Chapter 9 Study Guide

System architecture

The physical structure of an information system, including hardware, software, data, networks, processing methods, and security.

Hardware architecture

The physical components of a system.

Software architecture

The design decisions for applications.

Data architecture

How a system stores, manages, and processes data.

Network architecture

The design of communication networks.

ERP

software that establishes a company-wide IT strategy and standards.

SCM

extends internal ERP systems

Scalability

The ability of a system to expand, change, or downsize to meet changing business needs

Node

A physical device that can send, receive, or manage network data.

Web-centric architecture

Architecture that enables a company to integrate applications into its e-commerce strategy.

Legacy systems

Older systems that a new system may need to interface with

Compliance

Examining a system to ensure it follows relevant laws and industry regulations

Corporate portals

Portals that provide access to customers, employees, suppliers, and the public

Three main functions of a business information system

Manage application processing logic; handle data storage and access; provide a user interface.

Server

A computer that supplies data, processing services, or other support to client computers.

Mainframe architecture

An architecture where a central mainframe performs all processing.

What is a LAN?

Local Area Network; allows sharing of data and hardware resources within a limited area.

Wide Area Network

spans long distances and can connect LANs across continents.

client/server architecture

An architecture that divides processing between networked clients and a central server.

What does the client handle in client/server architecture?

The entire user interface.

What does the server handle in client/server architecture?

Data storage, data access, and database management.

Service-Oriented Architecture

a networked system where a service can act as both a client and a server, even outside company boundaries.

What is a fat client?

A client that performs all or most application processing.

What is a thin client?

A client where all or most processing logic is located on the server.

Latency

Delay caused by accessing remote applications and data over a network.

two-tier design

The user interface is on the client and all data is on the server.

Three-tier design

The user interface is on the client, data is on the server, and an application server provides a middle layer.

Middleware

Software that enables communication between an operating system and applications and connects software components.

knee of the curve

The point where client/server response time increases significantly as the system approaches capacity.

Distributed Database Management System

allows data to be stored in more than one location to improve performance.

Internet-based architecture

A system architecture that operates over the Internet with components distributed across multiple locations.

Cloud computing

Reduces compatibility issues and provides scaling on demand.

Bandwidth

The amount of data that can be transferred in a fixed period.

Web 2.0

A second generation of the web that allows people to collaborate, interact, and share information dynamically.

Wiki

A web-based repository of information representing the collective knowledge of a group.

Benefits of an in-house e-commerce solution

Complete control, scalability, flexibility, and integration with other company information systems.

Packaged e-commerce solution

A solution that provides tools and features to manage online sales and transactions.

Application Service Provider

provides applications or access to applications for a fee.

What is online processing?

Processing transactions when and where they occur and providing output directly to users.

What are characteristics of online processing?

Real-time processing, high availability, reliability, concurrent users, quick response, and dynamic interaction.

What is batch processing?

Processing data in groups or batches, usually on a scheduled basis.

What are characteristics of batch processing?

Scheduled processing, large data sets, efficient resource use, delayed output, and error handling and stability.

What is the difference between online and batch processing?

Online processing handles transactions immediately; batch processing handles groups of transactions at scheduled times.

Open Systems Interconnection Model

describes how data moves between applications on networked computers.

How many layers are in the OSI Model?

Seven layers.

Network topology?

The way a network is configured

What is physical topology?

The network cabling and physical connections.

What is logical topology?

The way network components interact.

What is a hierarchical network?

A network where departmental servers control lower levels of processing and network devices.

What is a bus network?

A network where devices connect through a single communication path.

What is a ring network?

A network shaped like a circle where data flows in one direction from one device to the next.

What is a star network?

A network where a central switch manages communication and network traffic.

What is a mesh network?

A network where each node connects to every other node.

Switch

A device that connects devices within a single network.

Router

A device that connects network segments, determines the most efficient data path, and guides data flow.

What is a gateway?

A connection that allows a network to connect to a larger network, such as the Internet.

What is a proxy server?

A server that provides Internet connectivity for internal LAN users.

What is a WLAN?

Wireless Local Area Network.

What is IEEE 802.11?

A family of standards developed for wireless LANs.

What is MIMO?

Multiple Input/Multiple Output technology that uses multiple data paths to increase bandwidth and range.

What is 802.11be?

The latest amendment of the 802.11 standard identified in the lecture.

Basic Service Set

also called infrastructure mode in wireless networking.

Extended Service Set

allows wireless coverage to extend across multiple access-point coverage areas.

What is the Wi-Fi Alliance?

An international association that certifies interoperability of wireless network products based on IEEE 802.11.

What is Bluetooth?

A popular technology for short-distance wireless communication.

Near-Field Communication

allows devices within a few centimeters to exchange information wirelessly.

What three functions must every business information system perform?

Manage processing logic, handle data storage and access, and provide a user interface.

What are the characteristics of online processing?

Real-time transactions, direct user interaction, random data access, and availability when needed.

What are the functions of routers, gateways, and proxy servers?

Routers connect network segments and direct traffic; gateways connect networks to larger networks; proxy servers provide Internet connectivity for internal LAN users.

What is the difference between a LAN and WAN?

A LAN covers a limited area and shares resources; a WAN connects networks across long distances.

What is the difference between a fat client and a thin client?

A fat client performs most processing locally; a thin client relies on the server for most processing.

What is the difference between two-tier and three-tier architecture?

Two-tier has a client and server; three-tier adds a middle application-server layer.

What is the difference between physical and logical topology?

Physical topology describes cables and connections; logical topology describes how components interact.

Which network topology connects every node to every other node?

Mesh topology.

Which network topology uses a central switch?

Star topology.

Which network topology uses a single communication path?

Bus topology.

Which network topology sends data in one direction around a circle?

Ring topology.