--- title: "Hardware selection for IS" subject: "Information System" chapter: 6 key: "semester_8/information_system:hardware-selection-factors" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/information_system/hardware-selection-factors site: BCT Engineering --- # Hardware selection for IS Information System · Chapter 6: Implementations of Information Systems - Asked in: 2069 Bhadra (old course), 3+3 marks - Video: [Computer Hardware Evaluation | Criterion for Hardware Evaluation | Who will Evaluate System Hardware](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaRjSgxSFNc) — HodgePodge - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/information_system/hardware-selection-factors - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/information_system/chapter-6 ## Question Why do you think that selection of computer hardware for any kind of information system is an important decision for any organization? Discuss different factors that an organization should consider during hardware selection for information system. ## Short answer Hardware selection is critical due to large investment, performance, compatibility, and long-term impact. Factors include application requirements, software compatibility, performance, scalability, total cost of ownership, vendor support, reliability, security, and compatibility with existing systems. ## Answer #### Why hardware selection is an important decision - **Large investment:** hardware is a major cost and is hard to replace soon. - **Performance:** a wrong choice makes the system slow or unable to handle load. - **Compatibility:** hardware must support the chosen software, operating system and network. - **Long-term effect:** it limits future growth, upgrades and the life of the system. - **Reliability and security:** failures or weak security hurt business operations. - **Running cost:** power, maintenance and support costs continue for years. - **Competitive impact:** good hardware supports business goals and user satisfaction. #### Factors to consider 1. **Application requirements:** processing speed, memory, storage, I/O and volume of data and users. 2. **Software compatibility:** must run the required OS, DBMS and applications. 3. **Performance and capacity:** measured by benchmarks, throughput and response time; also peak load. 4. **Scalability and expandability:** easy upgrade of CPU, RAM, disk. 5. **Reliability, availability and fault tolerance:** redundant power, RAID, MTBF. 6. **Total cost of ownership:** purchase price, installation, training, maintenance and power; not only the initial price. 7. **Vendor reputation and support:** warranty, AMC, spare parts, local service in Nepal. 8. **Compatibility with existing equipment and standards** (open standards, avoid vendor lock-in). 9. **Security features** and **ergonomics**. 10. **Technology life and obsolescence;** energy efficiency and environmental impact. 11. **Network and connectivity** needs. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Why is hardware selection an important decision for an organization? A. It is a large investment that is hard to replace soon and it limits performance and future growth B. Hardware is cheap and can be replaced every month C. Hardware has no effect on how fast the system runs D. Hardware choice only affects the colour and look of the office Answer: A. Hardware is costly, long-lasting and sets limits on performance, upgrades and system life. (Key point: Why important) 2. What does total cost of ownership (TCO) include when selecting hardware? A. Only the initial purchase price B. Only the vendor's profit margin C. Only the cost of the software licence D. Purchase price plus installation, training, maintenance and power Answer: D. TCO considers all costs over the life, not only the initial price. (Key point: Total cost of ownership) 3. What does scalability and expandability mean in hardware selection? A. Ability to run only one fixed application B. Ability to reduce the price after purchase C. Easy upgrade of CPU, RAM and disk as needs grow D. Ability to work without any network Answer: C. Scalable hardware can be upgraded to handle future growth. (Key point: Scalability) 4. Which features support reliability, availability and fault tolerance? A. A single disk with no backup B. Redundant power and RAID, with high MTBF C. Lowest possible price D. Attractive casing and colour Answer: B. Redundant power, RAID and a high MTBF reduce failures and downtime. (Key point: Reliability) ## Related in Information System - [Strategic information system and benefits](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Astrategic-is-benefits) — Information System, chapter 1, asked 2× - [IS supports managers in decision making](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Ais-supports-decision-making-quality) — Information System, chapter 1 - [Geographic Information System](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Agis-characteristics-uses) — Information System, chapter 1 - [Short note: HR information system](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Ashort-note-hris) — Information System, chapter 6 - [Electronic organization and EMS](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Aelectronic-organization-ems) — Information System, chapter 3 - [Information retrieval in cloud](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Air-importance-in-cloud) — Information System, chapter 7 ## Related in other subjects - [Types of information systems; decision support](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Forganization_and_management%3Amis-types-decision-making) — Organization and Management, chapter 9 - [Material handling and factors to consider](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Amaterial-handling-factors) — Construction Management, chapter 6 - [Reservoir intake and site selection factors](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fwater_supply_engineering%3Areservoir-intake-site-factors) — Water Supply Engineering, chapter 5, asked 2× - [Computer architecture vs organization](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_organization_and_architecture%3Aarch-vs-org) — Computer Organization and Architecture, chapter 1, asked 5×