Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
large volumes of data, enterprises need many computer systems to work together. A
solution has to be found on how this data can be stored and processed. Database de-
velopers are investing large sums of money in new database technologies which can
handle big data more efficiently.
The benefits of big data are that managers are able to discover hidden information relat-
ing to how the business is being run. Big data using superfast computers can enable
managers and researchers to figure out what type of products would interest custom-
ers in the future. Big data is seen as the next frontier of sources of competition among
enterprises and an enabler of productivity and innovation.
With the coming of big data, companies can evaluate different options and make im-
portant business decisions especially those which could not be made due to limited
information or processing capacity. Big data has opened up a new world of oppor-
tunities, which will not only affect businesses but also researches in discovering new
treatments for diseases, finding answers to the worlds of unknowns in the universe,
and climate change.
IS auditors have a major challenge of working with big data as they have to find better
processing capacity. Big data will also create better opportunities of conducting in-
vestigations and coming up with relevant findings, conclusions, and recommenda-
tions.
Network Services
In today's information age and advanced use of computer systems, we have become so de-
pended on the use of data and information sitting on enterprise databases. In order to access
and share this information, we rely on network technologies which are integrated to make
networks work. It is important that an IS auditor has a good appreciation of the purpose of
computer networks and the various components which make up these networks. The main
goal of the IS auditor is to be able to understand audit objectives of the various network
devices and systems found in an IT environment.
a) Computer Networks
The purpose of networks is to enable accessing and sharing of data and information
among users in an enterprise. Networks are also used to share devices and systems,
such as servers, storage, printers, photocopies, telephone systems, Internet band-
width, and many other devices commonly used in an office.
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