TECHNOLOGY

What is Technology? It is the application of resources to design, produce, and use products and services that extend human potential to improve and control the natural and human made environment.

Starbucks Files and Database

A file is a set of related record. Some of the files uses by Starbucks include order file, customer file, product file, employee file and claim file . The main fuction of these files is to provide information and knowledge to Starbucks regarding employee, supplier and customers.

(Files storage before technology)

At Starbucks files are stores in database which are application that can store and retrieve data rapidly. Starbucks uses a relational database which mean all data are stores in table, they use the DBMS (Database Management System), which is a computer software program that help Starbucks organize, retrieve, search and change information within a database. Starbucks has built a 10TB data warehouse that support 20,000 users and is used daily by close to 8,000 Starbucks stores to manage inventory, staffing, employee, order, and more. This is base on Oracle database, Oracle real application clusters, oracle automatic storage management and oracle business intelligence solutions. It has helped Starbucks identify and retain customers understand their buying patterns which is an example of predictive data mining, and enhance their loyalty to Starbucks through the Starbucks Reward Card Program. The database administrators are responsible for the database, they design, implement and maintain database and manage database development projects.
(Files storage with Technology)
Managers get reports through database server application running locally or networked on their PC. Data warehouse is a collection of data from a variety of sources, organized to provide useful guidance to Starbucks's decision makers, it is generated by query and reporting tools. Data mart is a miniatures of data warehouse, in other words it is just one segment of the data warehouse. Starbucks use data marts to provide and gather information from specific department, example sales department, the inventory and shipping department. Starbucks uses statistical tools like Microsoft excel and Microsoft access for data mining, which is a process of comparing large amount of data in order to find patterns. The database administrators are also responsible for the data mining, and they received feedback from managers on different departments.

Starbucks use the highest tech database technology and E Business intelligence, which includes things like online analytical processing (OLAP), which is part of the broader category of business intelligence and help to answer quickly multi dimensional analystical queries. Starbucks use RiskIntelligence software which is a good way for them to control claims. OLAP and data mining tools are complementary analysis technologies. OLAP tools let Starbucks view data from many different angles. Manager can twist and run the data in order to discern trends or patterns. That's where data mining comes in, helping reveal correlations and relationships between data that are otherwise not obvious. Starbucks' executives for example look at their claims data to see whether there were more falls from spills in stores with a specific foot traffic pattern. Starbucks uses many different floor designs, in its North American retail locations.

The executives might further drill down to find out that accidents were more frequent at certain times of day. Software as RiskIntelligence can reveal that information. This could result in decisions that would help minimize the risks of claims more effectively.

Hardware

What is a hardware? is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications, and other devices. Hardware fall into six categories: Input device, ouput device, storage device, central processing unit, telecommunications device and finally connecting devices.

Input Device

As a input device which are tool use to enter information and commands Starbucks uses bar code reader to enter payment information from IPod and IPhone and uses scanner to enter credit card payment information from customers.

Output Device

Output devise in the other hand are the tool use to see hear or recognize the results of the information that was processed. Some examples at Starbucks will be register's receipt printer, speakers, and monitors.

Storage Device

Storage devise is a tool that store information for uase at a later time. At Starbucks information is store on the hard disk of the computer also on flash memory card, USB drive, DVD, and CDs.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the hardware that interprets and executes the system and application instructions,

and also coordinate the operations of all hardware. In other word the CPU is more like the brain of the hardware, without a CPU a hardware won't be able to function properly. All computers at Starbucks has a CPU, in case the CPU is not working then it will be check and if necessary replace by the IT department.

Telecommunication Device

A telecommunication devise is a tool use to send and receive information from all its customers through telcommunications devices as DSL Modem which are wireless Lan Modem that connect computers to the internet. They also use routers that send data between computers in a network, and telephones as telecommunication devices.

Connecting Devices

Connecting devices are tools that allow hardware to communication each other. For example if an employee at Starbucks wants to connect the printer or a telephone to the CPU they will use the USB port, also the cables that are use are connecting devices.

Computer and Software

Starbucks selected the HP rp5000 computers to be use in all retail stores across North America and on its headquarter. They selected the rp5000 because it has features components that combine the functionality of popular proprietary systems with the low price and flexibility of PC-based POS systems. After becoming Starbucks preferred technology provider HP helped Starbucks to increase operational efficiencies. The IT department at Starbucks is responsible for the basis function of all hardware and software, this include maintenance and making sure all hardware and software work properly. But when it comes to decisions that will impact the whole company as buying a new software then the decisions are taking with the input from other departments.

A system software in simple word is a set of programs that act together to allow a computer and other programs to function. Starbucks is currently usin the Windows Server 2008 created by Microsoft. They selected this software because it has a built in web and virtualization technologies that enables Starbucks to increase the reliability and flexibility of their server infrastructure. Also it has tools as Server Manager and Windows PowerShell, web resources and security enhancements that help the company save time, reduce costs and provide a platform for a dynamic and optimize datacenter. They also uses the IPhone IOS Software which is an Apple's mobile operating system for card holder processing payment. Linux is an operating system that was initially created as a hobby by a young student, Linus Torvalds, at the University of Helsinki in Finland, it is becoming really common for big companies because they can save lot of money by using a open source software, but Starbucks is not using this software at the moment.
Application software or app, is computer software designed to help the user to perform a singular or multiple related specific tasks. Starbucks use the Mobile Car App from Apple for card holder customers to install on their IPhone or IPod, it allow customers to manage the fund they have in their account.
Starbucks also use application as Itunes from Apple in order to provide free music to its customers. They also use word processor and spreadsheets applications for daily operations from Microsoft.

Network

What is a network? it is a collection of computers and devices connected by communications channels that facilitates communication among users and allow users to share resources with other users.

Starbucks uses WLAN which is a wireless local area network that uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet. Starbucks uses AT&T US Wi-Fi Network which is the largest in the nation. Starbucks Coffehouses around the US and Canada offer free unlimited Wi-Fi internet wireless service to customers that have their own laptops, tablet computers, and mobile phones that have Wi-FI connections built in their devices, this same service is also for Starbucks employee or partners. Starbucks CEO Schultz also revealed plans for a new online customer experience called the Starbucks Digital Network, in a parnership with Yahoo, which will debut later this fall and will allow customers free unrestricted access to various paid sites and services such as wsj.com, exclusive content and previews, free downloads, local community news and activities, on their laptops, tablets or smart phones.

Network Interface

Starbucks HP rp500 computers have integrated network interface 10/100 NIC. which is a hardware device that handles an interface to a computer network and allows a network capable device to access that network, it is also call a Lan adpater as it allow computers to communicate over computer network.

Network Media

Network media is the actual path over with electrical signals travel over as it move from one component to another. Starbucks uses many kind of media both wired and wireless. Together with AT&T their Wi-Fi network provider they use optical fiber as a communication backbone which allow them to manage network traffic and internet connection. One advantage of optical fiber is that it can carry more information and faster than conventional cables.

(optical fiber cables)

At their headquarter Starbucks uses twisted pair cable to connect routers and servers, which is the cable most widely use for local area network. Starbucks Wi-Fi hotspot use microwave transmissions the advantage of using microwave transmissions is that a substantial amount of microwave bandwitdth is allocated, so high-speed data, video and multimedia can be supported.

Communication Software

Starbucks currently use Window 8 Server for its corporate headquarters its operating system with built in web and virtualization technologies, help Starbucks increase the reliability and flexibility of their server infrastructure as it offer better infrastructure security.

Components or Connecting Devices

Among the components or connecting devices that help build Starbucks network are routers, they use routers as access point which are basically the base stations for the wireless network. As wireless connections components they also use wifi which is the wireless type of communication used in the network. At their headquarter Starbucks also uses switch in order to plug the computers.

Speeds and Connecting Process

Each customer or employee at Starbucks log in to the Wi-Fi network with a unique identifier, so Starbucks won't only know where they are but also who they are. Computers with Wi-Fi network cards connect wirelessly to the wireless router. The router is connected to the Internet of a DSL modem. The Wi-Fi network provides data transmission at speeds of up to 11-54 MBPS. For additional instructions on how to use Wi-Fi network and what security measures go to the article Starbuck Wi-Fi user and security Guides under related links.

Voice over IP

Starbucks use Voice over IP. Which mean they do voice communication over IP network such as the Internet. Starbucks upper managers as well as many customers use Skype to communicate with people around the world. Skype is an application software that allow users to make voice calls over the Internet within the Skype service area for free.

Principles of Network Security

Starbucks strives to maintain appropriate physical, technical and administrative security with respect to its offices and information systems so as to prevent any loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, or modification of personal information. The first principle is confidentiality, Starbucks protects account information against unauthorized access or release, they will not provide any personal information to any third party unless legally required. The second and third principles, authenticity and integrity kind of goes together, to secure the authenticity of the page and secure the integrity of any information online, Starbucks encrypt the pipe through which personal information, such as credit card numbers is sent, using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology to ensure that the information is safe as it is sent over the Internet to their server. Customers can tell if they are using the Secure Socket Layer encryption when a gold or blue padlock appears in the corner of their Netscape or Microsoft browser.
SSL keeps others from seeing the personal information by scrambling it so that only their web browser, and the server of Starbucks web site, can decipher it. In addition, customer online password adds another layer of security to their profile. These measures make it very unlikely that a credit card information will be compromised online. Finally but not least the last principle which is availability, Starbucks website and online communities are always available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. At any time Starbucks can be contacted via emails or phone Mon-Fri (5AM-8PM PST). In case a website is unavailable Starbucks compromised itself to have it running back on 24 hours.

Domain Name

Starbucks domain is http://www.starbucks.com/
the power of the domain name lies in that it gives a website its own unique web address where it could be found at and associated with. The company IP or Internet Protocol is 12.129.19. An IP address is a numerical label that is assigned to devices participating in a computer network that uses the internet protocol for communication between its nodes.