Computer network applications are software programs that use the Internet or other network infrastructure technology to carry out useful tasks, including file transfers inside a network. They aid in the movement of data throughout the network from one location to another.
Some of the network applications in different fields are as follows:-
- Marketing and Sales:- Computer networks are used extensively in marketing and sales organizations. Marketing professionals use them to collect, exchange and analyze data relating to customer needs and product development cycles. Sales applications include Tele-Shopping, which uses Order-Entry Computers or telephones connected to order processing networks and online reservation services for hotels, airlines, and so on.
- Financial Services:- Today’s financial services are dependent on computer networks. Applications include credit history searches, foreign exchange, and investment services. EFT-Electronic funds transfer, etc., allows users to transfer money without going to the bank. An automated Teller Machine (ATM) is a kind of electronic fund transfer.
- Manufacturing:- Computer Networks are used today in many aspects of manufacturing, including the manufacturing process itself. Two applications that use networks to provide essential services are Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Both of which allow multiple users to work on a project simultaneously.
- Electronic Messaging:- The most widely used application is Electronic – Mail i.e., E-Mail. We know that E-Mailing is the simplest way of transferring data in a communication mode.
- Directory Services:- It allows a list of files to be stored in a central location to speed up worldwide search operations.
- Information Services:- Network Information Services include Bulletin Boards and Data Banks. A world wide web site offering the technical specifications for a new product is an information service.
- EDI- Electronic Data Interchange:- EDI allows information, including documents such as purchase orders and invoices, to be transferred without using paper.
- Tele-Conferencing:- It allows conferences to occur without the participants being in the same place. Applications include simple Text Conferencing (where participants communicate through their keyboard and computer monitors), Voice Conferencing (where participants at a number of locations communicate simultaneously over the phone and Video Conferencing, where participants see as well as talk to one another.
- Cellular Telephone:- In the past, two parties (persons) wishing to use the services of the telephone company had to be linked by a fixed connection. Today’s cellular networks make it possible to maintain wireless phone connections even while traveling over large distances.
- Cable Television:- Future services provided by Cable T.V. networks may include video on demand as well as the same information, financial and communication services currently provided by telephone companies and computer networks.
These networking facilities have made our life easier to live and enjoy.