Abstract
This short paper argues that the internet has improved our lives and changed things for the better. The author includes numerous examples to back up his argument.

From the Paper
"The Internet is just one of many technological innovations which have changed our lives in the last decade, yet it is by far one of the greatest. In a relatively insignificant amount of time, this simple concept has revolutionized the way we go about our lives from our use of computers, to the print media industry, to significantly affecting the workings of both large and small businesses. Pick up any magazine, newspaper, listen to the radio or watch TV and you can't help but notice the massive influence it has already had on our lives. It will also be a major force in determining our future. The question therefore has to be asked, has the "Dot-Com Revolution" changed our society for the better, or worse?"

Tags:communications, controversy, electronic, email, net, online, social, society, web, websites, www

Abstract
This paper investigates the role of formal methods (such as Z, Object-Z, VDM, B) within the software process and compares these to less formal methods such as natural language specifications and semi-formal methods like UML/Fusion. The complexities of formal methods are weighed against the software quality benefits often achieved through their use. Overall cost-effectiveness of both methods are discussed, as well as situations where formal methods may not be required (non-critical applications, rapid prototyping).

From the Paper
"While it is clear that both formal and informal methods have their own inherent benefits and shortfalls, it seems as though formal methods are the best option if software quality and overall cost-effectiveness are to be maximized. With increased tool support and method standardization, barring personal preference, there are few reasons why a formal approach should not be implemented. Increased acceptance of formal methods would most likely lead to higher quality software due to the more complete and precise specification that mathematical notations allow. While the initial costs experienced in the early stages of the development process may be high, these become less important as the benefits trickle their way through the software development process."

Tags:automated, design, development, formal, method, object, requirement, specification, testing, vdm, verification, vienna

Abstract
This paper analyzes the current PEAS (packaged enterprise application systems) marketplace. It focuses on the four biggest enterprise applications companies; SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft and JDEdwards. The paper begins with an analysis of each company, discussing their product offerings as well as individual strengths and weakness. It also discusses how the mergers between PeopleSoft and JDE and the potential merger between Oracle, PeopleSoft and JDE will impact the PEAS marketplace, and more specifically, which merger has the better potential to compete with SAP.

From the Paper
"During the past few months, three of the major players in the PEAS marketplace have been involved in some intriguing merger and acquisition battles. On June 2nd, PeopleSoft announced a takeover bid for JDE. Soon after, Oracle, in an effort to stop and/or delay such a merger, announced a hostile takeover bid for PeopleSoft. Since then PeopleSoft had announced its completion of the acquisition (PeopleSoft 2003). Oracle, in response, boosted its hostile takeover bid of PeopleSoft's shares to approximately US$7.3billion. But both PeopleSoft and JDE are vehemently opposed to Oracle's offer, which they view as anti-competitive and will "dramatically undervalue the Company" (PeopleSoft 2003). Meanwhile, SAP, the biggest company in the PEAS marketplace, looks on, and launches a marketing campaign to capture both PeopleSoft and JDE customers who may be hesitant about buying software from companies in the midst of mergers and acquisitions (Vetich 2003:16). Although SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft and JDE are all competing against each other in the PEAS marketplace, all four specializes in different areas of the market."

Tags:peas, merger, product

Abstract
This paper discusses the differences between relational and object databases and the issues in storing objects in relational databases systems.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Relational Databases
3. Object-Orientated Databases
4. Development and Design Issues
5. Security
6. Performance
7. Storing Objects in Relational Databases
8. Summary
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Since their inception, relational database management systems have been the most widely used database management systems today. Relational databases are favored in manipulating large amounts of data. The strong development of object-orientated programming languages has led to the emergence of object-oriented databases. Relational database models currently fail to satisfy the need of storing complex data types such as multimedia and CAD/CAM. Object oriented databases were designed to support these new trends in application development."

Tags:performance, storage

Abstract
The paper addresses the effects of the Internet on the elements of community, identity and social contact. The paper uses a variety of studies and empirical data and applies utopian, dystopian and supplementary views to this examination. The paper concludes that the Internet can be perceived as positively influencing the dramatically changing nature of social interaction in contemporary society.

From the Paper
"The Internet refers to a diverse collection of technologies that consists of programs such as the World Wide Web, E-mail, and Instant Messaging (Livingston 2005, p. 10). Unlike traditional media, such as television and newspapers, the Internet allows for synchronous communication, in which users are engaged in a two-way flow. In examining the effect of the Internet on social interaction the utopian, dystopian and supplementary views all offer different interpretations. Whilst the utopian view sees the Internet as positively transforming the method of interaction in society, the dystopian view argues that the Internet has in fact had negative effects on social interaction. Whilst the utopian and dystopian views both privilege the Internet by seeing it as drastically changing how people interact offline, the supplementary argument gives the Internet less of a central role in its effects on social interaction in contemporary society."

Tags:utopian, dystopian, supplementary, views, communication, community, identity

Abstract
It presents a case study to discuss the success of the DoubleClicks business, its business model, competitors, alliances, technologies and recommendations for the future.

Introduction
Business Model
Technologies
Competitors
Privacy
Local Presence
SWOT Analysis
5 Force Analysis
Recommendations
Summary
Bibliography

From the Paper
"DoubleClick was founded in 1996 and is the leading provider of tools for advertisers, direct marketers and web publishers to plan, execute and analyse their marketing programs (Rappa, 2003). Based in New York City, DoubleClick operates in 21 countries around the world. DoubleClick's second quarter revenue for 2003 was $US63.6 million and currently employ 1,082 people. Last year, DoubleClick produced more than $US300 million in annual sales (DoubleClick, 2003). This case study will examine some of the key factors in DoubleClicks business."

Tags:revenue, future, model, technology

Abstract
This case study discusses the failure of Boo.com, its business model, competitors, alliances, technologies and recommendations.
Introduction
Business Model
Technologies
Competitors
Acquisitions and Alliances
Advertising
SWOT Analysis
5 Force Analysis
Recommendations
Summary
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Boo were probably one of the most publicised victims of the Dot.com crash. Boo's concept was to sell top fashion clothing over the Internet at retail price with the aim of creating a global brand. Boo launched in November 1999 and on May 17 2000 Boo had gone out of business. In six short months, Boo had spent $US135 million dollars. Boo has since been purchased by fashionmall.com Inc. in New York, which bought the boo.com domain name, trademarks and other assets. Boo.com has since reopened under the fashionmall.com banner. This case study will examine some of the key factors in Boo's failures."

Tags:swot, market, crash, dotcom

Abstract
This paper looks at how Google has revolutionized the search engine market around the world. It presents a case study to discuss the success of the Google phenomenon, its business model, competitors, alliances, technologies and recommendations for the future.

Introduction
Business Model
Technologies
Competitors
Acquisitions and Alliances
Customer Protection
SWOT Analysis
5 Force Analysis
Recommendations
Summary
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Google, named after the mathematical term googol (one followed by 100 zeros), began in 1998 after two Ph. D. students from Stanford University, Larry Page and Sergey Brit, decided to merge their graduate projects together on search technology. When the search engine was first developed, 10,000 students and professors at Stanford University started using it regularly. Larry Page and Sergey Brit knew they were onto a winner product. Google will be celebrating its fifth anniversary on September 7 and currently handles 200 million search requests per day (Graham, 2003). Analysts estimate revenues from $940 million to $1.25 billion this year from advertising and licensing fees (Graham, 2003). This case study will examine some of the key factors in Google's business."

Tags:search, engine, technology

Abstract
A paper discussing the issues surrounding health hazards caused by computer use. The author looks at individual as well as institutional protective measures with special reference to avoiding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

From the Paper
"Within the past two years, substantial media attention has been directed at potential adverse health effects of long-term computer use. Renewed concerns about radiation, combined with reports of newly recognized "repetitive stress injuries" such as carpal tunnel syndrome, have led some to call for regulation in the workplace and others to rearrange their offices and computer labs. There is little evidence that computer use is on the decline, however. On the contrary, more people are spending more time doing more tasks with computers -- and faculty, students and staff at colleges and universities have some of the most computer-intensive work styles in the world."

Tags:medicine, pc

Abstract
This paper looks at how online auctions are among the most popular e-commerce destinations on the Web and how eBay in particular has revolutionized the online auction market around the world. It presents a case study to discuss the success of the eBay phenomenon, its business model, competitors, alliances, technologies and recommendations for the future.

Outline
Introduction
Business Model
Technologies
Competitors
Acquisitions and Alliances
Customer Protection
SWOT Analysis
Porters Force Analysis
Recommendations
Summary
Bibliography

From the Paper
"eBay makes the majority of its money by taking a small percentage of each transaction, which is a maximum of 8% of the total value (eBay, 2003). eBay has two main mechanisms for charging fees a listing fee which is paid regardless of whether or not the item is sold and a sale fee which depends on the final sale price. For buyers it's an attractive market place, with no fees charged for browsing or purchasing any goods. The eBay auction site is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."

Tags:auction, commerce, electronic, internat