Integrated Professional Skills in Digital Age: Collaboration Tools, Cloud Computing, Privacy and Security, Cryptocurrency

This report discusses collaboration tools like Google Drive and Skype, cloud computing, privacy and security issues, and cryptocurrency in the digital age. It explains their advantages and disadvantages, and how they can help a business during the pandemic. It also provides insights on measures to protect a business from security and privacy threats.

Integrated professional
skills in digital age

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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................4
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................5
Description of collaboration tools (with two examples, Google Drive, Skype).........................5
The uses of collaboration tools along with advantages and disadvantages................................5
Explanation of cloud computing tools along with their advantages and disadvantages.............6
Privacy and security along with its importance for business......................................................6
Challenges related to privacy and security for business during pandemic with examples.........7
Cryptocurrency along with its advantages and disadvantages....................................................8
Two types of collaboration tools(Zoom, Microsoft teams)........................................................9
The way collaboration tools helped a business organisation during this pandemic.................10
Different measures taken by a business to prevent or protect themselves from security and
privacy threats...........................................................................................................................10
Importance and influence of cryptocurrency for business........................................................11
Opinion for using Bit coin as cryptocurrency...........................................................................12
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Information and communication technology play a major role in development of IT
practices in a business or academics (Blaschke, 2018). In the recent times, importance of IT
skills is increasing day by day and it is essential for a person to learn these skills. The
Information and communication technology based operations and functions helps a company to
perform accurate and quick operations. It is also key role and responsibility of management of a
business to hire skilled and trained IT professional for long term success. In the times of
COVID-19 most of the international and national companies focus on development of ICT skills
for development of a contemporary approach and strategies. This project includes different types
of collaboration tools and their role in development of a business entity. This report also includes
privacy and securities issues along with their solution. In this report there is a brief explanation
of cryptocurrency along with its application in a business organisation financial aspects.

MAIN BODY
Description of collaboration tools (with two examples, Google Drive, Skype)
Collaboration tools acts as merging practices which helps two or more business
organisations to communicate and act together. In the development of collaboration tools, it is
important for a company to focus on collaboration tools in order to deal recent situation. The
main focus of using collaboration tools is to develop a precise approach in management of
coordination between two or more companies. The following are two major collaboration tools
used by an organisation:
 Google Drive- The google drive is a world famous online application or software which
facilitates storage of data on cloud. This is a major application which is safe and secure in
order to store major data which is important for two companies. Google drive is used in
the tough times of COVID-19 to safely transfer data between two parties.
 Skype- Skype is also a major software which is used to perform video calling between
two business entities (Bradshaw, 2017). The Skype is developed software which also
includes video conferencing tool that can be beneficial in supporting business meetings.
In the times of pandemic Skype is a major software which is used by a business to
communicate on a video based platform.
The uses of collaboration tools along with advantages and disadvantages
There are various uses of collaboration tools in order to develop various organisational
goals and objectives. The collaboration tools are also considered as major approach developed by
the mechanism of IT. Main use of collaboration tools is to develop a coordination based
approach for two or more business entities. Another major use of collaboration tools is to
facilitate business development along with its growth and expansion (Gambarato, and Alzamora,
2018). Collaboration tools are also important for business in order to develop communication
based on information and technology. The main advantages of collaboration tools are following:
 The collaboration tools and their application in an organisation helps in development of
virtual business environment.
 They help in formulation of key practices related to IT in a fast and accurate manner.
 Collaboration tools are also known for their ability to increase coordination between
individuals or business.

Main disadvantages of collaboration tools:
 The collaboration tools are rigid and complex in nature as they need more IT based
attention.
 Another disadvantage of collaboration tools is, they make organisation more incompetent
in the marketplace.
 This approach requires more attention of IT department and professional skilled workers.
 The collaboration tools can also impact on privacy measures of a company in terms of
data management.
Explanation of cloud computing tools along with their advantages and disadvantages
The cloud computing is a server based computing which runs through cloud storage
server. In this method of computing precious data of a business is stored in servers as there are
chances of data theft or loss (Hilty, Turvey, and Hwang, 2018). Cloud computing has developed
more in recent times due to increase in practices based on IT. With the help and support of IT
based operations, cloud computing is essential part of functions of a business entity.
The main advantages of cloud computing are mentioned below:
 The cloud computing is helpful in increasing safe and secure practices related to
exchange of data.
 Cloud computing based approaches is helpful in development of software based platform
which is crucial for business organisation to form secure transactions.
 The cloud computing allows a business to focus on key areas of development with
development of IT skills
Privacy and security along with its importance for business
In the functioning of a business at the marketplace, there are various types of privacy and
security issues which are to be faced by the company. In order to avoid and deal with these
issues and challenges, it is important for a business to deeply analyse all the privacy and security
issues. The main privacy and security issues are mentioned below:
 Data leakage- The leakage of data is considered as one of the major kind of issue which
is related to privacy and security of company. It is important for a company to prevent
data leakage with support of key operations and functions. In order to prevent the leakage
of data, it is important for a business to develop data leakage software.

 Data loss- A business can loose whole data with a major cyber attacks that are performed
by outside agencies. It is also important for the business to analyse loss of data according
to major practices that are formed by a business.
 Data corrupt- Virus and malware attacks can make data corrupt in the organisations
which can lead to make a business inefficient at the marketplace (Huda, 2018). The
corrupt data is not useful for a business as it can put a privacy related harm on business
which is negative.
The importance of privacy and security issues for a business are mentioned below:
 It is important for a business to consider major privacy and security issues in order to
expand and grow at the marketplace.
 The privacy and safety issues are important to develop focus on cyber security goals and
procedures.
 Privacy and safety issues are also helpful in development of anti virus based shield that is
based on different software.
Challenges related to privacy and security for business during pandemic with examples
It is very much important for a business to deal with pandemic using various IT sources
that are effective in development of a business. The pandemic has caused a decline in sales
turnover and profitability of a business. It is also major role of strategic and top level
management of a company to deal with different challenges associated with privacy and security
of a business. The challenges like creating virtual business environment was very much essential
for every business organisation (Langer, 2017). As a result many business entities got involved
in hiring trained and developed experts who are beneficial for dealing with different challenges.
The companies in international and national marketplace also faced a challenge which was
related to establishment of direct contact with customers. In order to communicate directly with
target customers, it was essential for a business to develop practice related to privacy and
security. In the development of a business entity, approach related to business development
requires huge amount of efforts which are necessary for a company. Most of the successful
business organisations in current marketplace, focus on development of procedures and policies
which are helpful in increasing competitive strength of company (Wynn, 2017). In order to deal
with challenges like privacy and safety of consumer data, it is compulsory for a business to
include professionalism based approach. The companies should also develop key competitive

advantage with support of different features and functions. All major companies in domestic and
global marketplace should focus on development of strategy in order to develop planning
framework.
Cryptocurrency along with its advantages and disadvantages
Cryptocurrency is a digital currency which is designed by IT experts that contains various
monetary value. In the monetary market, the prices of cryptocurrencies is fluctuating and market
associated with them is also risky. In the recent times, use of cryptocurrencies is increasing with
increasing in trends related to digital currency (Murawski, and Bick, 2017). It is important for a
business entity or individual to analyse importance of cryptocurrencies and their exact market
value. The examples of main cryptocurrency includes doge, LRC and Bit Coin which are used
for exchange purpose. The development of cryptocurrencies is generated with help and support
of marketing goals and policies that are effective for marketplace development.
The main advantages of cryptocurrencies are following:
 These currencies are made up of strong algorithms and coding which are hard to crack by
ethical hackers.
 Cryptocurrencies are considered as important digital source of exchange which help in
trading in a simplified manner.
 The digital currency can be easily stored in server and is considered as a major source of
income.
 With the help of crypto currency, a company can trade in overseas marketplace and all
across the globe.
The main disadvantages of cryptocurrencies are mentioned below:
 The pishing attacks can freeze the circulation of cryptocurrencies which is a major
disadvantage.
 Also the cryptocurrencies can hacked by professional hackers which can directly impacts
on its prices.
 In the functioning of a business crypto currency can include significant amount of risk
which should be present in their each and every aspect.

Two types of collaboration tools(Zoom, Microsoft teams)
The two major types of collaboration tools are explained below:
 Micro-soft teams- The Microsoft teams is considered as a very useful tool for the
business entity. This approach will be helpful in increasing coordination between
different employees. In this application a user a can easily use it in various computer
systems as well as in mobile phones (Raney, Torous, and Hasselberg, 2017). The Micro
soft teams software include direct chatting option in which management can directly chat
with employees in an encrypted mode. Also Microsoft teams software includes option of
video chatting which enables a user to organise video chat based options.
 Zoom- Zoom is also a major software which is used by a business to organise video
based meetings online. The Zoom application is widely used by different organisations in
order to formulate discussion based meetings. Most of the successful business
organisations in marketplace also organise zoom meetings to develop discussion over
issues. The Zoom application is also helpful for a business entity to organise regular and
emergency buildings. In order to use Zoom application in a more defined manner, it is
important for a business to analyse focused strategy based on different IT platforms. In
the corporate world, after COVID-19 there was a need of organising virtual meetings.
This made business organisations to think twice before implementation of policy
associated with operations (Reisdorf, and Rikard, 2018). In order to develop systematic
and precise approach at the marketplace, it is essential to develop anti-virus based
approach. For the security and safety of organisation it is compulsory to use genuine
zoom based software.

The way collaboration tools helped a business organisation during this pandemic
In the COVID-19, there are different collaboration based techniques and tools which are
helpful in development of rapid growth. These tools has helped a business to establish effective
communication with different employees and customers (Selwyn, Nemorin, and Johnson, 2017).
The support of collaboration tools also helps a company to gain competitive advantage in a short
span of time. It is also helpful in increasing market share of a business entity with the help of
professional tools and approaches. Following are advantages of collaboration tools for a business
in order to deal with COVID-19 pandemic:
 The support of collaboration tools helps a company to develop and achieve various
medium and short term goals.
 Collaboration tools makes a company more contemporary in the international and
national marketplace.
 These tools helps a company to coordinate with its employees even in tough times of
COVID-19.
 The collaboration tools also makes a business more competitive at the marketplace and
also improves its functioning in dynamic business environment.
Different measures taken by a business to prevent or protect themselves from security and
privacy threats
It is crucial for a company to take into consideration, various measures that are important
for eliminating security and privacy based issues (Urbach, and Röglinger, 2019). The business
organisation should also involve various practices that are important for whole company. In the
recent times, the following are the measures selected by a company to protect themselves from
security and privacy issues:
 Cyber experts- With the help of cyber experts, a business can easily handle various
security and privacy threats. The cyber experts are professionally trained and skilled
workers which are hired by a business entity. These experts also helps in maintaining
security and privacy based issues on regular basis (Smith, 2018). It is essential for a
business entity to develop various practices related to cyber experts in order to perform
quick and accurate operations.
 Latest software- There are personalised software prepared by many IT companies which
supports a business to develop focused approach and plans. The latest software

development techniques also helps a company to deliver best business IT based practices
which are solutions for different programmes and coding.
 Advanced computer systems- The business organisations use various types of super
computers to prevent privacy of different customers. These computers contain high ended
RAM and processors which helps a business to develop data management practices. The
computer systems are also helpful in designing a programming for regulation of different
types of IT based practices.
Importance and influence of cryptocurrency for business
The cryptocurrency is also considered as a major type of exchange, that has rise in recent
environment. Also cryptocurrency based practice are regularised by government of different
countries to raise their practices based on financial transactions. The cryptocurrencies like Loop
ring, Bitcoin and Doge coin are recently in trend because of their overall value and business
entity (Sousa, and Wilks, 2018). The cryptocurrencies are influencing corporate world in a major
sense and also putting a major emphasis on business development for performing financial
transactions. The importance and influence of Bitcoin cryptocurrency is mentioned below:
 Acceptability- The Bit Coin is widely accepted in various countries and in different
business organisations. It is important for a business, to involve acceptability of
currencies in order to earn significant amount of profit. The Bit Coin is also considered as
a major approach which is also widely accepted by many different organisations.
 Profit margin- Profit margin is increased with support of Bit Coin as its rates are
generally increasing in the marketplace. The profit margin of a company is mainly
increased with support of various forces that impact on regulation of cryptocurrencies.
 Development based on market forces- The value and its fluctuation is dependent upon
various types of market forces that are present in monetary market. It is also important for
a business entity to analyse all market forces to anticipate price of Bit Coin in dynamic
marketplace.

Opinion for using Bit coin as cryptocurrency
Bitcoin is considered as a major type of cryptocurrency which is suitable for investment
as it contains high amount of profit. The Bit coin currency and its a rates are fluctuating in
money market. In many countries, the practice of Bitcoin exchange is increasing day by day as it
is a type of legal currencies (Stephen, and Edwards, 2017). The Bit Coin is also a good source of
revenue for a business as its rates are increasing on daily basis. Bit Coin is used as a major type
of cryptocurrency in order to develop monetary based trade approaches. In order to adopt bitcoin
as a legal currency, it is crucial for a business entity to develop risk based operations. The Bit
coin exchange is also a major approach which requires formulation and development of a
professional financial agency (Strauβ, and Jonkman, 2017). This is also important for a business
to develop focused goals and objectives which are essential for business growth in a set period of
time. Bit Coin is used as a cryptocurrency which is based on algorithms and coding that is hard
to be cracked by hackers.

CONCLUSION
From the above stated report it can be concluded that information and communication
based technology skills are important for a business organisation to gain desired success. This
project concludes importance of various software and IT based platforms to focus on business
functions based on information and technology. The above stated report concludes significance
of resolving privacy and security issues for data management. This project concludes the
cryptocurrency and its recent influence on monetary market all over the world. This report also
concludes that most of the companies in international marketplace to focus on key development
goals.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Blaschke, L.M., 2018. Self-determined learning (heutagogy) and digital media creating
integrated educational environments for developing lifelong learning skills. In The digital turn in
higher education (pp. 129-140). Springer VS, Wiesbaden.
Bradshaw, P., 2017. The online journalism handbook: Skills to survive and thrive in the digital
age. Routledge.
Gambarato, R.R. and Alzamora, G.C. eds., 2018. Exploring transmedia journalism in the digital
age. IGI Global.
Hilty, D.M., Turvey, C. and Hwang, T., 2018. Lifelong learning for clinical practice: how to
leverage technology for telebehavioral health care and digital continuing medical
education. Current psychiatry reports, 20(3), pp.1-11.
Huda, M., 2018. Empowering application strategy in the technology adoption: insights from
professional and ethical engagement. Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management.
Langer, A.M., 2017. Information Technology and Organizational Learning: Managing
Behavioral Change in the Digital Age. CRC Press.
Murawski, M. and Bick, M., 2017. Digital competences of the workforce–a research
topic?. Business Process Management Journal.
Raney, L., Bergman, D., Torous, J. and Hasselberg, M., 2017. Digitally driven integrated
primary care and behavioral health: How technology can expand access to effective
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Reisdorf, B.C. and Rikard, R.V., 2018. Digital rehabilitation: A model of reentry into the digital
age. American Behavioral Scientist, 62(9), pp.1273-1290.
Selwyn, N., Nemorin, S. and Johnson, N., 2017. High-tech, hard work: An investigation of
teachers’ work in the digital age. Learning, Media and Technology, 42(4), pp.390-405.
Smith, R., 2018. Crime in the digital age: Controlling telecommunications and cyberspace
illegalities. Routledge.
Sousa, M.J. and Wilks, D., 2018. Sustainable skills for the world of work in the digital
age. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 35(4), pp.399-405.
Stephen, C. and Edwards, S., 2017. Young children playing and learning in a digital age: A
cultural and critical perspective. Routledge.
Strauβ, N. and Jonkman, J., 2017. The benefit of issue management: anticipating crises in the
digital age. Journal of Communication Management.
Urbach, N. and Röglinger, M., 2019. Introduction to digitalization cases: how organizations
rethink their business for the digital age. In Digitalization Cases (pp. 1-12). Springer, Cham.
Wynn, J., 2017. Citizen science in the digital age: rhetoric, science, and public engagement.
University of Alabama Press.