Journal of Systems and Information Technology

Standing, C; Standing, S; Vasudavan, T

2004 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287260480000778

The online purchase of travel related products has become an important sector to researchers to study the business success of the Internet. Early indications suggested that the Internet was likely to alter the travel industry from a structural perspective leading to a more consumer responsive environment. In this paper we examine the online travel market and determine where the benefits have been for consumers and where problems still exist. We use theories related to market mechanisms to help assess the impact of the Internet on the travel industry.

Talukder, Asoke K; Das, Debabrata

2004 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287260480000779

Viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spywares have been effective for quite sometime in the domain of digital computers. These malicious software cause millions of dollars of loss in assets, revenue, opportunity, cleanup cost, and lost productivity. To stop virus attacks, organizations frame up different security policies. These policies work only within the limited domain of the organizations network. However, the emergence of wireless technologies, and the seamless mobility features of the wireless devices from one network to the other have created a challenge to uphold the security policies of a particular network. Hence, in this digital society, while mobile devices roam in foreign networks, they get infected through viruses in the foreign network. Antivirus software is not so effective for novel viruses. There have been no reports of mobilephone viruses in the wild as yet. However, with the emergence of execution environments on mobile phones, it will be possible to write viruses and worms for mobile devices in cellular networks. We should be prepared to fight against viruses in the cellular networks. All the technologies available to fight against viruses are specific to virus signatures. We propose that this fight needs to be multilayered. In this paper the authors have proposed a novel philosophy in cellular network called Artificial Hygiene AH, which is virus neutral and will work at the class level. With this process a device and the network will take the necessary steps to keep the digital environment safe.

Standing, S.; Vasudavan, T.

2004 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287260480000780

Many academics are being asked to develop virtual learning environments as part of their workload. It could be suggested that they are illprepared to do so and hence are opening themselves up to criticism from students. This paper examines the concept of service quality which is used in the business world and explores its relevance for assessing online learning environments. A framework of issues is presented to highlight issues and provide suggestions for improving the perception of service quality. The intangibility of the service and the service delivery channel create obstacles in the design and support of virtual learning environments. However, if instructors clearly define the service they are offering, effectively manage student expectations and use a range of methods to improve service quality they can go a long way in delivering service quality in their courses.

Vigneswara Ilavarasan, P.

2004 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287260480000781

Despite extensive investigation of the Indian software industry, knowledge about small software firms is inadequate. This knowledge is important as many developing countries are contemplating the software industry as a means of national growth along the lines that India has taken. This paper provides a descriptive analysis of small software firms in India. It shows that small software firms that are located in software clusters quality certified low product oriented and slightly larger tend to be more productive than others. Small software firms are defined as firms that have fewer software employees than the national median size. The paper used firm level data available in the Indian IT Software and Services Directory 2003, whose members contribute 95 of the industry revenue.