potential consumers with mobile technology.
   
In fact, e-businesses with the goal to expand must definitely start mobile websites to reach out to the ever-increasing number of mobile phone subscribers (Silk 2010).  As Paypal has recently opened up a platform for payments to allow application developers to create applications for mobile commerce, e-businesses need not even worry about teaching new payment methods to their existing customers by going mobile (Adhikari 2009).  What is more, like all other companies, e-businesses may enjoy immense benefits from mobile marketing.  Silk explains the benefits of mobile marketing thus
       
There are currently more than 270 million cellphone users in the U.S., and 82 percent of them never leave home without their devices, according to a recent study from Synovate.
             
With that many people walking around with mobile phones, it is time to get smart about mobile marketing efforts and engage customers via their favorite outlet.
             
In recent years, restaurants -- especially the pizza industry -- and retailers started using mobile technologies to drive sales. By simply adding an interactive SMS messaging campaign to existing marketing campaigns, they found a new way to engage with customers.
             
Think about it. By simply adding a mobile call to action to a print or TV ad, major corporations can reach consumers directly and offer special discounts, mobile ordering, or fun options like signing up for in-store sweepstakes.
             
Mobile also provides another outlet for building subscriber lists that can be used in the same way as email or direct mail lists. The bonus of mobile, though, is that it goes to the cellphone -- and globally, there are twice as many users of SMS as there are active email  users. Not to mention that SMS is typically read within fifteen minutes of receipt. (Silk)

Taking advantage of the efficiency of SMS, e-businesses that do not have mobile websites could reach out to potential consumers with special offers and coupons, etc. to attract them to their websites.  Indeed, mobile technology is bound to cut advertising and marketing costs for e-businesses.  Moreover, mobile technology allows e-businesses to know  using global positioning technology  where their customers are located.  Thus, an e-business with an offline presence could also attract its customers to its shops located near potential customers by sending them special offers or coupons for those locations.  Messages sent to customers using mobile technology may be further personalized, as individual-based target marketing is enhanced given that mobile phones are generally used by single individuals (Clark 2001).  As a matter of fact, mobile technology is believed to enhance the overall customer relationship management experience (Atkins, Ali and Shah 2006, p. 1).
   
Like all other businesses, the success of e-business depends on the speed and reliability of information that passes to and from internal and external stakeholders (Atkins et. al., p. 1).  Mobile technology does not only improve the process of information delivery but also enhances the quality of service as e-businesses are quick to receive and respond to messages sent by their stakeholders (Atkins et. al., p. 4).  Besides, these businesses are able to manage their human resources more effectively by going mobile, thereby saving on human resources costs as well (Mobile Business 2000).  Offices can be made portable as employees can be reached any place in the world.  Furthermore, e-businesses that go mobile are better able to manage their relations with other businesses as the systems of distribution and scheduling are improved, thereby streamling the supply chain in addition to the value chain (Mobile Business).
   
Undoubtedly, e-businesses can save both time and money and increase efficiency by going mobile.  The need for face-to-face interactions is reduced with mobile technology (Mobile Business).  As time is money for companies, suppliers as well as customers, everybody is bound to prefer mobile business for its efficiency.  What is more, as e-businesses save on costs of e-marketing by going mobile, they are able to utilize their saved funds on improvement of their mobile services.  According to a recent study, mobile phone subscribers are expected to increase purchases through mobile technology once the process has been rendered less cumbersome, goods have been made easier to find, and their mobile devices are able to support credit card transactions ensuring security (Needle 2010).  As e-businesses cut their human resources costs and generally become more efficient through mobile technology, using their saved revenues on the enhancement of the mobile business experience by contributing to the evolution of mobile commerce technology to satisfy consumers is expected to help them attain competitive edge.  As an example, an e-business may choose Motorola as a partner for improvement of its mobile business, as Motorola is already involved in projects to enhance mobile commerce (Motorola 2008).
   
Regardless of whether an e-business chooses to work with renowned mobile phone companies such as Motorola to improve its mobile business experience, or simply builds a mobile website with a secured payment system, the facts remain that mobile technology is expected to evolve beyond expectations in the near future and e-businesses that use this technology are sure to grow tremendously.  Mariga writes that it is possible to envision entire shopping centers on the mobile phone (Mariga, p. 21).  E-businesses that get together to create such platforms for consumers are certain to gain through competition as well.  As mobile commerce is still in its infancy, however, it is impossible to measure such gains at this time.  Even so, business experts are all agreed that mobile technology would, indeed, help businesses reduce costs and increase profits by reaching out to the ever-growing number of mobile subscribers around the world.  As time equals money in the business world, all stakeholders of a business are expected to benefit from mobile technology.  Hence, mobile business is sure to be preferred over Internet business in the future.  Then again, only those e-businesses that make an effort to improve the mobile business experience  understanding that mobile business is different from Internet business  are expected to gain a competitive edge through mobile technology (Mobile Business).  After all, customers have various expectations that only responsive e-businesses would be able to meet.  

Youth is never an excuse to be passive in making contributions for the betterment of the society.  It is an inherent responsibility that anyone, irrespective of his race, education, and socio-economic stature, must promote in the course of his pursuit for personal advancement.  Despite of my young years, I have labored in staking my claim in this regard.  In my own way, I have tried to influence several progressive programs in the areas of community service, leadership training programs, in instilling the principles of fair competition through varsity basketball, the enhancement in Information Technology, and in designing computer systems that improved the accessibility of educators with their respective academia.  In the course of these activities, I realize a personal need to reach my optimal level of competence, not only in preparation for future challenges, but more importantly to provide more meaningful contributions to the community that I belong to.  With this mission in mind and with my extensive experience in the computer industry, I choose to pursue a degree that is innately my forte, which is Computer Science, and aspires to be under the tutelage of one of the most esteemed academic institutions in our nation.

As early as my high school years, I have exhibited my skills in this field.  This may be evidenced in my successful installation of thirty computer units specifically from mobile classroom modules to their school server, all accessible via the Internet.  Likewise, I was the President of Student Technology Leadership Program, wherein I was responsible for the integration of technology into the learning programs of both the students and the teachers.  I was also fortunate to having served as the President of Best Buddies, which is a non-profit organization whose main agenda is for the employment and leadership development of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Lastly, I was honored with the award for Most Outstanding Community Involvement through Technology.  Despite of all these commendations, I believe that it is in knowing that I was able to make my contribution to the society, however inconsequential they may seem, and in hope that these will effect a progressive change for the betterment of the general populace, that made all of these endeavors a worthwhile experience.  

Hence, my desire to be included among the elite list of your student populace stems from my conviction to be the best of what I can become, and to give back to the society the expertise that I am able to garner.  I am aware of the great responsibility attributed to this quest that it further accentuates the need for the best education from your esteemed academic institution.  I am certain that through this, I will be able to equip myself with the necessary technical, practical, and theory-based aspects of Computer Science that are needed for my goals to be attained.

Despite of my young years, I believe I have made positive contributions for the society.  I had been successful in resisting the temptation to be a passive member of the community, and had in fact made significant strides that showed my inclination for leadership and my skills in Systems and Information Technology.  However, I am aware that life still finds me lacking of the expertise to truly make significant contributions that will benefit the greatest number of individuals.  Thus, in the purpose of fulfilling my destiny, I now offer my intent to be enriched and educated, and to be under the guidance of your esteemed academic institution.

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Problem Statement
Information systems have been long part of the process of the communication system around the world. Likewise, as any evolving and developing systems merges with the traditional ones people are used to, it will have subsequent effects and reactions from the affected public and its perpetrators.
The proponent of the research attempts to probe on the beginnings of the issues surrounding these continually progressing information systems and its ethical and moral implications on its e-society audience in a lawful milieu.

What impact does information systems have on ethics and morals within e-society- specifically with emphasis on factors of privacy, social, security, utility and e-deviance
How issues arise and how they are tackled within a particular legal framework and legal tradition

1.2 Research Objectives
By seeking to answer the questions stated above, the proponent also aims to fulfill the goals of this study.

To probe the socio-demographic profile of the users of e-society
To relate the current information systems used in South Africa as a contrast to that used in other parts of the world

To examine the perception of the respondents of the study on their moral and ethical concerns on the system versus that of the legal context

To determine the flexibility of the information systems on their operation within the law and vice versa

2. BACKGROUND
The laws passed and executed in South Africa have been touted as one of the most progressive. Its current 1996 constitution is recognized worldwide as one of the most innovative in the liberal point of view (Msimang 2007). The provisions in the amended constitution have scrapped the most retrograding laws that are barriers to the countrys development and are unacceptable to todays society.
With a highly competitive constitution in comparison to other nations, it is also important to look on how it tackles the most progressive part of society today, the electronic medium in every citizens life. Unlike before where communication is as slow as the snail mail goes and information gathering is as manual as possible, information systems have developed to become the most efficient and most pervasive. From computerized data in main offices, it had transported and evolved to cyberspace to cater its e-society audience for a faster and wider reach.

Information systems are used as the perfect mechanism to complement the need to provide a way to serve the e-society audience. Since the powerful system is used worldwide by both private and government institutions, it is important to look at its effects to the affected public.

The proponent of this research seeks to fully substantiate the post-effects of the South African information system on the privacy it incurs to its users, the organization of the system and unwarranted reactions of its users among others as it is covered by the laws of the country. Lastly, by gathering related data on the information system used in South Africa it would be easier to compare it with the systems implored around the world.

3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The crucial factors in any analysis of the effects of the information system are the reactions elicited from the users and the interpretation of these particular systems in the legal context. To be to analyze these units of study in a uniform matter, the proponent of the research approached the study through the integration of the Social Categories and Strategic Information Systems Theory.

According to the Social Categories, people belonging to a specific category based on their socio-economic status and other similar characteristics are most likely to respond in same ways (De Fleur 1923). This theory invokes the representation of e-society in the study of the effects voiced out by the respondents of the study. Thus, there could be sump in the perception of the use of information systems and it would be easier to point deviant reactions towards it.

The same theory will answer how and why issues towards the information systems arise.

SHAPE   MERGEFORMAT
Figure 1. The Social Categories Theory process

On the other hand, the Strategic Information Systems (IS) Theory tackles the operations and management of the information systems. By knowing how it operates, it would be easier to transcribe it to the legal context. The risks conjured by the system is easily identified to what specific provisions does it disobey or overly follow (Clarke 1994).

Clarkes Strategic IS Theory allows users of the theory to further detail the study by incorporating ideas presented years before by Scott Morton.

Figure 2. Scott Mortons five forces influence of the organizations objective
As this theory discusses the key organizational structure it also shows the governance in the use of the system. Hence, it collaboratively sets detail on how it is flexible towards the legal structure implemented in the area.

Figure 3. Classification of Governance Modes
Incorporating the two hypotheses presented by the theories, the proponent of the research approaches the study with the need to look at the perception of the e-society towards the information system with the basic understanding on how they in turn understand the law.

Figure 4. Integrated Social Categories and Strategic Information Systems Theory

4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In the methodology, the proponent explains the procedures, processes and other components considered and used to gather data for their research. Similarly, the proponent discusses the choice of methodology techniques that aided in describing and exploring the perceptions of the respondents.

4.1 Method of Data Selection
The stratified sampling method is the method of data selection used in the study. Since e-society audience can be further divided to groups representing specific characteristics it would be appropriate to approach the respondents in such a way.

Stratified sampling method also enabled the proponent to achieve statistical significance in the target population to be studied, the e-society. By using the stratified sampling, the proponent had established that there is an e-society that exists in South Africa.

4.2 InstrumentsTechniques to be used
To be able to reach as sufficient data to interpret, the proponent implores several qualitative and quantitative techniques to facilitate the data gathering and analyzing process. These research techniques were survey, textual analysis and case study.

Survey
Survey represented the quantitative data needed for the study. Since the perceptions of the population that makes up the e-society are needed, it would be efficient to have a standardized questionnaire to be answered by the respondents.

The survey is for respondents aged 18 and above, those who are able to make use of these information systems in government offices. Questions for the survey will be limited to 10-20 to full facilitate the exact questions needed to be answered. A screen test was used to filter the necessary respondents needed in the research.

Case Study
The case study technique pictures in detail the whole or several aspects of processes found in a social unit in such a way that the processes are explained in their real social context. By using this technique, it would be easier to limit it to a specific number of cases to study depending on how the cases would be able to exhaust the necessary requirements.
Specific incidents from the actual accounts of the respondents are needed. A case study guide is also provided to direct the proponent of the research on what incidents should be included in the study.  As accordance to the objectives of the study and on situations that may suit the cases, the proponent may use sociological and anthropological tools such as the survey approach and participant observation to gather the necessary data.

Textual Analysis
Textual analysis will be employed to show the legal context (laws, acts, bills, etc.) as the connecting point in the study. The moral and ethical standards of the legal system in South Africa will be based solely on what is written on the laws provided by the country and the international laws issued and followed.

This methodological technique will be aided by a qualified person (lawyer or political scientist) in analyzing the legal text. Legal jargons will be transformed in laymans terms to speed understanding process of the written legal documents.

4.3 Methodological Limitations
The research will be limited to the study of information systems on government systems since these are the most used by everyone in the country regardless of socio-demographic profile. But with the uniformity of the information systems used, it would allow the proponent to collect rich data from different groups.

Since the main target of the study is e-society, it will be limited to the issues surrounding the population targeted by the study in a cross-sectional time manner as information systems usually progress and develop fast.

Survey will be standardized based on the specific questions that are solely looking at the socio-economic demography of the respondents and the reactions from these specific demographic groups and sectors. The number of respondents will be between 100 and 200.
The laws that will be analyzed should be still executed and are applicable to all places in South Africa to look at in a general manner.

4.4 Methodological Significance
The use of survey, case study and textual analysis is very important in the course of data gathering and analysis of the study. It would provide the most effective information necessary on arriving at the conclusions and generalizations of the study.

Surveying and studying cases is very appropriate as the proponent performed the study in a cross-sectional time dimension. By using survey, statistical data can be derived from the respondents on how big and how significant is the population of the e-society and if truly does exist. Case studies, on the other hand, can give the vivid picture on the real facts behind the information system and its relationship with its users.

The textual analysis will give the framework in which the survey and case study will work on further. It will show how their can be a different perceptions between lawmakers and the affected public.  

4.5 Data Analysis Strategy
The prevalence of qualitative data in the study allowed the proponent to strategize using thematic analysis.

4.6 Ethical Issues
With the course of any research study, ethical issues will arise. The proponent of the research listed the ethical issues encountered in the data gathering process through surveying, studying cases and analyzing cases.

Privacy
Tackling issues on privacy and data information handling, means also respecting the privacy of the respondents and the institutions.

Confidential Data
 
There might be instances that confidential data from both the users of these information systems.
4.7 Sources of Information.