Answer to Question 1
A geographic information system (GIS) is a system for creating, storing, analyzing, and managing geographically referenced information. A GIS can visualize features and relationships between features drawn from an underlying geographic database that describes the data in geographic terms and attribute data so as to enable inquiry and analysis. Using GIS, analysts can combine geographic, demographic, and other data for locating target customers, finding optimal site locations, or determining the right product mix at different locations. Additionally, GIS can perform a variety of analyses, such as market share analysis and competitor analysis. GIS provides a user with a blank map of an area. The user can then add information stored in different layers, each resembling a transparency containing different information about an area.
Answer to Question 2
A category of groupware which focuses on helping groups have better meetings is commonly referred to as electronic meeting systems (EMSs). An EMS is essentially a collection of personal computers networked together with sophisticated software tools to help group members solve problems and make decisions through interactive electronic idea generation, evaluation, and voting. EMSs have traditionally been housed within a dedicated meeting facility; increasingly, Web-based implementations support team members around the globe.
