Networking

What type of network do they have?

The type of network Wal-Mart usesA quick definition explains wireless networks, Walmart uses (LAN) a local area network, is basically the linking of two or more computers without using any form of wires, it’s the same as a LAN but with a wireless interface. WLAN uses spread-spectrum technology through radio waves to facilitate communication among devices in some partial areas which are also known to be the basic service set. This allows users the flexibility to move along a broad coverage area while still being connecting to the network. Through a reasonable low cost Walmart stores are able to operate connections between nearby stores and between employers on the floor. Proponents of wireless networks have given the benefits an acronym. CAMP means convenience, affordability, mobility and productivity.

Wal*Mart's Interface, Media, Communication Software, and Connection Devices

Kinds of interface used by Wal*Mart
Both commercial and personal computers can use two different types of network interfaces. For personal use computers the network interface is an expansion card. With larger companies such as Wal-Mart they have commercial based computers which need to use an Ethernet card which also happens to be the most common type of network card out there. The Ethernet card runs to a switch or hub, which makes it able to uses cables with different writings.

Kind of media used by Wal*Mart
Wal-Mart must have communications media such as radio waves or cables which connect to the network hardware device. All of the information is transported through the communications media, through the network and between the computers by connecting the devices. The actual communications media are like paths or channels, in the network to which all of the information travels through. The communications can only be transmitted through a wired connection or wirelessly. The wired communications media sends all of the information through a closed connected path. The wireless communications media on the other hand are transmitted through the air.

Kind of communications software used by Wal*Mart

Wal-Mart stores use communications media such as cables throughout their stores to be able to transmit the information and radio waves which connect to the network hardware devices. The communications media send the information through the network and between all of the computers to the devices they are connected to. Every computer must also have the required software to support the information being moved in and out of the computers. This can be done through software, a modem, or the network’s operating system.

The type of connecting devices or components that are used
Any network will usually have at least one device connecting it such as a switch, hub, or a router that can tie all of the computers on the network together to pass all of the information to the desired location. The system Wal-Mart uses are connected by Novell LAN which also provide production services for Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart has also taken advantage of compatibility between Windows and Linux.

What types of application software is used (sold), what brands?

The types of application software and brands sold by Wal-MartThe different types of application software sold by Wal-Mart are, MS Operating Systems, MS Office, MS Security, Turbo Business Finance and Tax Software, Norton Antivirus and Norton Security Software, McAfee Antivirus, Bit Defender Antivirus, Trend Micro Antivirus, AVG Internet Security, Norton Ghost and Kaspersky Internet Security.

Is Linux used?

Wal-Mart used to sell Linux, but because of low customer sales for the open source operating software they have discontinued its use.

What types of system software is used(sold)

The types of system software is used by Wal-MartThe software used by Wal-Mart is ERP; this software helps management and staff to combine all aspects of the business into one system, which helps with effectively using Supply Chain Management. ERP brings all the company and management functions together, these would include, accounting, human resources, and customer relationship management amongst others.

Hardware

4. What are some hardware categories sold by Wal*Mart?

Hardware is physical devices that make up a computer.

The type of hardware Wal*Mart sells starts from:

• Laptops from 14” & smaller and up to 17” & larger
• Touch Laptops
• Desktop PC with 21.5” widescreen Monitor
• LCD Monitor (smaller or larger)
• All-in-One desktop (Processor, Memory & hardrive, webcam, card reader, Wi-Fi)
• Touch desktop
• Printer:

• 1. Wireless printers
• 2. All-in-One Printers

a. Inkjet printer

b. Copier

c. Scanner

d. fax

• Ink & Toner
• Networking:
• 1. Access Points, Hubs & Switches
• 2. Modems
• 3. Routers
• 4. USB Network Adapters
• 5. Network Attached Storage

Who is responsible for the hardware and software?
Bobby Galea
Manager, Windows Engineering & Operations
Walmart.com
(Public Company; WMT; Retail industry)
April 2009 — Present (1 year 8 months)
Galea is responsible for leading multiple teams of exempt and non-exempt analysts and engineers, based domestic and overseas, in the support and engineering of the office and production infrastructure environments. This includes responsibility for environment performance, stability, and security – including architecting, implementing and maintaining office infrastructure systems, and systems that support the Walmart.com website. Maintained responsibility for the Help Desk area, in addition to responsibilities for managing the delivery of engineering and support for email, backup, Windows, file share and virtual infrastructures, security infrastructure and administration, thin technologies and applications, Telepresence, IP telephony and voicemail infrastructure. Bobby is also responsible for managing relationships with executives, associates, direct reports, peers and vendors. He is responsible for purchasing and managing multi-million budgets for organization exceeding 2000 associates. Galea is responsible for providing on-call support after hours and weekends for issues impacting the office infrastructure and Walmart.com website.