System Architecture and Design Principles

System Architecture

Framework defining system components and their interactions.

Client/Server Architecture

Model where clients request services from servers.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Comprehensive assessment of all costs associated with a system.

Scalability

System's ability to grow and adapt to changes.

Web Integration

Incorporating web technologies into business processes.

Legacy Systems

Older systems that may require compatibility with new solutions.

Processing Options

Methods for data processing: online or batch.

Security Issues

Considerations for protecting data and systems.

Corporate Portals

Access points for stakeholders to interact with systems.

Mainframe Architecture

Early architecture using centralized mainframe computers.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Network allowing data sharing within a limited area.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Network connecting LANs over large geographical distances.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Integrated management of core business processes.

Network Models

Frameworks defining network structure and communication.

Hierarchical Topology

Network structure with a tree-like arrangement.

Bus Topology

Network layout where all devices share a single communication line.

Ring Topology

Network configuration where each device connects to two others.

Star Topology

Network structure with a central hub connecting all devices.

Mesh Topology

Network where each device connects to multiple others.

Network Devices

Hardware facilitating communication within networks.

Routers

Devices directing data between different networks.

Gateways

Interfaces allowing communication between different network protocols.

Proxy Servers

Intermediaries that handle requests from clients to other servers.

Online Processing

Real-time data processing as transactions occur.

Batch Processing

Processing data in groups at scheduled times.

Impact of Personal Computers

Increased individual productivity through stand-alone capabilities.

Network Evolution

Progression of network technologies and architectures.

LAN

Local Area Network; connects computers in proximity.

WAN

Wide Area Network; connects multiple LANs globally.

Client Role

Handles user interface and requests data from server.

Fat Client

Most processing logic resides on the client.

Thin Client

Most processing logic resides on the server.

Two-Tier Design

User interface on client; data on server.

Three-Tier Design

Includes a middle layer between client and server.

Middleware

Facilitates communication between different system tiers.

Knee of the Curve

Significant response time increase near system capacity.

DDBMS

Distributed Database Management System; enhances performance.

Internet-Based Architecture

Web server provides entire user interface via HTML.

Cloud Computing

Remote computers provide online software and data.

Web 2.0

Second web generation enabling dynamic collaboration.

Wiki

Web-based information repository managed by users.

In-House Solutions

Custom websites aligned with company marketing efforts.

Packaged Solutions

Pre-built options for medium to large firms.

ASP

Application Service Provider; offers applications for a fee.

Data Access

Server provides access to stored data.

Application Logic

Processing rules that govern application behavior.

Client/Server Relationship

Defines processing division between client and server.

Performance Issues

Challenges affecting system responsiveness and efficiency.

Cost-Benefit Issues

Evaluates advantages versus expenses of client/server systems.

User Interface

Visual elements allowing user interaction with software.

Data Transmission

Sending data between clients and servers.

Semantic Web

Web evolution enabling machine-readable data interactions.

Point of Sale (POS)

System for processing sales transactions at retail locations.

Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model

Framework for data transfer between networked applications.

Network Topology

Physical or logical arrangement of network components.

Hierarchical Network

Departmental servers control lower processing levels.

Bus Network

Single communication path connects all network devices.

Ring Network

Data flows in one direction around a circular path.

Star Network

Central switch manages network communications and traffic.

Mesh Network

Each node connects to every other node directly.

Router

Connects network segments, optimizes data flow paths.

Proxy Server

Facilitates Internet access for internal network users.

Data Redundancy

Multiple data paths ensure reliability and backup.

Transaction Record

Document detailing a completed sales transaction.

Daily Sales Report

Summary of sales transactions generated at day's end.

Network Connectivity

Ability of devices to connect and communicate effectively.

Seamless Network

Uninterrupted connectivity across different hardware environments.

Network Traffic

Data flow across a network at any given time.

Security Concerns

Issues related to protecting data and privacy.

Audit Concerns

Issues related to tracking and verifying data integrity.

Privacy Concerns

Issues regarding the protection of personal information.

File-Oriented Systems

Systems that manage data through file structures.

Network Segments

Subdivisions of a network for improved management.

Communications Conduit

Pathway for data transmission within a network.

IEEE 802.11

Standards for wireless LANs by IEEE.

MIMO

Technology enhancing performance with multiple inputs/outputs.

Basic Service Set (BSS)

Fundamental topology for IEEE 802.11 WLANs.

Extended Service Set (ESS)

Topology allowing multiple BSSs to connect.

Wi-Fi Alliance

Certifies interoperability of wireless network products.

Bluetooth

Short-distance wireless communication technology.

System Design Specification

Document detailing new information system design.

User Approval

Users review and approve system interface designs.

Management Summary

Overview of the system design for stakeholders.

System Components

Elements that make up the information system.

System Environment

Context in which the system operates.

Implementation Requirements

Conditions necessary for system deployment.

Time Estimates

Projected duration for system development phases.

Cost Estimates

Projected expenses for system development phases.

Presentations

Opportunities to explain system and secure approvals.

Thick Client Design

Most processing occurs at the client side.

Thin Client Design

Most processing occurs at the server side.