“Piracy is typically an act of robbery or criminal violence at sea. The term can include acts committed on land, in the air, or in other major bodies of water or on a shore.”(Wikipedia) Now, piracy is every where specifically on information technology. The question is either we are involved in piracy or are we PIRATES of both the right or left? Is it right or wrong? or BOTH?

An article from from  INQUIRER.net ( Saturday, January 4th, 2014) the Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team (PAPT) led by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Philippine National Police (PNP), Optical Media Board (OMB) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), MADE A CRACKDOWN OPERATION, for these establishments  and  businesses, which came from various industries, were the following: (1) Dr. Yangas Colleges, Inc.; (2) Integrated School of Montessori; (3) Lloyd Laboratories, Inc.; (4) Meycauayan College; (5) Peregrine Development International, Inc.; (6) S’ Next Philippines, Inc.; (7) Saint Anne’s Catholic High School; (8) Santeh Feeds Corporation; (9) Sto. Niño Academy; and 10) Sumidenso Automotive Tech Asia Corporation. Twenty-one sacks of assorted pirated CDs including various versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office, Xbox games and assorted software installers were discovered during the crackdown. “

This simply shows that even our educational system which is the bastion of learning for  the children (in the said institutions) are  also engaged in this piracy trend? The problem is -if the students still believed in the system they are enrolled. Even a pharmaceutical company was involved which will jeopardized the health system- for drugs or medications this company is manufacturing.? How are we going to justify this?  Is it right for these organizations involved-because they are giving opportunities and employment for the people or even learning experience for their students?

I take leap on this. How do we teach  our children not to involved in this piracy trend if even schools are involved.. what integrity, honesty and values are we inculcating in their cerebral hemisphere that piracy is moral because you learned something from it, because our school cannot afford it, because the original is just the same with the pirated, because its cheap and affordable and we can set aside some amount for other items like food and clothing, because everybody is doing it and it  is just usual, and because nobody was apprehended?

Probably, I’m also a “parokyano” of a pirated CD movie once or twice but I found out that  screen and dialogue is not clear and I just wasted my money. I realized then when i bought a  laptop- that I just can simply buy a pirated software and other applications because it will alter and damage the unit. This is what I’m using right now and I’m assured that it safe and secure by using original and bought from authorized distributor.

Is it right to blame  for an employee to buy a pirated one? it really depends on what the person believed and stand. Maybe, he will just simply say, “I cant afford an expensive one and besides the pirated is cheap and offer same efficiency?”

But he never realized that by doing this, he perpetuated an illegal business, affected the income or the company of the inventor/innovator and trying to convince the members of his family or co workers that its alright, when in fact its  wrong.

Companies involved or victims  of this piracy trend must cooperate with different government agencies, non governmental organisations, stake holders and even the church. The Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team (PAPT) led by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Philippine National Police (PNP), Optical Media Board (OMB) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are government agencies aggressively and actively involved in this campaign. An option for the company is to hire their own people or detective agency to monitor their program and offer an incentive for those who offered information as to the source of the manufactured pirated products. The company must implement a strict surveillance, security and safety of their own hardware or products. A disgruntled employee may leak some information but a loyal and disciplined employee will do right rather than left.

The Church is one of the options to inculcate what is illegal and  moral.

Piracy is illegal. We don’t offer to do right or left, do right or wrong or BOTH just to satisfy ourselves, our children, our employees, managers or the people. We lived in a world that everything must be organised and legal otherwise anarchy and deceit will continue to perpetuate. Its a matter of contentment, HONESTY and INTEGRITY.

Are we also PIRATES? Think!!!!????  YES,  we are all fans of the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean

Unlike Wisdom which is Given,  Knowledge is EARNED. This maybe earned from experiences, schools, parents, friends, colleagues,  training, internet, books, newspapers, television and listening to radio. But, if someone is in authority- is he willing to share his knowledge with his subordinates. What if someone is working  as consultant (physician) or in  a local legislative body, is he willing to share his knowledge or expertise.? Just like in prison cell  – prisoners ” KAKUSANG MATATALINO “  shared their knowledge and  skills, experiences and talents.

As a physician who made rounds in a training hospital, Knowledge Management (KM) is  of great help. Although the process is just simple like, making or do teaching rounds with the residents, interns and clerks, but these group of present and future physicians will learn to diagnose, treat and manage patients accordingly  with best prognosis.

Corollary to that future consultants, during case presentations, discussions, didactics and medical audit, residents will learn the basic of a certain disease, the ideal management, the prognosis,  and using or making the best option inspite of limited laboratory or medications. On the otherhand, during medical audit, medical management is in scrutiny , on what went wrong with the management, on why this procedure was not done, or this medication was not used and in retrospect we learned from the things we missed.

I cannot think of an idea if KM is a disadvantage  for future consultants, except that in medical audit you put your colleague in scrutiny. (we  always protect the privacy of the patients and consultants during the audit).

In local legislature, KM will benefit in such a way, that your co -legislators will learn from your techniques, experiences, readings and skills and NOT because your really an expert but because you offer the best options and presented ideas that will benefit your constituents. Management where the people is the core and ” public service is above self.”

KM in the Sangguniang Bayan  (SB) can be well organized and managed because few persons are involved. An example, in  passing an ordinance, the Chair of the Committee must read, research and review related articles and so with the members. But how KM is shared.? This is by reviewing related ordinances  from different local government   unit, looking details in government websites and even legal opinions from the Supreme Court. This KM is  being shared.!!!!

The problem in the SB is with the implementation or during the process,  is that members will have do undergo seminars, training, exposure and familiarization with concepts or practices oF other local government units and this will entail budgetary requirements or burden. Most likely, and the rest of other organizations, MONEY is always the problem. People can be  taught and tools or IT systems  can be bought but if with limited financial support- KM is only a DREAM.

“Knowledge is power ” but  little knowledge is also dangerous. Like politicians or  experts consultants, their expertise were earned from experiences, books, schools and trainings and  with enough knowledge they are in authority in their respective fields. Specifically, consultants with specialty will be an edge as compared to a general practitioner, and this how an expert consultant earned his power. This expert knowledge is great advantage and people will look up to him for his opinion and best practices for his patients.

“Knowledge sharing is empowerment, ” but just be careful. This matter holds true as a medical physician. You teach, you learn, you read, you research,  and share it with your colleagues. As earlier said, sharing knowledge for a training resident  physician is necessary, a scenario is that – you have a patient in the Emergency Room in the middle of the night, the resident will call you and make physical  examination and diagnosis, on other hand, you will ask questions and make your own diagnosis and management  AND during the conversation both of you shared knowledge and come up with the best option for the patient. You as an expert -without hesitation voluntarily gave and offered what is good for the patient however just be careful that the receiver understood everything.

In relation to that, empowerment started during your conversation and eventually you will be at peace that night and minimized phone referrals and at the same time have EMPOWERED the resident, confident enough on the diagnosis and management of the patient. Then as the resident encountered patients with the same illness- these  can be treated well and good.

Knowledge Management is always effective and efficient but this must be planned, organised, implemented, assessed and supported financially by management of the organization, and the cooperation, benefits and disadvantages must be properly explained to the end user.

Just like the KAKUSANG  MATATALINO, if they plan to escape, they have the schematic diagram of the route, tools, share their skills, an outsider as a lookout and always have Plan B if Plan A fails  HOWEVER  there is always a RISK .

     Business Intelligence is right necessary with new information technology era. Its like the Bureau of Investigation in the Philippines trying to look  and collect facts, data and scientific information in order to come up with a concrete and credible results.

     Effectiveness is defined as something being successful and how effective is business intelligence (BI)tools in an organization?The first step for an organization -planning to have a BI tools is to know the importance and benefits . In this way personnel will learn, appreciate and the applicability of the tools. Second is training. With adequate training, skills and familiarization of the systems will hasten the workload and retrieval of some important data.Lastly, the cost effectiveness of the system. This will minimize the workload of employees, rapid tracking of data/items, initially might be costly but eventually it would be rewarding, maximize the profit and efficient.

     There are benefits and disadvantages in using business intelligence system/tools. One of the hindrance BI tools/system is unfamiliarity of it usages  but an organization using  this -what is suitable  and applicable that will  deliver profit, good working condition of the employees , costumer satisfaction and a  system that is cost effective  will put  an organization on top. Just like the Bureau of Investigation (NBI) which is always on top on highly celebrated and controversial cases.

My third (three) blog for the 2nd Trimester regarding online  shopping. Online shopping is such a cool thing to do. Everytime you open your FB account, email or search for something advertisers or vendors are offering new things that would be beneficial for buyers and consumers or maybe a “trap” in other way.

Why is it convenient for us to go online.?

ACCESSIBILITY. You can open it anytime as long as you have internet connections at home, office or in the mall. It means you always have options especially in emergency or important matters, an example is an airline ticket that  you need to purchase if you need have to go somewhere, unplanned.

BENEFICIAL and BEST. Yes, it would be easier for some people to go online especially for persons on the move  or for some senior citizens and for  persons with special needs rather than to go in a  mall or supermarket -online buying maybe the best option.

COST and COMFORT. The financial burden maybe lesser if on online -saving the fuel cost  if driving a car, cost of time travelled by the buyer  from home  to the vendor then back, may be channeled to other things or saved.The cost of time, effort and finances are lessen and the comfort within  your reach and when your rich.

Online shopping may also offer some problems for consumers.

DISSATISFACTION and DELAYED DELIVERY.This maybe the reason some consumers opt not to go online. The pictures of goods and products online maybe different from the actual- physically and delivery of goods may be not on time brought about by internet connections, payment problems, courier services and others.

EFFORT, EFFICIENCY and FREEDOM to choose. If there are some interruptions in IT system, and as you go online purchasing some items or advertisers may popped up distracting your communication, concentrations and you need to restart again and again. The time is  wasted, effort and the efficiency of the service provider maybe in jeopardy. Freedom to choose maybe also affected. Unlike if you go physically in a mall you have several options and  goods  maybe  compared  at the same time.

NO PROBLEM WITH ME.  I already tried and purchased online ticket domestically and so far i have no problem with this unless you have to  change  it then some airlines would indicate that it is non refundable and   non-  rebookable. But for us “students”our flag carrier is offering 20%  discount for  an airfare. I never tried buying online apple products but I believed with  this company – “you are in good hands” and  if i have enough money then I will try and lastly books.  If only I can afford , i will get one. Since , the Philippines  is “patterned ” from US educational system and using US textbooks, and with    credibility of US Vendors in textbooks I  have no hesitation of doing this.

ON SECOND THOUGHT. I am always interested to go online in buying T-Shirts. However, Europeans and Americans are using different measurement or sizes that may not fit for us Asians.   Think and Think Again. The Shoes. I love to buy shoes.” Pogi Points”  and as I mentioned the size matters differently  for Caucasians and Asians. I remembered that my Uncle bought me a pair of shoes in Middle East I told him the actual size however, when the shoes arrived its quite big for me. That is then the problem if I go online. Then,why not buy shoes online made domestically? I’d rather go to the mall and buy directly. The Shades (sunglasses) With my feature (heheheheeh), shades maybe look cooler for models online but if I’ll  get one and tried it personally it might not fit me and i may look stupid.

NOT TO BUY. This may sound stupid . PRESERVED FOODS. The process of production and quality maybe in question plus the exact expiration date. TheUNDERGARMENT. The size is my problem  and the hygiene issues. TheWRISTWATCH. I love to see and wear but I  cannot afford it. Expensive.

WE always have options in life.

There are benefits and  problems  of online shopping. But always think of; Accessibility and Advantages,   Benefits and Best options, Cost and Comfort,  Dissatisfaction, Disadvantages and Delayed Delivery, Effort and Efficiency and the FREEDOM  to Choose.

          Should an organization outsource I.T. security   The answer may be Yes  or No?   There are several problems in outsourcing IT security? if I  answer NO,  the  First,  is  a   big problem with the confidentiallity on the records of a certain company, thereby putting it at risk . Secondly, since we are talking “security” it means a big financial support coming from the company  and lastly how secure is security company being hired for the said task or the credibility of that vendor.   The answer maybe YES, on the reason that even government offices and big companies were also “hacked” thereby employing a credible and reputable IT security will ensure the safety of the records or the company.

      Although, that IT security business  is  a “free world” there will always be a problem and it should be emphasized that entailing the services of an outside IT security will always put the company at risk.  This  will cause  lack of privacy and confidentiality on the records of the company  or let say in a credit card business or telecommunications will expose the customer’s records and data and if involved in scientific researches – discoveries and patents maybe jeopardized. Aside from these, highly regarded companies involved in IT security  means millions of dollars of investment  or contract  and at the same time (maybe this) will cause opportunities and growth for employees who are also   knowledgeable in this menu should outsourcing be used.

If  left with no options but rather to outsource – a concrete and complete contract must be achieved. I once involved in a clinical trial with a big company for a new medication involving 12 countries worldwide and was amazed how their system works. One of the vendors with IT and  data encoding  is based in Europe, supplies are coming from the USA and the laboratory is based in Asia. With so many vendors involved -how did this company ensured that the  trial will maintain its “secrets” with the other competing company.  First, its because company or just like  me will make sure that I have  thorough knowledge,  as to reputation and expertise of the vendors or providers.  Secondly, the financial status  of provider and its reputation within the  business world is undaunted. Thirdly, the credibility,integrity, innovation, growth, legal status and employees welfare are being taken cared of – by the vendor or provider.

My best idea of outsourcing an IT security in a contract may involved first the background, credentials, resources, values and reputation of the company. I will -if ever make a medium term agreement -five to 10 years.Why? Shorter contract means lesser money involved and at the same time  I can assess and evaluate within the period. The involved party or provider must have a treaty or  mutual agreement with the Philippines, so that should criminal or civil liability will arise both parties will cooperate. Any leak on files or information made by the provider- means cancellation of the the contract as well as financial obligations as to the price of the goods or information. Since this involved a IT security program – the contract or agreement should not be made in public either print, television, internet to maintain the agreement between the buyer the vendor. For example -will not mention in their publications or in any programs/propaganda/advertisement that they provide services -in order to entice more clients.  The vendor or the provider will not cause a second outsource or provider for  them for the services they are providing with the seller, in order to maintain the security, trust and quality assurance.

But are we really sure that with an  IT security we are secure  even if put it in the contract ? We  really don’t know? I really don’t know if this blog is even secure ? The best weapon here is TRUST and RESPECT between the vendor and the buyer . In the end,  any disagreement means looses in both parties. 

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I started to have knowledged of Information Technology several years ago when I was still in training.  i just thought that would be cool having an e mail then – and I’m still  using my  old  school hotmail account for my Facebook. After that training at Iloilo Mission Hospital – I went for further training at St Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City, for Pediatric Pulmonology. I realized that a thorough knowledge of the I.T. was very important for case presentation, lectures and didactics. LO and Behold during that stressful activity and training at SLMC – I can make a report 6 hours prior to presentation because of  internet access.

Presently, engaged in a public service as well as practicing pediatrician in Iloilo,  its cool to have access in I.T. Records, data and other information/programs of different government agencies can be viewed just for few minutes thereby making a life a little easier. On contrary, things maybe difficult if without power supply and person who have thorough information with IT is out or sick. with regards to medical profession, some patients will ask something about their sickness and a click of a tab-you can explain and discuss it with them .

Information Technology is very important in every day life for all of us. From banking, education, public service , health and communication with friends especially Facebook, email and instagram. Communication make easier . But for me  having a computer, tab , phone and internet access would be enough for my every day life.

IT is in.