Key Concepts in System Architecture and Design

Main goal of architecture design

To describe the system's hardware, software, and network environment

Purpose of interface standards

To ensure consistency across all screens, forms, and reports

Workaround in packaged software

A way to bypass software limitations by creating custom add-ons

Component handling data storage in client-server architecture

Database server

Example of a nonfunctional requirement in architecture design

Response time must be less than 5 seconds

Native application in mobile application architecture

A program developed specifically for a particular operating system

NOT a system acquisition strategy

Lease system requirements

NOT a basic function of any information system

Marketing logic

When outsourcing is a viable strategy for acquiring a system

When the business need is not critical

Importance of content awareness in user interface design

It helps users understand where they are in the system and what is displayed

User interface

The part of the system users interact with, including screens, forms, and reports

NOT a fundamental part of a user interface

Financial mechanism

Key feature of Software as a Service (SaaS)

It provides web-based access to applications hosted by the provider

Major disadvantage of custom system development

It requires substantial time and effort

Architecture balancing processing between client and server devices

Client-server architecture

Heuristic evaluation in user interface testing

An evaluation comparing the interface to a set of design principles

Primary advantage of thin client-server architecture

Low maintenance and ease of updates

Key benefit of virtualization in system architecture

The ability to run multiple virtual servers on one physical server

Primary purpose of the system specification document

To serve as a blueprint for system implementation

Concept of usability in user interface design

Ease of use and ease of learning for users

Three-clicks rule in user interface design

Users should be able to access any information within three clicks or less

Design strategy when the business need is common

Packaged software

Purpose of a request for proposal (RFP)

To solicit formal proposals from potential vendors or developers

Function of a weighted alternative matrix

To compare and evaluate design alternatives based on criteria

Best description of cloud computing

A service model for delivering computing resources over the internet

Example of a navigation design element

Menu bar

Primary goal of the design phase in the SDLC

To decide how the new system will operate

Key characteristic of a good navigation system in user interfaces

Invisible and intuitive for users to operate

Common limitation of n-tiered architectures

Increased load on the network

Primary principle of layout design in user interfaces

To organize the screen into consistent areas for navigation, input, and status