IT Observations and Insights

There are lots of reasons to keep your software up to date. Here are some that I consider when I am updating software.

1. Updated software generally includes patches for security problems. Even if there are no new features that you require, you can benefit from these security patches.  Reputable vendors clearly identify the content of their patches so that you can see what is included.
2. Newer software has newer features and functions, some of which you may want.  Sometimes the features are not new capabilities. For example, an application may have better compression, more transfer options, better user interface, better integration with other applications, etc. So, while it may not do more, it does what it does better.
3. Older software may be no longer maintained by the vendor leaving you open to vulnerabilities. Check your maintenance contracts if this is paid software. This can be a compliance issue if you're in an industry or country where this matters.
4. Skipping versions c…

Information System Classification Scheme Definitions
First, let us define that there are only 3 basic types of information systems. They are all high value but for different reasons.

Type I systems take a large amount of data, and turn it into a small amount of data.



Examples:  Business intelligence, reporting, analytics, data warehousing.

Characteristics: high I/O, high storage, low compute

These are systems which collect information, often from other information systems, and perform statistical and analytical computation to produce refined information for decision-making.

Type II systems take a small amount of data, and turn it into a large amount of data.

Examples: Simulation, Computer programming, Rules-based systems,

Characteristics: low I/O, high compute

These are systems that take a small amount of effort or information and transform them into a large amount of information.

Type III systems take some amount of data and turn it into the same amount of data.


Example: Business Proces…