IS Analysis

 Hardware

According to the text, hardware is described as “ electronic components and related gadgetry that input, process, output, and store data according to instructions encoded in computer programs or software.”(Boyle &  Kroenke 2021, p118)  Amazon uses Zebra MC33 as a type of hardware to support the sortation process. The Zebra scanner needs to be improved due to some issues that employees always face when they are using the scanners, such as Wi-Fi connection and out-of-range. 

Software

According to the textbook, a software is defined as an instruction for computers, data or programs used to operate and execute specific tasks. Software is a term used to refer to applications, scripts, and programs that run on a device (Boyle & Kroenke 2021, p529). Android is the operating system that manages the Zebra MC33 scanner. 

Application Software

Based on the textbook, an application software is a program that performs a business function (Boyle & Kroenke 2021, p529)  . There are some general application softwares, such as excel, powerpoint, facebook, etc, and some that are specific to business, such as account payable. Amazon uses different horizontal applications, such as word processing, excel, ect, but for application softwares that are specific to the business, they use A-to-Z for scheduling, personal information, Tax information, payroll and benefits. They also use Amazon chime as a vertical software application for meeting and conversations. However, about the effectiveness of A-to-Z, which is an application that is customized by Amazon, some employees complain about some issues they confront when they try to download the app on Android phones. In its dynamic process, Amazon utilizes the Amazon App as a native application. There is an app that runs on both the iPhone and Android operating systems.

New Technologies

Some types of new technology include artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, self-driving vehicles, virtual reality, sustainable manufacturing, and augmented reality. All of the technologies mentioned above can potentially be useful for a company like Amazon. Currently, Amazon uses Artificial intelligence and robotics in their  Same-Day delivery locations. Furthermore, technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality can be used to assist new employees in becoming more familiar with processes before starting to work in any facility. Last but not least, technology such as self- driving vehicles will help support a company that is making strides towards sustainability. Being that most manufactured vehicles that include self-driving features are electric based vehicles, by switching to this method of delivery will not only save Amazon massive amounts of money but will also reduce the amount of chemical outputs used towards transporting deliveries to each customer.   

Metadata

The main information systems used by Amazon are AWS and SS (simple storage). The textbook describes metadata as “data that describes data” (Kroenke and Boyle, p. 170). While we were not allowed any photos of Amazon's, we were provided some examples of them. During the order sortation process, metadata consists of data that describes the packages, like the city, zip codes, apartment numbers, and docking door location.

Database Management Systems

According to Using MIS, “ a database management system is used to create, process, and administer a database.”(Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p170) Amazon uses DynamoDB as one of its databases to store product information. Amazon DynamoDB delivers single-digit millisecond performance. It's a fully managed and durable database with built-in security, backup and restore, and in-memory caching for internet-scale applications. DynamoDB can handle more than 10 trillion requests per day and can support peaks of more than 20 million requests per second. An example can be shown when users are using the Amazon application to request their order history as shown below. The amazon application would then go through the DynamoDB database in order to find the customers records and would send over there information back to the Amazon application to the customer.

Database Applications

Database applications are described in the text as “a collection of forms, reports, queries, and application programs that serves as an intermediary between users and database data.”(Boyle &  Kroenke 2021, p172) Having that being said, Amazon uses database applications like Amazon Prime for customers, Amazon A to Z for employees, ADP , and Veeqo to track inventory. All of which is connected through Amazon's main AWS database. 

New Technologies for Databases

 New technologies for databases include NoSQL, New SQL, and in memory databases. No SQL systems support high transaction rates as well as simple data structures. They are utilized across multiple servers in the cloud and lack ACID transaction support. Amazon’s DynamoNB is serverless and is a fully managed database service. NewSQL database management systems handle high transaction columns and provide ACID transaction support. They may or may not adhere to the relational model. With new vendors frequently entering the market, the landscape for leading products continues to evolve. In memory database management systems process databases in the main memory of the computer. Significant portions can be held in memory which support the relational model.

Local Area Network

LAN, or a Local Area Network, serves as a network infrastructure connecting devices within a single geographical area. Within Amazon, numerous LANs span its global facilities, enabling internal communication and resource sharing. The components of a LAN encompass devices like computers, servers, printers, switches, access points and routers, interconnected either through wired Ethernet cables or wireless Wi-Fi. At the Amazon CDW5 warehouse the LAN connects devices like computers, barcode scanners, sorting machines, and printers to facilitate efficient package sorting and processing.

The Internet

The internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that communicate with each other. Amazon accesses the internet through data centers, cloud computing services, and partnerships with internet service providers. Amazon's primary domain is Amazon.com.

The Cloud

The Cloud encompasses more than just data storage; it includes all components of an information system—hardware, software, data, people, and procedures. It's defined as the "elastic leasing of pooled computer resources over the internet" (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 203). Essentially, companies outsource their information systems to Cloud providers, leasing servers located in giant server farms worldwide. Users connect to these remote servers through the Internet, sharing in this pool of leased servers. The Cloud offers scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, reducing risks for businesses and allowing them to adjust resources as needed.

Cloud-Based Service

Amazon Web Services(AWS) is a cloud computing system. AWS is used for database storage, content delivery services, and to compute power. This system is a combination of infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS) and software-as-a-service (SaaS). The Amazon IaaS service allows users to substitute physical resources like servers with virtual ones provided and overseen by Amazon. Users have the flexibility to operate any operating system or application on these rented servers without facing additional charges for maintenance and operation. The Paas Amazon service can be provided for providers who want to design apps. Developers are able to  access the platform data from anywhere. The SaaS service allows applications to be discoverable to users online. Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) is an example of an IaaS. It offers adaptable object storage for data storage and retrieval. It is used for backup, archiving, and data lake storage. AWS Elastic Beanstalk is a PaaS that allows developers to utilize applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. It supports various programming languages, frameworks, and containerization technologies. Amazon WorkMail is a Saas that offers a secure, managed email and calendaring service in the cloud. It allows users to gain access to email, contacts, and calendars from anywhere using a web browser.

Potential Problems/Issues

Some problems or issues with Amazon's networks include slower or delayed connectivity to servers, the complexity of manipulating and staying up to date with the rapidly changing AWS platform, the security of data within Amazon's networks, and a lack of resources depending on the region. From what I learned throughout this chapter, there are two recommendations that I would like to emphasize that could increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the AWS network. First and foremost, I would recommend that Amazon increase the number of servers in various locations that have low connectivity. This way, users can have a smooth and pleasant experience when using any of Amazon's platforms. In addition, throughout this unit we discussed database applications with a company. With users concerned with the complexity of Amazon's AWS networks, I suggest that Amazon include more detailed  tutorials consisting of videos and text that can educate each user on how exactly to utilize each new feature applied to any of the applications associated with AWS ( Amazon Web Services). Last but certainly not least, after supplying the users with tutorials,  a form should be sent to receive more feedback on improvements to better suit each user.