IT in the 21st century

Computers in business have moved well beyond their initial role of merely automating tasks previously done by individuals. Today's information technology (IT) groups are strategic organizations within the larger company contributing to the short-term profitability and long-term viability of businesses. This research examines the role and importance of IT in the twenty-first century in the context of increasing globalization, attracting more customers, generating more revenues, aiding the growth of the business, and as part of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

Many international business partners are looking to become part of the Internet and e-commerce in a timely manner. Within five years, many analysts expect that there will be little difference between European levels of e-commerce and those within the United States. Latin America and Africa are likely to lag behind because of the lack of telecommunications infrastructure in these locations, and most analysts do not expect wireless to present a viable alternative to land line Internet service at the level required by business for some years (Mugan, 1999, p. 14).

Singapore is taking an aggressive approach to implementing e-commerce within its boundaries. In September 1998, the government launched a plan designed to develop the city/nation as a global e-commerce hub with an estimated US$2.35 billion worth of products and services being traded electronically through Si

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hey can help managers with specific issues within their group (Parker, 1996, p. 72). Executive information systems are not inexpensive because of the high level of customization. Despite the cost which can be associated with these systems, the benefits they produce can be substantial and often justify the investment. One of the key features of an executive information system is that information is presented in formats (charts, graphs, tables) which are easy for the executive to assimilate and use quickly. Executives do not have to sort through the raw data which might exist on the larger computer system within the organization, but are instead able to use information which is already presented in an easy-to-understand format. This can make it easier for executives to compare data over time, across product lines, and within different areas of the organization quickly, and can assist in the decision making process much more readily than traditional management systems (Kelleher, 1999, p. 43). More Customers At its most fundamental level, IT can help a company attract more customers simply by making it possible for the company to serve more customers through automation. Decreasing the amount of time it takes to process a trans

Category: Science - I