what are the advantages and disadvantages of globally distributed information systems?

By information systems (IS), you don't mean operating system (OS) like Windows, CICS, Unix, etc., right?

By IS, do you mean an application system that serves a purpose like an HR, Finance, Purchasing system?

The advantage of a distributed IS is the off-the-self availability specially if you are just starting a business or have not yet automated it. That way, you can adjust to that IS. Another is, the relatively cheaper cost of the application. Although I would not consider, immediate use as a reason, but if it is a simple accounting system, one that your accountant is familiar with, then that would be another reason (other systems require a migration period, to be able to transfer data, from six months to two years depending on the size of data you and the adjustments rerquired (not advisable for 24/7 online applications).

If you are technically familiar, migration on a development module before moving on to the live operational module costs more.

But if you have an existing computerized system, or even a manual system wherein not all the information required by the contemplated IS is readily available to provide you with portability of moving on to the new IS, adjustment will be a challenge at its best. You will also have to deal with the language (country where the IS was programmed to run on, e.g. China) and the requisite translation thereafter.

I know of a company that had to hire translators to change the screen instructions and prompts from Spanish to English at a cost more than the software itself (I would agree with the costs too because their salaries in their own countries are at least 5 times my salary and I outrank them 5 times too).

Please also try to understand that differences in existing and the proposed system does not matter at all just the nuances like not having available data for "required" fields which require dredging historical data and costs (in business parlance - re-engineering) just to satisfy the requirement.

A competent team of analysts can convert a 9-alphanumeric field to an 11-digit programmed requirement and vice-versa (e.g. in a product or employee, or inventory code). Meaning things that can still be changed.

Answer is A. I have had ABS since 1994. I like having them. I have driven a long time before I had a car with ABS. I believe this is a good safety feature. During the winter I mount dedicated snow and ice tires. Bridgestone Blizzaks. Offers tremendous traction on snow and ice. If car is not stopping fast enough when the brakes are applied, I put transmission into neutral. Really helps stop the car. Now if the question is about Traction Control, then I am not so enthused. Sometimes it is handy, other times it is a disadvantage.