Hardware is defined by most people as a laptop, a desktop, a server or even a tablet as these are the physical components of a computer system. In other words, it is referred to as the computer’s tangible elements that store and run the written instructions provided by the software. However, computing hardware is now being integrated into other devices including watches, glasses, TVs, cars, phones and even toothbrushes. Thus today, computer hardware consists of any electronic components and related gadgetry that input, process, output, and store data according to instructions encoded in computer programs or software (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 118).
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Currently, the hardware Escapology uses to support the processes we have mentioned throughout the report are Lenovo ThinkPad laptops, printers, iPads, iMacs, and monitors. Escapology uses several different types of hardware such as Lenovo, where the ThinkPad laptops are the game master laptops. The employees run the games, where they are then able to send hints to the customers. This type of hardware supports our M3 software which is the database the company has to keep track of important data such as the success rates of each game, the average number of players per game, and the completion rate of each puzzle. These types of laptops are effective, however it is important to keep in mind that having these devices and M3 software updated so the system does not become over-stored and slow down.
According to the Using MIS textbook, CPU stands for central processing unit. The CPU sometimes is referred to as the brain of the computer since it executes instructions (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 118). Popular CPU manufacturers include Intel and ADM. Types of storage devices include random access memory (RAM) and solid state drive (SSD).
Software is all of the data, programs, and instructions that are used to run on computers and carry out particular functions. Scripts, programs, and apps are all included in the wide category of software. It is the flexible component of a computer system that balances the hardware's fixed nature.
For the marketing process, Escapology uses iOS to access their social media apps and for the payroll process, Colleen uses macOS to access Humanity and Excel which are the two applications that are necessary when completing the Excel file that is sent to the accountant. As for the employees, they use Windows to operate the escape rooms since the Lenovo ThinkPad is a Windows laptop and runs the software Windows 11 Pro. They also use macOS at the front desk to clock in and out on the Humanity application and view the bookings for the day on the Bookeo application.
Stated in the textbook, application software performs a service or function (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 136). Applications are computer programs designed to carry out particular functions for business, education, or personal use. Every program is designed to help users accomplish a range of goals, whether they are related to creativity, productivity, or communication. In addition, one category of application software is business application software. These applications are designed to save time and increase productivity in order to facilitate specific business processes and enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of operations.
As stated in the textbook, horizontal-market application software provides capabilities common across all organizations and industries and vertical-market application software serves the needs of a specific industry (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 136). Some horizontal applications Escapology uses include: Excel, Google Drive, and Hubspot. On the other hand, Bookeo is a vertical application they use which is an online booking software tool designed to streamline and improve the booking experience. For both processes, these software applications are effective.
This is Escapology Garwood’s Google Drive where Corporate can share game guides, puzzle inventory, and architect plans.
This is Bookeo where employees can oversee the schedule for the day, the time of each game, the amount of players per game, and what events are scheduled for the day.
As mentioned in the textbook, some new types of technology include: artificial intelligence, digital reality devices, 3D printing, and autonomous vehicles. Escapology currently does not use any of these technologies, but could use 3D printing to create pieces for their puzzles instead of having to order the majority of these items through corporate. They could also use virtual reality to present puzzles that change dynamically or involve complex mechanisms that would be impossible to replicate in real life. For instance, players can manipulate 3D holograms or enter codes into a virtual interface.
Stated in the textbook, a database is a self-describing collection of integrated records (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 167). A byte is a character of data which can be grouped into columns (or fields) in a database. The columns (fields) are grouped into rows which can also be called records. Additionally, a table (or a file) is a group of similar rows or records.
For the information system mentioned throughout our report, an example of a file is the excel spreadsheet containing all of the information for the upcoming pay period. Some of the fields in the file are employee name, job title, pay rate, hours worked, tips (non-hourly additions), overtime, and total. Stated in the textbook, metadata is data that describes data (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 170). Examples of metadata are the creation date, last modification date, sheet names, comments and annotations, and author.
According to the textbook, a database management system is a program used to create, process, and administer a database (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 170). Escapology uses a software called Mythric Mystery Master (M3) which allows employees to automatically interact with players as they progress through the game and stores important data such as, success rates, average number of players per room, and the completion rate for each puzzle. M3 needs a Windows 7 (or above) PC with a minimum of 1GB of ram to run and no internet connection is required to operate it. Additionally, it is offered in both monthly and annual subscriptions ($75 monthly and $825 annual) and both provide all features included.
This is what M3 looks like from an employee perspective. They are able to choose which hint they would like to send for the puzzle the customer is working on and they are able to edit the time, active players, and hints used per game.
According to Figure 5-10, the database applications are forms, reports, queries, and application programs (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, pg. 174). Forms are used to insert, modify, and delete data. A report comes in handy when you want to display or distribute a summary of data. Additionally, a query can filter data into a single table for a more direct analysis. Lastly, an application program provides security and maintains data consistency. Unfortunately we are unable to provide screenshots of the forms, reports and queries as we do not have access to the database applications Escapology uses.
The types of new technology for databases include: NoSQL DBMS, NewSQL DBMS, and In-memory DBMS. Stated in the textbook, NoSQL DBMS support very high transaction rates processing relatively simple data structures, replicated on many servers in the cloud, without ACID transaction support. Also stated in the textbook, NewSQL DBMS processes very high levels of transactions, like the NoSQL DBMS, but provides ACID support and In-memory DBMS processes databases in main memory (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 188).
Escapology can use NoSQL DBMS since it is effective for big data and real-time web applications. NoSQL DBMS is also designed to scale out by using distributed architecture and this improves the ability to handle massive amounts of traffic and data. With that being said, this type of database would be very helpful and suitable for a company like Escapology since they are advancing their puzzles by integrating more technology to enhance the user experience and challenge levels. They can also use In-memory DBMS since the data is stored in RAM (Random Access Memory) rather than on slower disk drives which significantly reduces access times. Performance and speed is critical when designing an escape room with newer technology so In-memory DBMS could be a valuable asset.
According to the textbook, LAN is a group of computers connected together on a single site (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 215). Organizations can run cables as needed to connect computers, as all computers situated on property controlled by the organization operate within the LAN. In addition, LANs have fewer than a dozen computers or printers, providing additional complexity.
Escapology Garwood has a LAN that facilitates communication and connectivity among the escape rooms' devices, powered by a Verizon router. The Verizon router serves as the central networking device that provides network connectivity in order to run all of the escape rooms. In addition, Ethernet connections run through the Verizon router as well to ensure that the escape rooms remain connected and operational at all times, indicating that the company does in fact use LAN infrastructure.
Stated in the textbook, the Internet is a network of networks (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 215). The networks that make up an internet use a large variety of communication methods and conventions that allow data to flow seamlessly across. Escapology connects to the Internet through Verizon Wi-Fi and the company’s domain name is Escapology.com.
Stated in the textbook, the Cloud is an elastic leasing of pooled computer resources over the internet (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 203). The term is used because more early diagrams of three-tier and other Internet-based systems used a cloud symbol to represent the internet and organizations came to view their infrastructure as being “somewhere in the cloud”.
The cloud is important because without it, organizations and individuals would face greater technological and financial barriers. Cloud computing allows users to access data, applications, and services over the Internet from anywhere in the world. This is extremely useful for businesses with remote teams or those requiring access to resources across multiple locations. The cloud is also cost efficient since companies can use it to acquire resources as needed instead of investing in extensive physical infrastructure and hardware. Additionally, businesses can quickly scale their IT resources up or down based on demand and cloud computing provides reliable data backup solutions and disaster recovery strategies. Overall, cloud environments facilitate innovation and can help reduce the overall energy consumption and carbon footprint associated with maintaining large data centers.
SaaS or Software as a Service requires little investment in the hardware and software system components. The SaaS vendor manages and administers the cloud services and will make the software available (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 229). Organizations do not have to manage any part of the software under Saas. SaaS services include: Google Drive, Salesforce.com, Office 365, and iCloud. PasS or Platform as a Service allow organizations to lease hardware and operating systems from cloud vendors. Vendors manage the operating system, servers, storage, and network. Some examples of PaaS include: Google App Engine and Microsoft Azure. Under PaaS, organizations only have to manage the data and applications. Iaas or Infrastructure as a Service provides basic hardware in the cloud. Some companies acquire servers this way and then load operating systems onto them (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 230). Organizations manage applications, data, runtime, middleware, and the operating system under Iaas. Some examples of IaaS vendors include: Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) and Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service).
Escapology uses Google Drive as an information system which is a Software as a Service (SaaS). The corporate level at Escapology uses Google Drive to share game guides, inventory for puzzles, and architect plans with other Escapology locations. Google manages all the aspects of the service while Escapology manages no part of the SaaS. Escapology also uses Microsoft Excel as a cloud based service to manage payroll information that is sent over to the accoutant.
Escapology recently faced a network issue where the M3 software that runs all of the games kept disconnecting from the ethernet. Network connectivity issues directly affect the overall service of Escapology. If the M3 software is down, then the game master cannot control active games and send hints to participants, ultimately disrupting the overall experience. Communication between game masters and participants is a vital part of escape room experience. Without it, participants would not be able to progress in their game.
A solution to this problem was limiting the amount of devices connected to the network. Colleen, the Operations Manager, went into the IP address and disconnected unknown devices from the network to prevent network overload. Additionally, Escapology staff were directed to give the guest WiFi to customers instead of the private Wifi as another precautionary measure.
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