© Pearson Prentice Hall 2009 Part 2-1 Using MIS 2e Part 2 The International Dimension: Global Communication David Kroenke

© Pearson Prentice Hall 2009 Part 2-2 Study Questions Q1 – What does it mean to localize software? Q2 – What are the problems and issues of localizing and distributing databases worldwide? Q3 – What are the consequences of global data communication?

© Pearson Prentice Hall 2009 Part 2-3 Q1 – What does it mean to localize software? Localizing software is the process of making a computer program work in a second language. It’s much more difficult, expensive, and time-consuming than simply translating a document. Some items that require translation or alteration include:  User interfaces  Icons  Database forms, reports, and queries  Documentation  Error messages  Sorting order. Programming techniques can simplify and reduce costs but they must be used in the system development stage when a system is first being built.

© Pearson Prentice Hall 2009 Part 2-4 Q1 – What does it mean to localize software? Q2 – What are the problems and issues of localizing and distributing databases worldwide? Q3 – What are the consequences of global data communication?

© Pearson Prentice Hall 2009 Part 2-5 Q2 – What are the problems and issues of localizing and distributing databases worldwide? When you are considering using a global system, you have to decide how you will structure your database.  Will you have a single common database? If so, how will you accommodate local languages, customs, and cultures?  Will you have a central database and create a second localized one? Will you translate data but not metadata? How will you determine the relationship between the two databases?  If each database refers to separate inventory, there’s generally no problem.  If each database refers to the same inventory then they may contain duplicated records and the databases will be replicated.  You’ll have to define appropriate business processes to avoid replicated records.

© Pearson Prentice Hall 2009 Part 2-6 Q1 – What does it mean to localize software? Q2 – What are the problems and issues of localizing and distributing databases worldwide? Q3 – What are the consequences of global data communication?

© Pearson Prentice Hall 2009 Part 2-7 Q3 – What are the consequences of global data communication? Data communications have tremendously expanded the size of the global economy and the global workforce. Think of the impact the expansion of global data communications has had on less-developed countries:  The user can skip generations of technology. For instance, many countries don’t have wired telephone systems. The expansion of cell phones into these countries have allowed them to skip old generations of technology.  People previously restricted to selling goods in local markets can now sell their products anywhere in the world. That’s both good and bad for the people and the countries.  Socially, people can connect to others outside their immediate location. Local laws and customs become outmoded, irrelevant, and difficult to enforce.  The political implications are huge as governments begin to lose control over people who can access the Web, , instant messaging, and cell phones to quickly send and receive information the governments may not want them to have.