Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Unified Communications
Unified communications
provides a simple and consistent user experience across all types of
communications such as instant messaging, fixed and mobile phone, e-mail, voice mail, and
Web conferencing. The concept of
presence
(knowing where one's desired communication
participants are and if they are available at this instant) is a key component of unified com-
munications. The goal is to reduce the time required to make decisions and communicate
results, thus greatly improving productivity.
All of the ways that unified communications can be implemented rely on fast, reliable
communications networks. Typically, users have a device capable of supporting the various
forms of communications (e.g., laptop with microphone and video camera or a smartphone)
that is loaded with software that supports unified communications. The users' devices also
connect to a server that keeps track of the presence of each user.
World-renowned electric guitar maker Gibson Guitar has over 4,000 workers spread
across three continents. “It was challenging to get everyone together and make decisions.
There were phone calls being made and e-mails sent with 24-hour response time,” according
to Gibson Guitar's Director of IT Kathy Benner. The firm became an early adopter of unified
communications to link its business operations, speed up decision making, and cut costs.
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unified communications
A technology solution that provides
a simple and consistent user expe-
rience across all types of communi-
cations such as instant messaging,
fixed and mobile phone, e-mail,
voice mail, and Web conferencing.
Global Positioning System Applications
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a fully functional global navigation satellite system
employing over two dozen satellites in orbit at roughly 12,500 miles above the Earth. The
satellites transmit microwave signals so a GPS receiver can precisely determine their location,
speed, direction, and time.
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To determine its position, a GPS receiver receives the signals from three or more GPS
satellites and determines its exact distance from each satellite. It then uses these distances to
triangulate its precise location in terms of latitude, longitude, and altitude. A GPS receiver
must have a clear line of sight to the satellite to operate, so dense tree cover and buildings
can keep it from operating.
GPS tracking technology has become the standard by which fleet managers monitor
the movement of their cars, trucks, and vehicles. GPS tracking quickly exposes inefficient
routing practices, wasted time on the job, and speeding. Even small fleet operators can
achieve significant benefits from the use of GPS tracking. Amherst Alarm installs, services,
and monitors alarm systems in western New York. The company uses GPS technology to
track its 12 vehicles so that it can locate its technicians throughout the day. This ensures
efficiency on jobs and helps to route the closest available technician to the next service
ensure that it always knows where each school bus is.
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Computer-based navigation systems are also based on GPS technology. These systems
come in all shapes and sizes and with varying capabilities—from PC-based systems installed
in automobiles for guiding you across the country to handheld units you carry while hiking
through a national forest. All systems need a GPS antenna to receive satellite signals to pin-
point your location. On most of these systems, your location is superimposed on a map
stored on CDs or a DVD. Portable systems can be moved from one car to another or carried
in your knapsack. Some systems come with dynamic rerouting capability where the path
recommended depends on weather and road conditions continually transmitted to a receiver
in your car connected to a satellite radio system.
Most new cell phones include an internal GPS chip that can provide navigation features
if the user activates the associated software and agrees to pay the additional fees. Verizon
customers can use Verizon VZ Navigator software, and AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and
GPS-enabled phones to track their employees' locations. The Whereifone locator phone
can track the phone's location by phone or online and can receive notification if it leaves a
designated safe area. The Shroud is an online game that lets players use GPS-enabled phones
to enhance the virtual reality of the game.
