Information System research
John_matt
reply_needed.docxReply 1 needed
Rent-A-Center (RAC) used IT for strategic purpose by maintaining data systems and infrastructure. Tony Fuller, Chief Technology Officer with RAC stated," RAC supports other business through IT to help them to be more productive and efficient." Also, RAC have used Information Technology to strategically create a competitive advantage over other Rent to Own businesses.
The company's Intranet-based Communication System, RaciNet, provides quick measurable financial results. Jeffery Kaplan, Managing Director, Thinking Strategics Inc., stated "They recognize the value of IT and professional enough to use IT to generate economic value." RAC uses RaciNet, to instantly gain access to 24/7 inventory and sales reports.
With using the company to strategically gain wealth over other rent to own companies, RAC, used the communication system to keep track of employees personal information; Pay, vacation, and tax information, which helps the employees gain their information efficiently. The system also is used to help customers order product, as well as keep track of the bills, and make payments.
RaciNet, supports RAC contain data, and helps the company to be organized with finances, product inventory, and progression for the company to continue flourish.
Author, Emily Kay( 2003 November, 12) RE:Using IT for Strategic Purpose
Retrieved
From HTTP://searchcio.techtarget.com/news/936553/Rent-a-Center-uses-IT-for-financial-and-strategic-gain
Reply 2 needed
Zappos
It was started as an online retail store exclusively for shoes; all types, sizes, colors and brands. Although the company started for the sole purpose of selling shoes, it has expanded its merchandise base and now has a variety of categories. That company is Zappos.
Zappos takes pride in outlining the security system it has established to protect customers’ personal identifiable information (PII) to make their online shopping experience safe and comfortable. They have a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL Technology) that enables encryption. Zappos stated that it uses VeriSign, Inc., a company that specializes in data encryption and e-commerce. It further asserts that VeriSign is one of the most recognized companies that certifies that a company’s website is secure and encrypted. The system scrambles all important information, including passwords, credit card numbers as well as payment information. Being aware of the SSL technology gives customers the confidence and peace of mind that they need when shopping online, knowing that their information is protected.
Among their frequently asked questions (FAQ), one of the questions is how can customers tell if the connection is safe? In response, zappos tells their customers that it uses the “https” which indicates that they are using secure website with SSL technology. Zappos further adds that the secure pages are used to transfer personal information. The SSL technology,Trustwave, and Industry Standard Firewalls all combine to ensure customers’ privacy and also help to protect personal data. In conclusion, the company has stated that it has taken careful steps to ensure that customers’ information is well protected.
References:
(n.d.). Protecting your personal information. Retrived from March 16, 2016, from http://www.zappos.com/d/about-zappos
(n.d.). The zappos family story. Retrieved from http://www.zappos.com/c/protecting-your-personal-information.
Reply needed 3
Greetings Class,
I’m sure we’ve all heard of Amazon. Since I first heard of Amazon it has used technology to differentiate itself from all other competitors. Though the use of cloud services, the Kindle, and the use of drones to deliver packages is now well-known common knowledge that wasn’t always so. Amazon has continually used a differentiation strategy to takeover and remain dominant in all industries it is involved in. While it is easy for me to talk about the success of the Kindle, one of Amazon’s greatest successes, I will focus on a relatively new product from Amazon, the Amazon Echo.
The Amazon Echo is basically a wireless speaker with software that allows users to operate it using voice commands. It uses cloud-computing to operate and can do all sorts of things like stream music and podcasts, control the functions in a home (such as turning on/off lights, alarms, and air conditioning), recite current news, purchase products online, and many more functions. All this is done through voice interaction with the device which consistently gets better as it “listens” and “learns” the owner’s voice and preferences. As of last week Amazon and Capital One joined together to allow the Echo to for Capital One banking services. This alone opens all kinds of possibilities in the banking industry. Pretty amazing and innovative, right?
This is a result of the differentiation strategy that Amazon has continuously used to remain innovative, relevant, and successful. By developing and widely distributing a product that is so unique Amazon can actively control the pricing of the product because users cannot readily find a device that is like the Amazon Echo. Amazon will continue to be successful with a differentiation strategy because it is a well-known company with an excellent reputation for service, and its ability to stay ahead of the curve with the introduction of new ideas on a grand scale. For more information check out the references below. Thanks!
Smith, D. (2016, March 11). Tech Insider. Retrieved March 15, 2016, from
http://www.techinsider.io/amazon-echo-capital-one-integration-2016-3
Amazon. Retrieved March 17, 2016, from
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_bc_nav?ie=UTF8&nodeId=201399130
