Topic 6 - ICT & Business

The internet, as a worldwide communication network has brought many benefits to business working practices. The use of internet-based communication services and storage facilities has been of benefit to many businesses and impacted on working practices of staff. Examples of these are explored below.

• Cloud Storage

  • is a service where data is remotely maintained, managed, and backed up.

  • The service allows the users to store files online, so that they can access them from any location via the Internet

  • Reduces cost of data storage to an organisation

• Dropbox services

  • Allow you to easily share your documents, videos, and photos

  • and always have them on-hand when you need them.

  • free for personal use

• Collaborative working

  • Also known as joint or partnership working - covers a variety of ways that two or more organisations can work together. Options range from informal networks and alliances, through joint delivery of projects to full merger

  • Wider geographical reach or access to new beneficiary groups /Financial savings and better use of existing resources / Sharing the risk in new and untested projects

• Teleworking

  • Teleworking working from home using modern technology to keep in touch with your business

  • Reduced costs from not having to provide office space for the teleworker/ saves on travelling time and cost

• E-Mail services

  • Email services such as voice mailboxes, address books, group sending, file attachments (1) (need at least 3 for mark)

  • Makes it easier to share documents

• Videoconferencing

  • Saves on travel time and cost

• Access to peoples profiles

  • Access to peoples profiles -pre job interviews /facilitates search for talent e.g. LinkedIn professional network.

• Social media

  • Cheap advertising to wider audience e.g. Marketplace on Facebook.