Hardware: George Brown
Hardware
consists of electronic components that input, process, output, and store data.
Common hardware components of computer systems include a central processing
unit (CPU), which is often referred to as the brain of the computer. Another
hardware component is the random-access memory (RAM), which stores data and
instructions that the CPU needs in real-time. The motherboard is the main
circuit board that connects and facilitates communication between hardware
components. Hardware that Bristol Myers Squibb uses to support its customer
service and recruiting processes include computers and laptops, which are
essential for responding to inquiries, managing databases, and conducting
interviews. Servers and networking equipment is also used for managing data and
communication within the organization. This includes databases storing customer
information and recruiting details. The company also uses telecommunication
systems as hardware such as phones used by customer service representatives.
Lastly, printers are used to print and scan documents related to customer
inquiries, resumes, and other recruitment-related materials. Bristol Myers
Squibb's hardware is fairly effective due to the company's regular maintenance
and staying ahead of advancements in hardware technology.
CPUs
CPUs are the central processing unit of a computer. The CPU reads and gathers information from other parts of the computer to complete a specific task. All tasks performed within a computer flow through the central processing unit. The CPUs used by BMS are the Intel core i7 processors.
The storage for the Dell XPS computers provided by BMS are
considered hybrid. The storage systems are a mix between a hard drive and a
solid-state drive. The hard drive consists of 1 terabyte of storage and the SSD
consists of 512 gigabytes of storage. Using a hybrid system can benefit users
by having both high speed performance and larger more cost effective storage.
Hard drives are a cheaper option that allow large amounts of data storage,
however, they tend to be slower in performance as the CPU needs to sort through
large amounts of information to find the necessary data to perform the
requested task. On the other hand, SSD drives can access information quicker.
Typically, operating systems and computer applications are stored on the SSD
drive for quick access, while all other data and saved files are stored on the
hard drives.
SSD Hard Drive
Software: Kiran Kaur
Software is a set of instructions, programs, or data that enables computers and other electronic devices to perform specific tasks. System software is responsible for managing the hardware components of a computer or device. System softwares can be operating systems (like Windows, macOS, Linux, device drivers, utility programs, and system tools. On the other hand, application software performs a specific service or a function, such as Microsoft Excel or Word.
There are two different types of application software: horizontal-market application software and vertical-market application software. Horizontal applications serve functions or needs that are shared across various industries or business types, while vertical applications are tailored to meet industry-specific needs. For example, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are horizontal applications because they can be used in any industry. Vertical applications are more specific like healthcare management software or banking software.
We are studying Bristol Myers Squibb’s use of Salesforce and LinkedIn, which are primarily web-based platforms that operate through internet browsers. Users can access both Salesforce and LinkedIn through operating systems including Windows, MacOS, or Linux. Primarily, the company uses Windows 7 and Windows 10 operating systems.
LinkedIn can be considered a horizontal application. It is a social networking platform designed for professional networking and career development. This platform offers a broad range of services that are not limited to a specific industry. LinkedIn's broad user base encompasses professionals from various industries, allowing BMS to access a wide talent pool. BMS is able to gain perspectives from professionals in other industries, providing innovative solutions within the pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, forming collaborations and partnerships with professionals from other sectors broadens the company’s market reach.
Salesforce can be considered a horizontal application, but it has aspects that can also be considered vertical. Salesforce is a CRM platform that offers a broad suite of cloud-based applications focused on sales, customer service, marketing analytics, and more. This can be used in a wide range of industries and businesses, making it a horizontal application. However, Salesforce can provide a range of CRM tools that are customized to the pharmaceutical sector. Salesforce offers capabilities for patient engagement, support, and management. This can involve tools for tracking patient data, managing patient relationships, and providing support throughout the patient journey, which is crucial in pharmaceuticals. Salesforce also provides tools to manage relationships with healthcare providers (HCPs), including tracking interactions, understanding their needs, and managing communication. These customized solutions from Salesforce are designed to meet the industry-specific needs of pharmaceutical companies, which can be considered a vertical application.
Open-Source Software: Caitlin Monaghan
In the dynamic realm of pharmaceuticals, where innovation and efficiency reign supreme, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) stands out for its strategic adoption of open-source software and web-based applications. By embracing these technologies, BMS has streamlined its IT operations, enhanced collaboration, and fostered a culture of innovation.
BMS has integrated open-source software into its IT infrastructure, recognizing its numerous advantages.Open-source software offers significant cost savings compared to proprietary alternatives, eliminating licensing fees and allowing for customization and modification (Melton, & Harmon, 2013). Moreover, the collaborative nature of open-source development fosters rapid bug fixes, continuous improvements, and a vast pool of expertise (Subramaniam, & Rajkumar Buyya, 2016).
BMS has embraced web-based applications, recognizing their platform independence and accessibility from any device with an internet connection. Web-based CRM systems facilitate seamless customer interaction management, while web-based ERP solutions streamline financial, operational, and supply chain processes (Mell, & Grance, 2011). Collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack promote effective communication,file sharing, and project management across the organization.
Alongside web-based applications, BMS utilizes native applications to harness the specific capabilities of different platforms. Specialized native software for molecular modeling, drug design, and clinical trial data analysis empowers researchers and scientists. Native MES software optimizes manufacturing processes,while medical imaging software facilitates in-depth analysis of medical scans and diagnostic data.
BMS's strategic approach to technology, encompassing open-source software and web-based applications, exemplifies their commitment to innovation and efficiency. By leveraging these technologies, BMS has streamlined operations, enhanced collaboration, and fostered a culture of innovation, positioning itself as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry.
New Technologies: Nick Francisco
In light of recent concepts that have been on the rise over the last few years, the obvious new technology that is becoming utilized by many companies including Bristol Myers Squibb, is artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is designed as a tool to use computers and machine learning to perform and learn from human-based tasks. AI can be implemented to accomplish tasks that are tedious, monotonous, and ultimately time consuming. Some other new types of technologies include digital reality devices, blockchain, and 3D printing. Digital reality devices can be used for virtual simulations or training healthcare professionals. Blockchain technology is a system used to record cryptocurrency transactions. 3D printing is a new technology that could be used in pharmaceuticals to produce personalized medicine or prototypes for research purposes. Additionally, IoT devices could be employed for real-time monitoring of medications during transport and remote patient monitoring for clinical trials or post-treatment care.
BMS is actively implementing artificial intelligence into both their research and development, and their active work. BMS engaged in a multi-year contract with a company called Owkin, where they use the implementation of AI to add strategic and diverse values to BMS’s trials as well as treatment estimation etc. According to BMS, “Owkin aims to optimize each phase of clinical development by applying novel machine learning methodologies.”(AI and multimodal patient data for better, faster clinical trials 2023).
In addition to AI, BMS actively partakes in additional technological applications to their work and research. BMS uses therapeutic areas to enhance their productivity, including “new modalities, such as antibody-drug conjugates, radiopharmaceutical therapies, immune cell engagers and cancer vaccines. “BMS, 2023). Other technologies in this space include protein degraders as well as tumor intrinsic biology.
BYOD & MDM: Karla Rodriguez
Bring Your Device (BYOD) is a policy that allows employees to use their personal devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets for their job functions. BYOD policies define the terms under which employee-owned devices can be used at work. At BMS, BYOD policies outline how and when employees can use personal devices for work-related tasks, the types of personal devices employees can use for work purposes, and security standards for employees' devices. BMS also outlines the steps the IT department will take to respect employee privacy on their devices, how reimbursement is handled, and how much the IT department will be available to help employees troubleshoot broken or improperly functioning personal devices. However, BYOD programs raise device security concerns that IT departments only sometimes encounter with company-issued devices. To mitigate these risks, BMS has turned to various technologies, such as virtual desktops. These technologies help maintain the security and privacy of corporate data while enabling employees to use their devices.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a set of functions that enable the use of mobile devices in compliance with organizational policies. MDM includes the management of software apps, inventory, policy, security, and services for electronic devices. At BMS, MDM is crucial in reducing the risks of conducting sensitive business tasks on mobile devices, including BYOD and corporate-owned smartphones. Adopting an MDM strategy at BMS is essential for businesses to ensure the security and compliance of their mobile devices. It allows BMS administrators to manage devices by running a backend MDM platform that enables remote control over device functions. An overlay app or software is installed on the device to enable the MDM functionality and integrate with the backend services of the corporate network. This integration allows for information access, data transfer, device log sharing, and other capabilities as needed.
In conclusion, BYOD policies and MDM strategies are essential for organizations that want to enable their employees to use personal devices while maintaining the security and privacy of corporate data. At BMS, these policies and strategies are in place to ensure that employees can work efficiently and securely on their devices.