2. Architecture Concept Flashcards
Structure of computerized systems that underlie the operation of any complex modern organization (or business network of collaborating systems)
Architecture of Business Information Systems
Architecture in general is about
Structure
We need structure because
- Complexity
- Legacy problems
- Met future reequirements
Complex information system (CIS)
Collection of arranged (connected) information systems. Also called Corporate information system
Legacy problem
Unstructured because of:
- Ad-hoc dependencies
- Replicated functionality
- Replicated/inconsistent data
- Inconsistent use of technology
Demands pull side
Increasing functionalities can reduce quality
Technology push side
Increasing technologies can reduce structure
The demand and the technology push forces reinforce each other
More requirements lead to the development of new technology, more technology leads to the discovery of new functionalities
Architecture represents a balance between
- Extending information systems to match new requirements and technologies
- Proper quality and structure
The two faces of architecture
- Product-oriented design
2. Process-oriented design
Product-oriented design
Architecture as sets of structural blueprints for the realization of information systems. Graphical character.
Process-oriented design
Procedural prescriptions for the realization of information systems. Methods, approaches or guidelines.
The high-level blueprint of a CIS serves to
Understand its internal structure to aid in its design, redesign, configuration and maintainance
The architecture of a software system defines the system in terms of
- Computational components
2. Interactions between those components
Architecture as a set of models
- Descriptive if it exists
2. Prescriptive if it doesn’t
