integrated software

(computer science) A collection of computer programs designed to work together to handle an application, either by passing data from one to another or as components of a single system. A collection of computer programs that work as a unit with a unified command structure to handle several applications, such as word processing, spread sheets, data-base management, graphics, and data communications.

Separate software components or applications that have been combined into one package. See integrated software package.

Software package that combines many applications in one program. Previously, the accountant needed a utility program to load the data from one program into another program. Now there are integrated programs of two or more modules that interact. Integrated packages can move data among several programs utilizing common commands and file structures. In effect, there are multiple applications in memory simultaneously. An integrated package is recommended when identical source information is to be used for varying purposes and activities. For example, MS Office lets the accountant do word processing, outlining, telecommunications, graphics, data base, and spreadsheets and save each as a frame that can be integrated with the other frames.

In today's fast-paced and volatile business world, it is hard to imagine any part that is not affected by information technology. We live in a world

Largest Ten Catastrophes in the United States (between 1957 and 1999 in 1999 dollars)

where worldwide markets change, technologies change, and economies and businesses need immediate access to accurate information. Integrated software has helped harness information and computing resources to maximize competitive advantage. This article focuses on the use of integrated software from an educator's point of view.

Definition of and Reasons to Use Integrated Software

Integrated software is a single program that contains "modules" or "tools" to complete many popular business applications. These applications include word processing, spreadsheets, database management, graphics, and communications.

These tools are sufficient for the typical tasks performed by a small business, a student, or a home user. The word processing module might be used to type a letter or report. The spreadsheet module might be used to do financial analysis or to record comparisons. The database module can be used in a variety of ways, such as to organize an inventory; to compile a list of customers' (or friends') names, street or e-mail addresses, and phone and fax numbers; and to maintain a household inventory for insurance purposes. A graphics module can give an individual or a business an edge by providing tools that will give a "professional look" to documents produced.

Integrated Software in the Education World

One of the reasons integrated software is popular in the education world is that the user can easily switch from one type of application to another without exiting the program. In a beginning or an introductory class or curriculum, the use of integrated software is beneficial because a teacher can quickly develop an entire year's syllabus. The instructor can design applications for specific projects and without losing valuable time waiting for "new" software to be loaded onto the network. The instructor will not have to reteach "new" software basics. Once the basics of a particular module of the integrated software are known, other modules will fall into place. For instance, if the integrated software's word processing module highlights SAVE under the dropdown FILE menu, its spreadsheet module will also highlight SAVE under the dropdown FILE menu.

Advantages of Using Integrated Software

Integrated software is invaluable to the new learner of computer software, to application typing, and to a cost-conscious small business. The first advantage is its low cost which may be as little as $200 for five programs packaged as one piece of integrated software.

A second advantage is that there is only one program to install. If you are a manager of a computer network with fifty or more computers trying to access the same information at the same time, this is a significant advantage. With only one piece of software to troubleshoot, a network manager can become familiar with the little "quirks" of the program quickly. The downtime of the network then becomes minimal. There is also only one program to learn, which, of course, simplifies the learning task.

A third advantage is the ease and consistency of the interface from one module to another. Sharing data among the applications is almost effortless. For instance, one can easily add a spreadsheet, chart, and/or other graphic to a letter created in the word-processing module. As mentioned earlier, the basic functions and commands are found in the same location throughout the entire integrated software package. This consistency allows one to use the same methods for performing basic tasks. Most integrated software packages on the market today are designed so that all the applications work together.

A fourth advantage is integrated software's ability to share information between modules. For instance, an individual can first use the word-processing module to prepare a letter. Second, using the database module, the individual can create a database. Third, the individual can use the graphics module to design letterhead stationery as well as a standard format for, say, information on credit balances gathered from the data contained in the spreadsheet module. Finally, the database can be used to perform a mail merge, which involves individually addressing the letter created in the word processing module to each of the names in the database.

A final advantage is that usually there is only one manual to read and refer to when encountering a problem. If one had separate suites for each program, each would come with its own separate manual.

Creating Professional-Looking Documents

Integrated software provides the tools for creating professional-looking documents. Numerous typefaces, print sizes, and other features (such as bold, italic, and underlining) are usually available. Margins and tabs are easily set and changed. It requires minimal work to change line spacing, text alignment (i.e. left, right, or center align) and page size.

The word-processing module allows the user to:

• Print in columns
• Insert footnotes in a document
• Add titles, page numbers, or other information at the top and/or bottom of each page
• Add tables and/or figures to a document
• Check and correct spelling
• Replace one word with another
• Search a document for a word or phrase and replace it with something else
• Add a graphic or piece of clip art to the document

The spreadsheet module allows the user to:

• Calculate numbers automatically
• Change data within the spreadsheet (worksheet) and get immediate feedback
• Calculate and analyze mathematical and scientific data
• Enhance spreadsheets (worksheets) by adding bold, italic, and underlining to selected data as well as change font sizes and styles within the spreadsheet
• Make the spreadsheet into a graph or chart to aid in understanding of data

The database module allows the user to:

• Catalogue information
• Sort catalogued information by certain criteria
• Query a database to deliver only certain information (e.g. Which friends have the ZIP code 80015?)
• Do calculations in a database quickly and easily
• Merge information

The graphics module allows the user to:

• Include prepared drawings to add humor, draw attention, or illustrate a point
• Create custom-designed drawings to achieve the documents
• Shape and bend text to stylize it in titles, logos, and headlines
• Insert unique graphics into a document to give special meaning

Communications

Communications is often an additional module with integrated software. With a modem, the user can use the communications module to log on to the Internet. Internet access allows use of the World Wide Web for research on, for instance, stock prices, which can then be imported into a spreadsheet. It also allows communication via e-mail.

Summary

In summarizing the advantages of integrated software, integrated is the key word. The real power of integrated software lies in the software modules that allow you to combine two or more documents into one (word processing), insert pictures or other objects into a document (graphics), send files and/or messages electronically (e-mail), and compiling information by selecting the information from a list (database) and merging it into another document. Data from a table (spreadsheet) can also be incorporated into a document.

Virtually all parts of the business world are affected by information technology. Integrated software has helped to harness information and computing resources to maximize competitive advantage. Minimal specific skills are needed to integrate software effectively and efficiently. Effortless, efficient, effective, and easy are four summary words that explain why the use of integrated software has become so popular today.

Bibliography

"Integrated Software." (2000). http://www.isspec.com/.

"Office Suites for the Millenium." http://www.CNET.com.

Walkowski, Debbie. (1997). Using Microsoft Works 4.5. Indianapolis, IN: Que® Corporation.

[Article by: JUDITH CHIRI]