Information Systems and E-Business Unit i eNotes

 Information Systems and E-Business

BCOM SEM III

eNotes

Lucknow University Semester Exam 2022

Unit I: Introduction to Computer systems, elements of a Computer System, types of Computers and their features, input, output and storage devices, types of software, networking and Internet, types of networks and networking devices, methods of Internet access, services available through Internet, business applications and benefits of computerization and Internet

 

What is a Computer?

An electronic device that accepts data and processes it into useful information is called a Computer. There are two main aspects of the computer:

·       Input: The data we enter into the computer is called the input. Input, basically are raw facts for which we want the system to process and give us an outcome

·       Output: The answer that the computer provides in return of the raw data entered, is called output

 

Evolution of Computer

 

The computer started as a huge electronic device which took a large area for its instalment, and the mechanism was very complication. Still, then with time, those huge machines were converted into smaller versions of the divide, starting with the monitors, then laptop and later on the invention of tablets.

 

The first fully electronic computer was introduced in the 1930s, and since then, the development of computer and its related devices has been unstoppable.

 

Computers are nothing but an advanced version of Abacus, which dates back to almost 5000 years. Further below, we have discussed the five generations of computer and how these generations gradually helped in the development of this electronic device.

 

Generations of Computer

 

There are a total of five Generations of Computer, with each Generation something new was discovered to improvise the functioning and the use of the computer systems.

 

First Generation (Vacuum Tubes) – 1940-1956:

 

This Generation computers relied on Machine Language (the Language of 0s and 1s) and used Vacuum tubes as components of memory. They were huge in size and occupied almost a room-size area to fit in.

 

Given below are a few characteristic features of the 1st Generation of computer:

 

The price of managing these computers was very high

They were huge

They were not capable of multitasking, and only one task could be performed at a time

There was no use of monitors; the output was directly given in the form of print outs

The electricity consumption was very high

Examples of computers developed in this generation are ENIAC – Electronic Numeric Integrated and Computer, UNIVAC- Universal Automatic Computer, EDSAC – Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator and EDVAC – Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer

 

Second Generation (Transistors) – 1956-1963:

 

The first-ever transistor was invented in 1947 but could never be used in the computer until the 1950s. Given below are a few characteristic features of the 2nd Generation computers:

 

The speed of the transistor decided the speed of the computer

It was less expensive in comparison to the 1st Generation computers

The electricity consumption had also reduced with the use of transistors

There was no change in the output as it was still received through a printout

From machine language, there was a change to usage assembly language in computers. Thus, now computers could understand words

High-level programming languages were used

Two significant developments during this phase include the development of FORTRAN or Formula Translation and COBOL or Common Business Oriented Language, which was developed for business use.

 

Third Generation (Integrated Circuits) – 1964-1971:

The phase when the usage of keyboards and monitors ha started for the input and output. The transistors had been reduced in size and were placed on silicon chips. This increased the speed of the computer.

 

Given below are the features of the 3rd Generation of computers:

 

The Integrated circuits were used where small circuits could work as efficiently as the larger ones

Multitasking could be done in the computers developed during the 3rd phase

Functions of the computer were based on the memory of the monitor

A few examples from this Generation of computer are PDP 8, IBM 360, ICL 2900, etc.

 

Fourth Generation (Microprocessors) – 1972-2010:

 

The maximum developments were done during this time phase as technology has advanced many folds. By this time, millions of transistors could be placed on the silicon circuits.

 

The characteristic features of this Generation are given below:

 

The first microprocessor, Intel 4004 chip was discovered by Ted Hoff and was made commercially available in 1971. This led to the introduction of personal computers

This Generation saw revised versions of computers being introduced in the form of laptops and tablets

GUI – Graphical User Interface was developed during this phase

Speed, memory and storage had also improved in the computers of this Generation

The computers which were introduced during this Generation include Apple II, the first IBM computer, STAR 1000, and many more.

 

Fifth Generation (Artificial Intelligence) – 2010-till date:

 

The current generation of computers which have made our lives easier and more convenient is all a part of the fifth generation of the computer.

 

Given below is some basic information about the 5th generation of computers:

 

Artificial intelligence is being used in devices currently which has enabled millions on tasks to be completed within seconds on a device

Advancement in the functioning of laptops, palmtops, etc.

Other robotic devices have started being used to reduce human labour

The devices from this generation are cost-effective, faster, consume lesser electricity and are easily portable and convenient to use.

 

Types of Computer

There are majorly 4 types of computers which have been described briefly below. Candidates must know about the different types of computers with respect to the upcoming competitive exams:

 

1.    Super Computer – The computers which are used to process a huge amount of data at once are called Supercomputers. They are mostly used in scientific and engineering operations where the processing is complex. They are expensive and complicated to work. For example – The computers used by NASA to launch space shuttles.

2.    Mainframe Computer – Computers designed to be used in large firms and organisations where a lot of people have to work on the same database are called mainframe computers. They are almost equally as expensive as Supercomputers and are the fastest working computers at present. They are mostly used in Banks.

3.    Workstation – Usually a single user system is called a work station. The RAM for such systems is more, and the processors are quite fast. They are mostly used by an individual and can be used for multiple purposes.

4.    Microcomputer – Designed for personal use only. This type of computers can easily be moved from one place to the other. They have a personal storage area, input & output unit and a Central Processing Unit. Examples for microcomputer are desktop, laptop, mobile phone, tablets, etc.

 

Elements of a Computer System

A computer device is made up of various elements which help in its effective functioning and processing. There are five basic components of the computer which help in making this processing of data easier and convenient.

 

By definition, components of a computer system are the primary elements which make the functioning of an electronic device smooth and faster. There are five basic components which include:

 

·       Input Unit

·       Output Unit

·       Memory Unit

·       Control Unit

·       Arithmetical and Logical Unit

 

The exterior of any computerised device may look different and may also have varied features, but the basic components remain the same for their functioning.

 

 

 

Given below are the 5 components of a computer along with their purpose and functions.

 

Input Unit

A computer will only respond when a command is given to the device. These commands can be given using the input unit or the input devices.

 

For example: Using a keyboard we can type things on a Notepad and the computer processes the entered data and then displays the output of the same of the screen.

 

The data entered can be in the form of numbers, alphabet, images, etc. We enter the information using an input device, the processing units convert it into computer understandable languages and then the final output is received by a human-understandable language.

 

Output Unit

When we command a computer to perform a task, it reverts for the action performed and gives us a result. This result is called output. There are various output devices connected to the computer. The most basic of which is a monitor. Whatever we write using a keyboard or click using a mouse, is all displayed on the monitor.

 

Thus, the output unit gives us the final result once the entire processing is done within the mechanism of a device.

 

For example: when we visit an ATM, we enter our details like language, pin, amount to be withdrawn, etc. and then the final money which the cash dispenser releases is our outcome. In this case, the cash dispenser acts as an output unit.

 

Memory Unit

When we enter the data into the computer using an input device, the entered information immediately gets saved in the memory unit of the Central Processing Unit (CPU). Because of the presence of some existing programming, the Memory Unit transmits the data further to the other parts of the CPU.

 

Similarly, when the output of our command is processed by the computer, it is saved in the memory unit before giving the output to the user.

 

Control Unit

This is the core unit which manages the entire functioning of the computer device. It is one of the most essential components of the computer system.

 

The Control Unit collects the data entered using the input unit, leads it on for processing and once that is done, receives the output and presents it to the user. It can be said to the centre of all processing actions taking place inside a computer device.

 

Basically, the instructions taken, interpretation of entered data, issuing signals to execute the data and then finally retrieving the data is all done in the Control Unit.

 

Arithmetic & Logical Unit

As the name suggests, all the mathematical calculations or arithmetic operations are performed in the Arithmetic and Logical Unit of the CPU.

 

It can also perform actions like a comparison of data and decision-making actions. The ALU comprises circuits using which addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and other numerical based calculations can be performed.

 

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The Central Processing Unit is the core of any computer devices. It comprises three major components of the computer which have been discussed above:

 

·       Memory Unit

·       Control Unit

·       Arithmetic and Logical Unit

All these three units are elements of CPU and together help in the efficient working and processing of data. It is also known as the “Brain of Computer” and no action can be conducted by a device without the execution and permission of the Central Processing Unit.

 

The device is a close-knit circuit comparison microprocessor which helps in fetching the data and proving suitable results to the user. Thus, CPU is the main processing unit of the computer.

 

Also, while discussing the various components of computers, it must be known that a device which is so complex and intricately made using circuits and wires comprises various other elements, which affects its overall programming and performance.

 

Computer Storage Devices

A storage device for a computer enables its user to store and safely access the data and applications on a computer device. Knowing and learning about these computer storage devices is necessary as it works as one of the core components of the system.

 

Computer Storage Device Definition: A hardware device which can be used to store digital data and applications which may be in the form of images, video, audio, etc. is called a storage device. It is a key component of a computer and the hard drive is one of its examples.

 

Types of Computer Storage

The computer storage unit is divided into three parts. Given below are details about the three types of computer storage:

 

Primary Storage: This is the direct memory which is accessible to the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

·       This is also known as the main memory and is volatile.

·       This is temporary. As soon as the device turns off or is rebooted, the memory is erased

·       It is smaller in size

·       Primary storage comprises only of Internal memory

·       Examples of primary storage include RAM, cache memory, etc.

Secondary Storage: This type of storage does not have direct accessibility to the Central Processing Unit.

·       The input and output channels are used to connect such storage devices to the computer, as they are mainly external

·       It is non-volatile and larger storage capacity in comparison to primary storage

·       This type of storage is permanent until removed by an external factor

·       It comprises of both internal and external memory

·       Examples of secondary storage are USB drives, floppy disks, etc.

Tertiary Memory: This type of storage is generally not considered to be important and is generally not a part of personal computers.

Ø It involves mounting and unmounting of mass storage data which is removable from a computer device

Ø This type of storage holds robotic functions

Ø It does not always require human intervention and can function automatically

 

List of Computer Storage Devices

There are four types of devices in which computer data can be stored. Discussed below are the same in detail.

 

Magnetic Storage Devices

The most commonly used storage devices in today’s time are magnetic storage devices. These are affordable and easily accessible. A large amount of data can be stored in these through magnetised mediums.

 

A magnetic field is created when the device is attached to the computer and with the help of the two magnetic polarities, the device is able to read the binary language and store the information. Given below are the examples of magnetic storage devices.

 

Ø Floppy Disk – Also known as a floppy diskette, it is a removable storage device which is in the shape of a square and comprises magnetic elements. When placed in the disk reader of the computer device, it spins around and can store information. Lately, these floppy disks have been replaced with CDs, DVDs and USB drives

Ø Hard Drive – This primary storage device is directly attached to the motherboard’s disk controller. It is integral storage space as it is required to install any new program or application to the device. Software programs, images, videos, etc. can all be saved in a hard drive and hard drives with storage space in terabytes are also easily available now

Ø Zip Disk – Introduced by Iomega, is a removable storage device which was initially released with a storage space of 100 MB which was later increased to 250 and then finally 750 MB

Ø Magnetic Strip – A magnetic strip is attached in the device comprising digital data. The most suitable example for this is a debit card which has a strip placed on one of its sides which stores the digital data.

Optical Storage Devices

Such devices used lasers and lights to detect and store data. They are cheaper in comparison to USB drives and can store more data. Discussed below are a few commonly used optical storage devices.

 

Ø CD-ROM – This stands for Compact Disc – Read-Only Memory and is an external device which can store and read data in the form of audio or software data

Ø Blu-Ray Disc – Introduced in 2006, Blu-ray disk was backup up by major IT and computer companies. It can store up to 25 GB data in a single-layer disc and 50 GB data in a dual-layer disc

Ø DVD – Digital Versatile Disc is another type of optical storage device. It can be readable, recordable, and rewritable. Recordings can be done in such devices and then can be attached to the system

Ø CD-R – It is a readable Compact Disc which uses photosensitive organic dye to record data and store it. They are a low-cost replacement for storing software and applications.

Characteristics of Computer Storage Devices

Over the years, the usage of computer and electronic devices have massively increased and so has the dependency on them. Personally or professionally a lot of data is entered into the computer and storing it becomes a must for future use. Thus, these internal and external storage devices have come in as a saviour for the users.

 

In case of less memory space in the device, the various computer storage devices can be used to save the data securely without losing it.

 

Given below are a few characteristics of these storage devices:

 

ü Because of volatile memory, the data stored can be saved and also replaced whenever needed

ü These devices are readable, writable and rewritable which ensures that the data saved if not necessary can be removed or replaced accordingly

ü Accessibility to these has become very easy and convenient. The devices are easily available online and offline and need no expertise for usage

ü The capacity and size of these drives and devices has become an added advantage

ü Even in terms of performance, using these storage devices the data can be saved easily but can also be transferred easily from one device to another

 

Software

• Software is a collection of instructions that enable the user to interact with a computer, its hardware, or perform tasks.

• Without software, most computers would be useless.

• For example, without a browser software, you could not surf the internet.

 

Types of Software

• Application Software

• Utility Software

• System Software

 

Application Software

• Application software is a program or group of programs designed for end users.

• Examples of an application include a word processor, a spreadsheet, an accounting application, a web browser, a media player, a file viewer etc.

 

Features of Application Software

• Close to the user

• Easy to design

• More interactive

• Slow in speed

• Generally written in high-level language

• Easy to understand

• Easy to manipulate and use

• Bigger in size and requires large storage space

 

Examples of Application Software

• Student Record Software

• Inventory Management Software

• Income Tax Software

• Railways Reservation Software

• Microsoft Office Suite Software

• Microsoft Word

• Microsoft Excel

• Microsoft PowerPoint

• Application Software

 

System Software

• The system software is a collection of programs designed to operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of the computer itself.

• System software is generally prepared by the computer manufacturers.

• These software products comprise of programs written in low-level languages, which interact with the hardware at a very basic level.

• System software serves as the interface between the hardware and the end users

 

Features of a System Software

• Close to the system

• Fast in speed

• Difficult to design

• Difficult to understand

• Less interactive

• Smaller in size

• Difficult to manipulate

• Generally written in low-level language

 

Examples of System Software

• Operating System

• Compilers

• Interpreter

• Assemblers

 

Operating System

A set of programs that help in controlling and managing the hardware and software resources of a computer system is termed as operating system. It establishes relationship between hardware and software. It has three major responsibilities:

• Perform basic tasks including recognising input from keyboard, sending output to the display screen and keeping track of files and directories on the desk. It also controls peripheral devices.

• Ensure that different programs and users running simultaneously do not interfere with each other.

• Provide a software platform to run other program.

 

Utility Software

• A utility program is a type of system software that assists users with controlling or maintaining the operation of a computer, its devices, or its software.

• Utility programs typically offer features that provide an environment conducive to successful use of application software

 

Examples of Utility Software

• Disk checkers scan an operating hard drive and check for logical (filesystem) or physical errors.

• Disk compression utilities transparently compress/uncompress the contents of a disk, increasing the capacity of the disk.

• Disk cleaners find files that are unnecessary to computer operation, or take up considerable amounts of space.

• Anti-virus utilities scan for computer viruses and block or remove them.

• Debuggers typically permit the examination and modification of data and program instructions in memory

 

Computer Networks - Types & Functions

A computer network is a group of computers that use a set of common communication protocols over digital interconnections for the purpose of sharing resources located on or provided by the network nodes.

 

What is a Computer Network?

Before moving forward with the article and learning more about the types of computer networks, it is important for candidates to understand what is a network and how it affects the functioning of one or more computers connected with each other.

 

Definition – A group of computers which are connected to each other and follow similar usage protocols for the purpose of sharing information and having communications provided by the networking nodes is called a Computer Network.

 

A network may be small where it may include just one system or maybe as large as what one may want. The nodes may further be classified into various types. These include:

 

ü Personal Computers

ü Servers

ü Networking Hardware

ü General Hosts

Networking can be classified into three types:

 

1.    Types of Computer Networks

2.    Topology

3.    Interpreters

 

Types of Computer Networks

There are five main types of Computer  Networks:

 

LAN (Local Area Network) –

Systems connected in a small network like in a building or a small office

It is inexpensive

It uses Ethernet or Token-ring technology

Two or more personal computers can be connected through wires or cables acting as nodes

Transfer of data is fast and is highly score

PAN (Personal Area Network) –

The smallest computer network

Devices may be connected through Bluetooth or other infra-red enables devices

It has a connectivity range of upto 10 metres

It covers an area of upto 30 feet

Personal devices belonging to a single person can be connected to each other using PAN

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) –

A network that can be connected within a city, for example, cable TV Connection

It can be in the form of Ethernet, ATM, Token-ring and FDDI

It has a higher range

This type of network can be used to connect citizens with the various Organisations

WAN (Wide Area Network) –

A network which covers over a country or a larger range of people

Telephonic lines are also connected through WAN

Internet is the biggest WAN in the world

Mostly used by Government Organisations to manage data and information

VPN (Virtual Private Network): –

A network which is constructed by using public wires to connect to a private network

There are a number of systems which enable you to create networks using the Internet as a medium for transporting data

These systems use encryptions and other security mechanisms to ensure only authorised users can access

 

Network Topologies

Given below are the eight types of Network Topologies:

 

ü Point to Point Topology – Point to Point topology is the simplest topology that connects two nodes directly together with a common link.

ü Bus Topology – A bus topology is such that there is a single line to which all nodes are connected and the nodes connect only to the bus

ü Mesh Topology – This type of topology contains at least two nodes with two or more paths between them

ü Ring Topology – In this topology every node has exactly two branches connected to it. The ring is broken and cannot work if one of the nodes on the ring fails

ü Star Topology – In this network topology, the peripheral nodes are connected to a central node, which rebroadcasts all the transmissions received from any peripheral node to all peripheral nodes on the network, including the originating node

ü Tree Topology – In this type of topology nodes are connected in the form of a tree. The function of the central node in this topology may be distributed

ü Line Topology – in this topology all the nodes are connected in a straight line

ü Hybrid Topology – When two more types of topologies combine together, they form a Hybrid topology

Network Devices

Discussed below are a few important network devices from the exam point of view:

 

A.  Network Repeater – Used to generate incoming electrical, wireless or optical signals

B.  Network Hub – It is a small network device. It joins multiple computers together to form a single network segment. On this segment, all computers can interact with each other

C.  Network Switch – It is a small hardware device which joins multiple computers together with a single LAN

D.  Network Router – This device interfaces in multiple networks whose task is to copy packages from one network to another. It provides connectivity inside enterprises, between Enterprises and the Internet and within an ISP

E.   Network Bridge – It reads the outermost section of the data packet to tell where the message is going. It reduces the traffic on other network segments.

F.    Modem – This device converts digital signals into analog signals. It is always placed between a telephone and a computer system,

 

Internet

 

The Internet is the most commonly used term in today’s world and plays a very important role in the everyday life of people. But there are many questions, answers to which people need to know. In this article, we shall help you find answers to these questions; discuss the evolution of the Internet, its usage, benefits, history and how the Internet works.

 

Let us first answer a few of the most important questions which arise with regard to the Internet.

 

Question: What is the Internet?

Answer: A global system of interconnected computers, using a standardised Internet Protocol suite for communication and sharing information is called the Internet.

 

Question: What is ISP?

Answer: ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. This helps in providing direct access for using the internet from your office or home, connected through landlines. With the introduction of Wi-fi and broadband, connecting to the Internet has become wireless.

 

Question: What is the World Wide Web?

Answer: World Wide Web or ‘www’ is a collection of webpages which can easily be published on the Internet and read by millions of its users.

 

Question: What is an IP address?

Answer: The Internet Protocol address is a numerical identification code assigned for any device connected to a network. It acts as an identification interface for Internet users.

 

Question: What is a Web Browser?

Answer: A web browser is a software application for accessing the information on the World Wide Web. The commonly used web browsers include Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, etc.

 

History and Evolution of the Internet

The Internet completely revolutionised communication and technology across the Globe. Initially, computerised devices were only used for large industries but later its usage increased massively.

 

It is also mandatory for people to know that it is not possible for a single person to develop something as broad and wide as the Internet all by himself/herself. It was a combined effort of multiple researchers and programmers that the Internet was discovered.

 

Given below are a few important points which played an extremely important role in the development of the Internet and making it one of the most widely used resources across the world.

 

The first development was the introduction of host-to-host network interactions. This was first observed in ARPANET in 1969. It was developed by Advanced Research Projects Agency (APRA) of the Department of Defence, U.S. It was one of the first general usage of computer networks.

Next step was commercialising the usage and making the transistors and transmitters fit in smaller devices for convenient Internet usage for the general public. This was introduced in the 1970s

Moving forward, satellites and wireless communication was the main target. Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (formerly ARPA), supported satellite-based radio packets for mobile usage of networks

The next was the development of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). This enabled different machines and networks across the world to assemble data packets. It was in the 1980s that the TCP/IP approach was adapted by researchers and technologists, following the footsteps of the U.S. Department of Defence

With the introduction of personal computers, the demand for commercial Internet usage increased. This was the time when Ethernet and other Local Area Networks cam in the foreground

In 1993, the web browser was introduced, which followed the point-and-click approach and is now a widely used operation for Internet users

The late 1990s was the time when thousands of Internet Service Providers has taken up the market and most of them were from the U.S.

And then the 21st century brought in an amalgamation of technology and wireless Internet accessibility for its users. Wherein, wireless broadband services came in as a boon for Internet users

 

Ways To Connect To Internet

The different ways in which one can connect to the Internet are discussed below in brief:

 

Dial-Up – In such connections, users are required to link their phone line to a computer to access the Internet. Under this connection, the user cannot make or receive phone calls through tier home phone service

Broadband – Provided either through cable or phone companies, Broadband is a high-speed internet connection which is widely used today

Wireless Connection – Wi-fi and Mobile service providers fall under this category. Internet connectivity is made via radio waves and the Internet can be connected anywhere, irrespective of the location. Given below are a few examples of wireless connection:

 

A.  Wi-fi – Wireless Fidelity or wi-fi allows high-speed internet connectivity without the use of wires

B.  Mobile Phones – All smartphones are now equipped with an option for Internet connectivity which can be availed using Internet vouchers and packs. No external connection or wire is required for these

C.  Satellite – Where broadband connections are unavailable, satellites are used for wireless Internet connectivity

D.  Integrated Services Digital Network – ISDN allows users to sent audio or video data using telephone lines

 

Internet Connection Protocols

Protocols are a set of rules that help in governing the way in which any particular body or technology works.

 

Internet Connection Protocols can be divided into three major types:

 

TCP/IP Network Model – Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) are the most widely used protocols for connecting networks. It divides any message into a series of packets which are sent from source to destination

File Transfer Protocol – Program files, multimedia files, text files, documents, etc. can be transferred from one device to another, using FTP

Hypertext Transfer Protocol – Used for transferring a hypertext from one device to two or more devices. HTML tags are used for creating links and these links may be in the form of text or images

 

Pros and Cons of Using the Internet

Intentionally or unintentionally, Internet usage is a part in the day to day lives of every individual. The Internet has made lives easy and comfortable, but at the same time made human being dependable for the smallest or biggest of information. Discussed below are the uses of the internet, along with a few cons that it brings along.

 

Pros of Internet

 

Easy Access to Information – Information on anything and everything are available online. The Internet makes it convenient to learn about new things at any point in time and get details on various subjects, irrespective of time and place

Platform for Online Education – With the advanced technology, even students and adults wish to learn new things and gaining knowledge at various online portals has become more accessible

Job Hunting – Employers can look for employees on the internet and the job seekers can apply online for jobs using the Internet

Platform to become an Entrepreneur – Today, thousands of people have started their own websites and getting good business and users/customers by making their own websites and selling products or services. This has become accessible due to Internet connectivity

Visual and Graphical Representation of Things – Various researches have shown that a person tends to get more engaged with a graphical representation of things. Internet has made this facility also convenient for both user and creator

Reduced the parameter of Distance – Social media has reduced the distance between people as communication has become much easier because of Internet connection

 

Cons of Internet

 

Dependency – The dependency of people for looking things and information online has increased massively since the introduction of Internet and its easy access

Cyber Crime – People do not just use internet for learning purposes, cybercrime has also been at a distinctive high because of effortless availability of resources

Distraction – People can easily find online games, interesting information, etc. online which may be a cause of distraction for may

Bullying and Trolls – Online platforms are being used for unethical practises like bullying people and trolling them

 

What are business applications?

Business applications are a type of application that are used to improve the operations of a business. They can be used by employees, suppliers, customers, and come in all shapes and sizes. Examples of business applications include applicant tracking systems, help desk applications, inventory management platforms. Business applications are different from internal tools, because they can be used by external stakeholders, where internal tools are specifically used by employees within an organization. Internal tools usually consist of a single screen, where business applications can consist of multiple screens.