Chapter 10 Flashcards
Enterprise Resource planning
most companies use enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. The objective of ERP is to establish a company-wide strategy for using IT that includes a specific architecture, standards for data, processing, network, and user interface design. a main advantage of ERP is that is describes a specific hardware and software environment called a platform, which ensures connectivity and easy integration of future systems, including in-house software and commercial packages.
Portal
a portal is an entrance to a multifunction website, After entering a portal, user can navigate to destination using various tools and features provided by the portal designer.
Middleware
special software called middleware enables the tier to communicate and pass data back and forth. middleware is sometimes called glueware because it is used to connect two or more software components in a federated system architecture. Middleware plays an important role in integrating legacy systems and web-based and/or cloud-based applications.
protocol
to enhance performance, client/server systems must be designed so the client contracts the server only when necessary and makes as few trips as possible. this is one of the goals of the HTTP/2 protocol used between a server and a web browser.
Cloud computing
the cloud computing concept envisions a cloud of remote computers that provide a total online software and data environment that is hosted by third parties. Cloud computing effectively eliminates the compatibility issues, because the Internet itself is the platform. Cloud computing is an ideal platform for powerful Software as a service (SaaS) applications.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
the objective of ERP is to establish a company-wide strategy for using IT that includes a specific architecture, standards for data, processing, network, and user interface design.
a main advantage of ERP is that is describes a specific hardware and software environment, which ensures connectivity and easy integration of future systems, including in-house software and commercial packages.
Online processing
online processing capability that is at the core of powerful, modern systems, and the following section describes the evolution of batch processing. an online system handles transactions when and where they occur and provides output directly to users, because it is interactive, online processing avoids delays and allows a constant dialog between the user and the system.
an airline reservations system is a familiar example of online processing. When online customers visit the airline’s website, the can enter their origin, destination, travel dates, and travel times. the system searches a database and responds by displaying available flights, times, and prices. the customer can make a reservation, enter a name, address, credit card information, and other required data and the system creates the reservation, assigns a seat, and updates the flight database immediately.
online processing can also be used with file-oriented systems. online processing systems have four typical characteristics:
1. the system processes transactions completely when and where they occur.
2. users interact directly with the information system.
3. users can access data randomly
4. the information system must be available whenever necessary to support business functions.
Batch processing
means that data is managed in groups, or batches. that was an acceptable choice in the 1960s, and for most firm, it was the only choice. Today, all businesses need real-time information to operate, and batch processing is not always desirable. bath methods can be efficient and convenient in some situations.
for example, batch processing can be used for large amounts of data that must be processed on a routine schedule, such as weekly paychecks, daily credit card transactions updates, or closing stock data that must be calculated and published in the following day’s new media
the advantage of batch methods include:
-tasks can be planned and run on a predetermined schedule, without user involvement
-Batch programs that require major network resources can run at times when costs, and impact on other traffic, will be lowest
-a batch method is well-suited to address security, audit, and privacy concerns, because it runs in a relatively controlled environment.
Network topology
topology can refer to a physical or a logical view of the network. for example, physical topology describes the actual network cabling and connections, while logical topology describes the way the components interact.
star network
because of its speed and versatility, the star network is a popular LAN topology. star network has a central networking device called a switch, which manages the network and acts as a communications conduit for all network traffic. In the past, a device known as a hub was used to connect star networks, but a switch offers advanced technology and much better performance. a hub or switch functions like a familiar multi-socket power strip.
a star configuration provides a high degree of network control, because all traffic flows into and out of the switch. an inherent disadvantage of the star design is that the entire network is dependent on the switch. however in most large star networks, backup switches are available immediately in case of hardware failure.
Mesh Network
Each node connects to every other mode. While this design is extremely reliable, it is also very expensive to install and maintain. a mesh network resembles the Internet in that a message can travel on more than one path. Originally developed for military application, the primary advantage of a mesh network is redundancy, become multiple paths provide backup if communication problems arise or some nodes become inoperable
Fat client
a thick client, design locates all or most of the application processing logic at the client.
thin client
design locates all or most of the processing logic at the server.
legacy systems
a new system might have to interface with one or more legacy systems, which are older systems that use outdated technology but sill are functional
