Large Business Computer User

A large business has hundreds or thousands of employees or customers that work in or do business with offices across a region, the country, or the world. Each employee or customer who uses a computer in the large business is a large business user (Figure).
Many large companies use the words, enterprise computing, to refer to the huge net¬work of computers that meets their diverse computing needs. The network facilitates com¬munications among employees at all locations. Users access the network of servers or main¬frames through desktop computers, mobile computers, and mobile devices.
Large businesses use computers and the computer network to process high volumes of transactions in a single day. Although they may differ in size and in the products or ser¬vices offered, all generally use computers for basic business activities. For example, they bill millions of customers, prepare payroll for thou¬sands of employees, and manage thousands of items in inventory. Some large businesses use blogs to open communications among employees, customers, and/or vendors.

Large businesses typically have e-commerce Web sites, allowing customers and vendors to conduct business online. The Web site also showcases products, services, and other com¬pany information. Customers, vendors, and other interested parties can access this informa¬tion on the Web. Once an order is placed, com¬puters update inventory records to reflect The marketing department in a large business uses desktop publishing software to prepare marketing literature. The accounting department uses software for accounts receiv¬able, accounts payable, billing, general ledger, and payroll activities.
The employees in the information technology (FT) department keep the computers and the network running. They determine when the company requires new hardware or software.
Large business users work with word pro¬cessing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation graphics software. They also may use calendar programs to post their schedules on the net¬work. And, they might use smart phones or mobile devices to maintain contact information. E-mail programs and Web browsers enable communications among employees, vendors, and customers.
Some large businesses place kiosks in public locations. A kiosk is a freestanding computer, usually with a touch screen (Figure). Some kiosks provide information such as maps, while others are interactive, allowing users to place orders, search records, and print tickets.
Many employees of large businesses telecommute. Telecommuting is a work arrangement in which employees work away from a company's standard workplace and often communicate with the office through the computer. Employees who telecommute have flexible work schedules so that they can combine work and personal responsibilities, such as child care.