tages to the firm of this shifting in information systems (IS) platforms?
2. What might be the advantages of not changing the
IS platforms?
b. When firms downsize their IS platforms, they often move to local-area networks (LANs) linked to wide-area networks (WANs). One popular approach to a network is the client/server computing model.
1. Define and .list the basic components of each of
the following terms:
• LAN
• WAN
2. Give an example of client/server computing.
3. What are the attributes likely to make an
application a good candidate for client/server
computing?
c. How does the changing of the IS platforms, and in particular, client/server computing, change how accoun-
tants and financial managers perform their functions in large business firms?
(CMA adapted)
3-5. Tulsa-based clothing retailer McCormack Depart-
ment Stores, Inc. uses a ring LAN for purchasing and re-
ceiving applications and a bus LAN for billing and sales
applications. The specific configuration for each LAN is
shown below. However, not all documents flowing into
and out of the system, represented by arrows, are iden-
tified.
Required
a. Complete the documents flow
a mainframe computer system. Recently, top manage-
ment made a decision to move the accounting applica-
tions to a client/server.computing environment. One of
the first steps in the project will be to link the stand-
alone microcomputers throughout the company into a
number of local-area networks. Jim is the Accounting
Department's representative on the computer steering
committee that is developing and implementing the new
system.
Required
a. Describe the features of client/server computing as
they would affect Eastman Company.
b. Identify and explain how Eastman Company's move to client/server computing can improve the accounting information system.
c. Identify and explain several of the risks to Eastman
Company of downsizing the accounting applications to
a local-area network-based client/server architecture.
3-7. There are distinct advantages to using different
types of computer systems that meet the various pro-
cessing needs of the users. Although many companies
are installing microcomputers, mainframe computers
continue to provide certain advantages that the smaller
systems cannot match. In recent years, several billions
of dollars have been invested in used computer systems,
primarily mainframes. Also, manufacturers are moving
ahead by introducing smaller mainframes that use par-
allel processing technology, linking microcomputers
into a powerful coordinated whole.
. Required
Hint: Refer to
Appendix 3.2 and
Figure A3.2-1 on the
accompanying CD-ROM,
and to appropriate sections
of the expenditure and
revenue cycles chapters. A
review of these materials
should enable you to
complete the document flows
and should help sou derive a
satisfactory solution for this
problem.
in figure a.
b. Based on the completed figure a, explain how McCormack De-
partment Stores can use the ring LAN for processing its purchasing and receiving applications.
c. What are the disadvantages, if any, of using a ring LAN to
process purchasing and receiving applications?
d. Complete the documents lfow in figure b.
a. Identify
1. the advantages of mainframe computer systems.
2. the disadvantages of mainframe computer
systems.
b. Identify
I. advantages of microcomputers.
2. disadvantages that have been encountered with
microcomputer- systems.
c. Identify factors and/or actions that have been taken
to prolong the lives of mainframe computer systems.
d. Identify the reasons why companies may not want
e. Based on the completed figure b, explain how McCormack Department Stores can use the bus LAN for processing its billing and sales applications.
f. What are the disadvantages, if any, of using a ring LAN to process billing and sales applications?
3-6. Jim Mitchell is the assistant controller employed by
Eastman Company, a large publishing firm. The com-
pany presently processes all accounting applications on
to retire their mainframe computer systems..
3-8. For each of the following situations, describe desir-
able networks or combined networks. Identify the types of networks by name, and describe the characteristics of the data base where pertinent.
a. A nationwide brokerage firm, headquartered in New
York City, has offices in most cities. In addition to pro-
viding prompt stock market information to its represen-