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INTRODUCTION

An Enterprise refers to a large organization, e.g. a multinational

corporation, a university, or a government organization. Enterprise

Information Technology involves various interconnected networks that

employee host of different operating system, protocols, and network

architectures (Figure 14-1). Enterprises produce, process, and store large

volumes of information. This information flows between both inside and

outside of the enterprises. Customers, suppliers, and employees interact

with the enterprise in a variety of ways and computers track each

interaction. An enterprise generally consists of corporate headquarter,

remote offices, international offices, and many operating entities called

functional units (e.g. departments, centers, and division). Each functional

unit may have specialized requirement for its information systems. The

divisions and departments within

an enterprise use specialized hardware and software to perform their

respective functions.

The hardware/software resources and networks established by

various divisions/departments can be shared to become more effective.

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