Thus, telecommunications and network technologies are internetworking and
revolutionizing business and society. Businesses have become networked enterprises.
The Internet, the Web, and intranets and extranets are networking business
processes and employees together, and connecting them to their customers, suppliers,
and other business stakeholders. Companies and workgroups can thus collaborate
more creatively, manage their business operations and resources more effectively,
and compete successfully in today’s fast-changing global economy. This chapter
presents the telecommunications and network foundations for these developments. Telecommunications is a highly technical, rapidly changing field of information systems
technology. Most business professionals do not need a detailed knowledge of
its technical characteristics. However, it is necessary that you understand some of
the important characteristics of the basic components of telecommunications networks.
This understanding will help you participate effectively in decision making
regarding telecommunications alternatives. |