Operating Systems :: essays research papers

Retail system management can be an exhausting and daunting task. However, successfully evaluating the efficiency of an organizations in operation(p) system is requisite to ensure a smooth and efficient direct(a) stance for any venturing company. In this example, I will discuss the evaluation of RadioShacks current operating systemWindows 98.It seems unbelievable to imagine a company with a reputation for embracing technology to be found running archaic operating systems give care Windows 98, but it is true. An e-commerce relic operates Radioshacks entire point-of-sale and backroom functions. However, if you take into consideration the size of Radioshacks organization numbering over 8000 farm animals, it becomes clear as to their motives. An operating system upgrade would be expensive, time-consuming, and risky. In spite of any potential put ons gained, RadioShack has opted to not fix what is not broke.RadioShack, as menti singled previously, utilizes Microsoft Windows 98 on al l store terminals. Consequently, there are a myriad of applications necessary to maintain store accounting, enumeration, and appearance. These applications include an internally developed program call Tag Wizard, an inventory cover program, an enterprise solution named ACRWin and RadioShack Online. All of these components are essential to contributing and maintaining the stores profitability. One element in the decision to not upgrade operating systems is the potential incompatibility of these programs with a newer system. Even one hour of downtime nationwide incurred by such an upgrade could potentially cripple RadioShacks profitability. Despite this risky conclusion, RadioShack could benefit from the investment of newer technology in a variety of ways. First, a newer operating system can deliver better glide slope to input and output devices. With barcode scanners, inventory guns, computer demonstrators, and order processes all running as separate entities, a system such as Win dows 2000 could integrate the entire package. The days of using one terminal to enter a customer sale, and yet another to create merchandise tags and still yet another to reconcile inventory could be over.Secondly, an advance in controlled access to files is needed and a new operating system could deliver this function. Currently, when a RadioShack user logs in to an ACRWin terminal, they have free and complete access to all information. Windows 98 and ACRWins inability to mesh with each other allows a user to create the same transaction as a manager. This creates an out of the question problem. There is little security provided from an unruly employee.Lastly, RadioShacks current operating system lacks adequate error detection and response.