Imagine That You Are An IT / IS Manager In An Organization ✓ Solved
Imagine that you are an IT / IS manager in an organization
In Chapter 2 of ISMG (Module 1), you read about strategy and technology. In this module, in Chapters 9 and 10 of ISMG, you learned that there are several enterprise systems/software. You also read about the concepts of cloud computing and open source software. For the "Discussion 2 Forum," read the scenario below and answer the question: "Imagine that you are an IT / IS manager in an organization. Your organization is planning to implement a new ERP system.
You have two options - a cloud-based solution offered by a reputed vendor and an open-source product used by many competitors. You are responsible for making the decision. Which one will you choose and why? Provide at least three specific reasons to justify your choice." Support your answer with appropriate sources as needed. (Note: References will not be counted in the word count; you can use any format MLA / APA. See the supporting guide on how to add citations in Word document in Module 2 if needed).
Paper For Above Instructions
As the IT/IS manager tasked with selecting an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for my organization, I face a critical decision: to implement a cloud-based solution from a reputable vendor or to adopt an open-source product that is already popular among our competitors. After a thorough evaluation of both options, I would choose the cloud-based ERP solution. My decision is primarily driven by three specific reasons: reliability and support, enhanced security, and scalability and flexibility.
Reliability and Support
One of the most significant advantages of opting for a cloud-based ERP system is the reliability and continuous support that comes from established vendors. Reputable cloud service providers often guarantee high system availability, ensuring minimal downtime through robust infrastructure and advanced redundancy measures (Haffke et al., 2016). Unlike open-source systems, where users are typically reliant on community support or third-party consultants, cloud vendors offer professional customer service, regular updates, and comprehensive documentation. This level of support can dramatically reduce the risk associated with system failures and enhance user experience (Kumar et al., 2019).
Enhanced Security
Cloud-based solutions typically offer superior security measures compared to many open-source alternatives. Vendors often invest significant resources in state-of-the-art security features, including data encryption, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits, to protect user data (Alharthi et al., 2020). Given the increasing frequency of cyberattacks and data breaches, it is paramount for organizations to prioritize security. Though open-source software may offer community patches and updates, they often lack the rigorous security protocols implemented by leading cloud vendors (Kuo, 2011). As an IT manager, ensuring the safety and compliance of sensitive organizational data is a top priority, making the enhanced security of cloud solutions a compelling reason for my choice.
Scalability and Flexibility
Another significant benefit of a cloud-based ERP system is its scalability and flexibility. As organizations grow, their system needs often change, requiring additional resources or features. Cloud-based solutions are designed to be easily scalable, allowing companies to adjust the services and resources according to their current requirements (Mell & Grance, 2011). This dynamic scaling can be particularly beneficial for businesses experiencing rapid growth or unforeseen market changes. In contrast, open-source implementations may require substantial IT investment to scale up, including additional hardware, software, and administrative resources. The ability to quickly adapt to changes not only ensures operational efficiency but also fosters innovation and responsiveness in a competitive landscape (Zhao et al., 2015).
In conclusion, as an IT/IS manager faced with the decision between a cloud-based ERP solution and an open-source product, I would advocate for the cloud-based approach. Its advantages in reliability, enhanced security, and scalability cannot be understated in today's fast-paced, digitally-driven environment. Ultimately, the choice of an ERP system is critical to an organization's success, and leveraging a cloud-based solution is a strategic decision that aligns with our long-term goals and the need for effective resource management.
References
- Alharthi, A., Alsaadi, H., & Arshad, S. Z. (2020). Cloud computing security issues and challenges: A survey. Computer Networks, 167, 106984.
- Haffke, I., Kalgovas, B., & Benlian, A. (2016). Cloud computing in the enterprise: A research agenda and findings from a systematic literature review. Journal of Information Technology, 31(3), 147-162.
- Kumar, R., Parashar, A., & Zafar, M. (2019). Critical success factors for cloud computing adoption in SMEs: An empirical investigation. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 26(2), 158-180.
- Kuo, T. C. (2011). Cloud computing: A value creation model for cloud service. International Journal of Business and Systems Research, 5(4), 339-354.
- Mell, P., & Grance, T. (2011). The NIST definition of cloud computing. National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-145.
- Zhao, J. L., Huang, Q., & Liu, Z. (2015). Research and practice of cloud computing in China: A case study. Information Systems Frontiers, 17(3), 657-669.