Sa7e_PPT_ch01

About the Presentations

• Presentations cover chapter objectives outlined at the beginning of each chapter.

• Customizable to fit specific class needs.

• Contains figures from chapters; additional images available on the Instructor Resources disc.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Systems Architecture Overview

• Systems Architecture, Seventh Edition

• Focus on computer technology.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Chapter Objectives

• Learn to:

  • Define systems architecture and related terms.

  • Explain the relationship between architecture, design, and technology.

  • Understand required technology knowledge to develop information systems and manage computing resources.

  • Identify sources of architecture- and technology-related knowledge and effective usage of each.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Systems Architecture Terms

• Systems Architecture: Structure, interaction, and technology of computer or information system components.

• Computer Architecture: Design of a single system or cooperating systems.

• Information Architecture: Structure of data/information, such as a database schema.

• Network Architecture: Structure of a network, involving hardware (e.g., routers) and communication protocols.

• Software Architecture: Structure of a program or system.

• Technology Architecture: Combination of all architectures with focus on performance, reliability, compatibility, and extensibility.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Technology Knowledge Requirements

• Complex devices in daily life include:

  • Automobiles, cell phones, home theatre systems, computers.

• These devices are often simple to operate without knowing their internal workings.

• Importance of understanding inner details despite ease of use.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Knowledge Requirements for Acquisition

• Higher knowledge needed for acquiring technology than for everyday use:

  • Key considerations:

    • Memory requirements.

    • Processor compatibility (Intel vs. AMD).

    • Disk space for current and future needs.

    • Upgrade potential for graphics chip-set.

• Understanding needs, alternatives, and technical compatibility is crucial.

• The use of complex technical language like "Core i7," "802.11n," etc.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Knowledge Requirements for Configuration

• Configuration requires even more extensive knowledge:

  • Memory expansion options: requirements for specific devices, cost vs. benefits.

  • Performance issues with minimum system requirements.

  • VPN configuration for remote work.

  • Troubleshooting multiplayer game communication issues (e.g., firewall configurations).

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Information System Development

• Follows the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

• Unified Process (UP): Most common SDLC used today.

  • Key concepts:

    • Discipline: Related activities with similar skills.

    • Iteration: Short time frames for producing deliverables.

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UP Disciplines and Iterations

• Overview of disciplines and iterations in the Unified Process.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

UP Disciplines Technical Knowledge Requirements

1. Business Modeling Discipline:

• Low technical knowledge unless in tech-oriented industries.

2. Requirements Discipline:

• Typically low technical knowledge requirements.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Design Discipline Knowledge Requirements

1. Architectural Design:

• Requires broad knowledge of required components.

2. Detailed Design:

• Higher specialization for internal specifications.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

UP Disciplines Implementation and Testing

1. Implementation Discipline:

• Very high technical knowledge needed (programming, databases, protocols).

2. Testing Discipline:

• Deep understanding of system components for effective testing.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Deployment Discipline Knowledge Requirements

• High technical knowledge required for transferring systems to a production environment.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Other Technical Knowledge Requirements

1. System Evaluation and Maintenance:

• Upgrading and modifying systems requires broad and deep technical knowledge.

2. Managing Computing Resources (CIO):

• Broad technical knowledge needed for technology evaluation.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Roles and Job Titles

• Classification of computer professionals:

  • Software developers.

  • Systems programmers.

  • Hardware personnel.

  • Systems managers.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Information Sources

• Importance of continual learning due to rapid tech changes:

  • Sources to stay updated:

    • Professional societies.

    • Publishers and their web resources.

    • Vendors and manufacturers.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Professional Societies

1. Association for Information Technology Professionals (AITP):

• Targeted at IS managers.

2. Association for Computing Machinery (ACM):

• Focused on computer science professionals.

3. IEEE Computer Society:

• Aimed at engineers with publications on computer technology.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Limitations of Professional Publications

• Academic focus may overlook current practical issues and products.

• Specialization of content and limited news coverage.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Technology Publishers

• Potential biases due to revenue sources (advertising, sales).

• Balance sources to get an accurate picture of technology.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Vendors and Manufacturers

• Pros:

  • Detailed product information.

  • Useful insights on technology.

• Cons:

  • May provide biased information aimed at selling products.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Summary

• Technical knowledge of computers is essential for:

  • Developing information systems.

  • Managing an organization’s technology infrastructure.

• Continual updating of knowledge through self-study and online resources is necessary.

• ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.