Connectivity

Overview - connectivity

Capability of the microcomputer to use information from other computers
A concept (not a thing)
Data and information may be sent over cables(telephone) or through air (satellite)

Reasons for Data Communications

Geographic Distribution of Company's activities, and the requirement to share data between these locations.
Economies of scale, such as one Main Computer Site and Equipment
Ability to share expensive resources such as Laser printers, plotters and Large Hard Disks

This is not indefinitely extendible. As more systems added through telecommunications, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage, and expensive to operate.

Examples ;

Computer in different location than data entry terminals, eg Lotto.
Bank with branches and Automated Teller Machines.
A Company with branches all around the world, connected with telecommunications via satellite. eg; Nedlloyd Shipping Corporation
Ability to access large databases eg. Share prices
electronic mail
Communicating information through on-line services such as the World Wide Web.

Networking

Connectivity and Networking are the natural progression from stand-alone PCs.

The ability to use your PC to connect to the outside world, to use electronic mail and share high cost devices such as Laser Printer and plotters can all be achieved by networking your PC.

Computer Network

A communications system connecting two or more computers and peripheral devices

Local Area Network (LAN) is a network within the same building or organisation connected by communication lines

Resource Sharing

Many resources such as expensive hardware or (centralised) data need to be shared.

Devices such as Laser printers, Plotters.
Data needs to be shared via a large centralised hard drive.

This is one of the main reasons why data communications may be implemented.

Multiuser

The ability to maintain a centralised database, where many users need access simultaneously.

For example;

On-line Banking, Airline Reservation systems

Electronic Mail

The ability to send and receive electronic mail, usually in the form of a memo. Unlike a bulletin board, the mail is directed to a user or group of users.

Electronic 'attachments' may be included, such as, technical notes, or supporting documentation.

Fax (Facsimile)

Machines convert an image into a form suitable for transmission via telephone lines.

Internal fax boards are available to enable the transmission and receipt of faxs.

Bulletin Boards

Electronic Public access computers, where software may be distributed, bug fixes posted, advice on many topics given

Groupware

The ability for two or more users to work on the same information at the same time.

For example, in a meeting all participants may see the same notes displayed, and any one may add or amend the notes.

Windows 3.11 for Workgroups is an attempt by Microsoft to put Workgroup computing on every desktop.

Commercial Services

Specialty services are now becoming available;

Teleshopping
Home Banking
Investing
Travel reservations

Voice Messaging

Store recorded voice messages 'digitally' on a computer. Access is via a touch tone telephone.

Sample "Conversation"

(Computer has pre-recorded questions and instructions - shown in magenta)

.. dial into voice message system ...
"Please enter your mail-box number" 1111
"Please enter your security code" 9999
"You have 2 new messages and 1 saved message, Press
1 to listen to new messages,
2 to listen to save messages
* to exit
1
Thank you
first message is now read.
Press 4 to delete the message
.

Groupware (Teamware)

Applications software to assist people working in groups by allowing them to share, exchange and find information readily.

Examples:

Lotus Notes - based on database technology. Synchronisation of multiple distributed text databases with interconnecting email.

Novell - Groupwise

Microsoft Exchange - based on eMail technology.

Sample applications

Fletcher Challenge - used to gather information from external sources (eg. Wall Street Journal, Financial Times) for distribution over the corporate network.

Law practice - Chapman Tripp Sheffield Young "More than one partner can be working on the same document concurrently" - David Goddard.

Bell, S (1995 Oct/Nov)