Computer Ethics

Tags

Internet Piracy, Software piracy

Software piracy is like stealing.  It is the same as shoplifting or burglary.  On this note, it is against our moral values.  It is unethical. It is wrong.  Poverty cannot simply justify one’s act of engaging in this kind of endeavor.

 What is software piracy in the first place? Why is it wrong?  Software piracy can be of any forms: End-user Piracy, Internet Piracy and Software Counterfeiting.  End-user piracy occurs when an individual reproduces copies of software without authorization. This includes using one licensed copy to install a program on multiple computers, copying discs for installation or distribution, taking advantage of upgrade offers without having a legal copy of the version to be upgraded, acquiring academic or other restricted or non-retail software without a proper license, and the like.  Internet piracy on the other hand, occurs when software is downloaded from the Internet. The same purchasing rules apply to on-line software purchases as for those bought in compact disc format. Common Internet piracy techniques are websites that make software available for free download or in exchange for others, Internet auction sites that offer counterfeit or out-of-channel software and peer-to-peer networks that enable unauthorized transfer of copyrighted programs.  And the third form of software policy includes the illegal duplication, distribution and/or sale of copyrighted material with the intent of imitating the copyrighted product. In the case of packaged software, it is common to find counterfeit copies of the compact discs incorporating the software programs, as well as related packaging, manuals, license agreements, labels, registration cards and security features.

With the advancement of technological tools software piracy has increased worldwide.  It has brought a number of negative impacts.  For instance, software piracy hurts the economy because revenue is lost.  Second, the software industry is affected because limited numbers of jobs are available.  Lastly, consumers end up paying higher prices for software programs.

In order to mitigate software piracy, it is important to educate customers on the legal use of software licenses and to coordinate any anti-piracy efforts of the company.  Some of these include developing customer communications on the legal use of software licenses, working with individual customers to resolve licensing concerns, instituting software product activation and license compliance audits.  These and punitive measures imposed by the government are some of the possible ways to diminish software piracy.

Knowledge Management

It may be strange at first that towards my second year with my present employer, I am already preparing for the day I will leave for another opportunity.  I purchased a notebook and wrote down everything that my replacement should know.  Initially, my purpose was to give her a guide and make her training easier and faster.  In fact, when I was hired I did not have an nth month of training. The one I replaced immediately left the company.  However I managed to survive, thanks to my skills and knowledge.

Only in class did I come across with the concept of Knowledge Management.  Little did I know that I was already living the idea, I just have not labeled it that way.  There two types of knowledge – tacit and explicit.  Explicit knowledge includes things that you can easily pass on to someone else by teaching it or putting it into a database, a book or in my case a notebook.  On the other hand, tacit knowledge is less quantifiable; it is often learned by experience.  It’s the stuff that you know, but don’t necessarily know that you know. 🙂 For instance, during my first few months in the company, I noticed that my colleagues are preparing their forms manually, either typewritten or handwritten.  And since I am not used to it (I always get many errors when using a typewriter), I made a format using the available computer applications.  The effort is something simple, but nobody can do it almost perfect.  Another example is when we had a change in management, with the new branch head many became our clients.  Even the difficult ones, they wanted to deal only with him, like there is magic or charisma as we call it.

If only we can pass these things to those who will replace us in the future, the company will maintain the kind of service that our clients demand from us; I already made the first move through that notebook. Indeed, KM is really helpful. When someone joined the company, even if she was not there to replace me, she made use of it…and she greatly appreciated what I did.  She too made a notebook of her own, and brings it wherever branch she is assigned. Well one barrier for KM is that when the person having the knowledge is not ready to share what he possesses.  His knowledge is his core competence; it sets him apart from others so why share it?  Another is the difficulty to document tacit knowledge.  Some communication and information processes are very difficult to describe.

There is always truth in the saying Knowledge is Power, but Knowledge-sharing is Empowerment.  If knowledge is not shared it benefits one person the most, giving him an advantage and also the company where he performs his best.  But if knowledge is shared, it gives employees skills, resources, authority, opportunity, and motivation.  Also holding them responsible and accountable for outcomes of their actions.  For me, through that notebook, the next user will be able to take initiative and make decisions to solve problems and improve service and performance. KM should be in every company’s “notebook”. 🙂

As Easy as ABC

Running after a little boy as he was given the freedom to choose whatever toy he likes, I was bit amazed how fast he handed us a large box of Lego as if decision-making is as easy as his ABCs.  To a child the price did not matter but to the one who’s paying for it really counts a lot; hoping that the child would change his mind.  I was thinking that will never happen, knowing kids…they ought to get what they want or else, you know what will happen.  Though it was a challenge, we successfully lured the kid’s attention to a different item. Yes! Good choice my child, or should I say Tita.

We often face the same kind of situation every day, where we are presented with two alternatives or more, and have to choose among them.  This boy was fortunate that he has someone to help him make some decisions.  Decision-making is more complex in the real world.  It’s far difficult than just picking toys.  Unlike this kid, who or what would help us make good decisions?

Companies use Business Intelligence (BI) to improve decision-making.  Business Intelligence refers to a variety of software applications used to analyze an organization’s raw data.  It is made up of several related activities, including data mining, online analytical processing, querying and reporting.  Companies use BI to cut costs and identify new business opportunities. BI is more than just corporate reporting and more than a set of tools to coax data out of enterprise systems.

McDonalds is one of the companies which successfully utilized BI.  They use BI to make strategic decisions, such as what new dishes to add to or remove from their menus and which underperforming stores to close. They also use BI for tactical matters such as renegotiating contracts with suppliers and identifying opportunities to improve inefficient processes.  So how can a company encourage more effective use of business intelligence tools?

Human behavior would tell us that man is driven by some force to do what they do, something that would motivate them. Giving rewards is one way to encourage employees to utilize business intelligence applications in their day-to-day work.  Companies can also offer financial incentives for their cooperation with the BI project.  Punitive programs on the other hand, may limit the potential of employees and provides a gap between the management and the employees, making it difficult to gain support and cooperation for future projects.

In making decisions, our choices should always be backed-up with supporting data.  A child would not notice the help of others, but his decisions are always influenced by other people and experiences.  We too being mature enough we recognize the need for this tools – business intelligence software, to arrive at best possible solution.  Now we can make decisions as easy as ABC.

Shopping Online or Offline?

Few years back, when I called my aunt and told her how depressing my accounting exam was, she advised me to just go shopping. So I stepped in to the mall, first had a cup of coffee then go around for hours.  What I love to do when shopping is to look for beautiful clothes – dresses and blouses, also shoes and bags, really what a typical girl would want…in great numbers. 🙂

Somehow shopping became my stress buster, when you walk around you forget what you’ve been trying to fix or solve, you’ve been delighted by what you see, you’re okay again.

Few years later, online shopping became a fad.  You just have to login your details, scroll each page, select an item, and there you go ready for payment and delivery right in front of your door step.  So easy, you can do it even with your just-woke-up look.  Is that convenient?

Online retail sales consistently outgrow traditional ones because of two good reasons. One is that online shopping is more convenient and the other, it’s typically much less expensive.  Gadgets like cameras and smartphones are usually cheaper online.  Used and new books are usually priced less like in Amazon.com than in big bookstores. Even shoes tend to be cheaper online now that most of the online shoe retailers offer free shipping.

Most are less expensive but not all.  Since convenience of ordering a product online and shipping it to your home comes at a cost.  Paying shipping and handling fees can wipe out any price advantage an online merchant might offer.

However one can still come up with good reasons to buy at a brick-and-mortar store.  So what are these things that you can buy online and what should be bought offline? Here are my lists.

Though I am not really an online-shopper, I already bought something using the internet. I always purchase my air ticket online (Cebu Pacific).  Whenever I receive email alert for a discount air fare, I always check their website and see if I can book a ticket for a future travel.  Before, I reserve my ticket early in the morning so that I can have the whole day to pay at payment centers.  Lately, it doesn’t really matter what time of day I book my ticket, even if it’s already in the middle of the night I can just pay thru a credit card.

I also tried buying at Sulit.com, I was looking for a hard case for my phone, it was not available in malls or any stores here in Iloilo.  (This phone did not make it in the Philippine market, I guess.)  So, it was my first online shopping effort.  I tried it since I badly needed the hard case and I think if it doesn’t succeed, I won’t lose much…let it be charged to experience.  Well up to now I’m still using this red hard case for a Samsung Omnia, my first remembrance for online shopping. So my second item would be something less expensive like accessories (gadget or fashion). 🙂

Another product you can easily buy without hesitation would be a book, print or electronic.  My aunt usually buys her books online, especially when it is just within the boundaries.  Since buying from other countries would add up to costs.

Clothes, shoes, and bags are some of the things I would think twice before buying online.  I really love trying the clothes and shoes on and see how they look on me.  I always take time deciding what to choose when I shop in malls.  I believe that when buying clothes aside from the look another important element is the feel, which I would not get with online shopping.

Aside from shopping, my other stress buster is travelling.  Work stresses me (and you), so I take trips within the country (thanks to promo fare).  Preparing my itinerary would include looking for a hotel to stay in.  Since I am a stranger to the place, I usually search the internet.  I look in to hotels’ official website and use the reviews of other people as basis.  Hotels too, have online reservation so booking would not be a problem.  However, I double check – before confirming my reservation, I try to contact any person from the hotel and asks questions. Sometimes the pictures and reviews are not totally accurate, and would somehow disappoint you when you already get in to the place. So hotels/ resorts would be included in the list of the things I would think twice before buying online.

Despite the convenience brought about online shopping there are still products that are best bought in physical stores such as heavy furniture and fixtures and groceries.  Online stores offering amazing deal on furniture and fixtures may not be so great after you add shipping to the equation. Sometimes these stores charge low prices but sneak in outrageous shipping fees, hoping you won’t notice as you click through the sale.  Purchasing groceries online may not be popular in the Philippines at present, but it would be best to buy straight from stores where you can still bargain for lower price especially in wet markets.  Included in the list is purchasing a car. Definitely not be bought online, cost and internal issues aren’t the only concerns. When spending large amount on anything, wouldn’t you rather see it up close and personal? For automobiles specifically, test-driving is unavailable when buying via an eCommerce platform.

Currently there are many products offered online. But for some reason or another there are things better bought offline than online.

Outsourcing IT Security

Outsourcing has become a major trend in business today; in fact both small and large companies often choose to outsource one or more of their functions.  Outsourcing means handing over control to another company which can do the job better at a lower cost.  There are numerous functions that an organization can outsource, such as human resource, customer service and information technology.

Though many resort to outsourcing, one must carefully weigh the benefits and risks of outsourcing their IT services.  Companies should also take measures to attenuate these associated risks.  Some of the benefits and risks are presented below.

BENEFITS Save Money – IT services make up the fixed costs for companies that do not outsource.  Companies that choose to outsource convert those expenses from fixed to variable, thus freeing up capital for use in other areas. Control Expenses – Outsourcing gives a company a competitive advantage in terms of pricing their goods and services.  Outsourcing IT services to a company that specializes in business networks and support alleviates some expenses which are transferred to customers (added to cost of goods/services). Focus on Core Operations – Outsourcing IT services allows managers to concentrate on core goals and objectives. IT Resources Near Those of Big Businesses – Outsourcing creates an advantage to small businesses which do not have the budget or resources necessary to implement IT systems and services.

RISKS Dubious Accessibility – Businesses that rely on an outside service may experience downtime during critical system failures, leading to potential loss of productivity.  It may take days before an IT contractor can give attention to the problem and resolve the issue. This may leave workers idle and cause losses in revenue. Loss of Personal Touch – In-house network administrators are more efficient, quick and personal in delivering results since they have become familiar with the characteristics of the system and he knows better what is good or aligned with the objectives of the company. Substandard Security Protocols – When considering outsourcing IT, one must ensure that the third party employs security as robust as their own.  Especially when dealing with a foreign company, make sure that their country has policies protecting intellectual property or other private data to avoid risks whenever breach of security happens.

With the above-mentioned risk, I can say that outsourcing is not for everybody. Outsourcing is not advised for governance-related security functions, but for operations-related security function such as application security, identity and access management.  Organizations should not outsource its key processes in IT.

If you’ll still continue to outsource your IT security you may want to take note of the following things you should include in your agreement. 🙂

• The agreement should state that you will own the rights to any Intellectual Property (IP) that the third-party service provider creates during the term of the relationship.  So that you’ll be able to take the IP to a new service-provider whenever the contract has been terminated.
• Should also specify how the outsourcing company will guard and protect your IP; who will access it and under what circumstances. The company cannot simply erase any data no longer needed; this should be included in the agreement.
• In offshore-outsourcing, you should require the outsourcer to register your copyrights and trademarks at the appropriate government agencies in those countries.

Other than cost, managers should always consider company’s security whenever letting other company do the job.  You can trust, but always verify.

IT & Me

Indeed, patience is a virtue…during these last days of 2013 you will observe and experience long lines everywhere – in a restaurant, grocery/department stores, and even on the road where you’re caught in a heavy traffic.  Probably this was one of the reasons why someone tried to invent something that will improve our daily lives.  Our impatience (and other unlikely attributes) fueled our imagination.  As for me, waiting has given me the opportunity to begin this topic. 🙂

Computers, tablets, smart phones, internet, Wi-Fi, storage devices, computer software and hardware, and a lot more help make our work easier.  Collectively, we can use the term information technology (IT) to refer to all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange, and use information in its various forms like business data, voice conversations, still images, motion pictures, and multimedia presentations.

IT, undeniably has great impact on the lives of most people.  While waiting for our food to be served, I have noticed that most of these people around have at least a gadget with them (some even have them on the table…together with their food 😦 ).  People use their smart phones and tablets to take pictures, post and share them on social media. I, too somehow are like them…just this moment.  In fact, I am not used to this thing, I seldom post on Facebook, I only view my friends’ posts and my relatives’ status updates and pictures, since most of them are now living in distant places.

I find IT useful especially in communication. Applications like Skype and Viber bring our family closer.  But I admit there are some negative impacts brought about by social media with regards to connecting people.  Staying too long online lessens our time to interact with our love ones who are with us.  We seldom tell them how our day was personally since you’ve already updated your status…it seems the whole world was the first to know about your problem before your parents or siblings could.  Let us keep in mind that we are using technology to improve our lives, have more time spent on our family, not become too dependent on these and take for granted relationships.

IT also provides us with convenience – everything is online, like shopping and banking. We even have “online library”.  My job requires IT, we use computer systems to encode, store and retrieve clients’ information and their transactions with us. Imagine how banking would be without the introduction of technology.  Probably, we will still be using typewriters to update someone’s passbook and have them in 3 copies or so for backup.  However, these solutions too, pose threats to our security.  Information theft and job security may be an issue.

It is an ongoing debate whether IT really improves our lives or has it totally changes us by becoming too dependent on it.  Let’s not always rush, let us try to be patient…live & enjoy life.  Take it slow…appreciate more. God bless. 🙂