Discussion Question

Week 2 DQ 1
http://www.pcgamingarticles.com/Article/Five-Things-To-Do-With-Old-Computer-
Equipment/871
What are important considerations for an organization to make when
disposing of old computer equipment?
Important considerations for an organization to make when disposing of old
computer equipment is first check to see if it is working or not. If the computer is
working check to make sure all the confidential information has been removed
from the computer.
As with most electrical items computers have become totally disposable when it
comes to buying a new model. If one breaks down it is often cheaper to buy a
complete new set-up rather than have your equipment repaired. Or, if you simply
need a go-faster, bigger-memory machine in some cases it may also be cheaper
to buy new, than upgrade.

What methods would work best for the organization in which you are
working or have worked?
Giving the computer equipment to charity or high school or elementary school if
the computer can be still used is the method my organization uses.

Explain
If the computer is still good we give it charity of high school or an elementary who
needs it. Charity and high school and elementary school sometimes only need
computer for basic needs.

Discussion Question
Week 2 DQ 2

Please post your response to the following discussion question by

clicking Reply.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using an

Application Service Provider (ASP)?
According to chapter 2, the biggest advantage of employing an ASP is that it
frees in-house corporate resources from staffing and managing complex
computing projects so that they can focus on more important things. ASP can
also simplify a complex corporate software package for users so that it is easier
to set up and manage. ASPs also provide contract customization of off-the-shelf
software, assist in speeding deployment of new applications, and help IS
managers avoid implementation headaches, reducing the need for skilled IS staff
members and reducing project start-up expenses.
Some disadvantage of using an Application Service Provider (ASP) is that client
must generally accept the application as provided since ASPs can only afford a
customized solution for the largest clients; the client may rely on the provider to
provide a critical business function, thus limiting their control of that function and
instead relying on the provider; changes in the ASP market may result in
changes in the type or level of service available to clients; integration with the
client's non-ASP systems may be problematic.

What precautions might a company take to minimize the risk of

using an ASP?
Using an ASP is not without risks—sensitive information could be compromised
in a number of ways, including unauthorized access by employees or computer
hackers, the ASP being unable to keep its computers and network up and
running as consistently as is needed, or a disaster disabling the ASP’s data
center, temporarily putting an organization out of business. These are legitimate
concerns that the ASP must address.

Has your company considered using an ASP or does your

company now use an ASP?
I haven’t been in my company longer enough to know if they have considered or
is using ASP. The next time I see out IT staff, I think I will ask.