Chapter 5 - IT Arch & Distributed Systems

Question 1

What is IT Architecture

Answer 1

A blueprint showing how IT parts will come together and work with each other

Question 2

What is IT Infrastructure?

Answer 2

The hardware, software and standards that come together to implement the architecture - shared and reliable services that act as the foundation to the IT portfolio

Question 3

What are the attributes or questions to answer to determine the degree of a distributed system?

Answer 3

1. Where is the processing being done?
2. How are processors and devices connected?
3. Where is the info stored?
4. What rules or standards are being used?

Question 4

What is a distributed system?

Answer 4

Method to run more than one processor located at different locations

Question 5

What is the goal of a distributed system?

Answer 5

To move the most appropriate processing as close to the user as possible and let other machines run processes that they are good at.

Question 6

What is interoperability?

Answer 6

The ability for computers running different operating systems on different networds to collaborate on tasks.

Question 7

What are the two types of interoperability?

Answer 7

1) Transparent communciation via system protocols

2) Two-way flow of messages via user applications

Question 8

What is connectivity among processors?

Answer 8

The ability for each processor in a distributed system to send messages to each other via electronic links

Question 9

What are systemwide rules?

Answer 9

Rules that have been developed and are enforced for the whole distributed system

Question 10

Why is there a trend towards distributed processing?

Answer 10

Resources are more effectively used when you give more people more autonomy as to how to use their resources.

Question 11

What three things must be true for you to NOT distribute your systems?

Answer 11

1) Operations are largely interdependent
2) Business units are homogenous (e.g. they all need the same stuff)
3) Corporate culture prefers centralization

If all three are true, then do not distribute the computing

Question 12

How many types of enterprise distributed systems are there?

Answer 12

6

Question 13

What are the types of enterprise distributed systems?

Answer 13

1) Host-based Hierarchy
2) Decentralized Standalone
3) Peer-to-peer LAN
4) Hybrid Enterprise-wide
5) Client-server
6) Internet-based computers

Question 14

What are the benefits of Client-Server computing?

Answer 14

• Distribute workload
• Improved GUIs
• Increased performance
• Scalability
• Empowers users

Question 15

What are drawbacks to Client-Server computing?

Answer 15

• Can be more expensive

- IS management is more difficult

Question 16

What is the Enterprise Architectural Framework?

Answer 16

Provides a systematic way to design and view system archiecture

Question 17

What are the components of the Enterprise Architectural Framework?

Answer 17

The models and objectives:

• Objective
• Enterprise Model
• System Model
• Technological Model
• Detailed Representations

Physical Manifestations of the System

• Data Model
• Functional Model
• Network Model

Question 18

What are the layers of the IT Infrastructure Pyramid?

Answer 18

(Top to Bottom) 
Local Applications
Shared and Standard IT Applications 
Shared IT Services
IT Components

Question 19

Can this pyramid be scaled up? If so, how?

Answer 19

Adding different departments as their own pyramid. All share public infrastructure and enterprise-wide infrastructure

Question 20

What are the three views or reasons for investing in infrastructure?

Answer 20

1) Economies of scale
2) Support for business programs
3) Flexibility to meet changes in the marketplace

Question 21

What is the digital economy?

Answer 21

New business models, products, services, communication means and communities

Question 22

What are the three phases of the digital economy?

Answer 22

1) Revolutionized Data Processing
2) Wide variety of electronic devices
3) Exponential growth of e-commerce

Question 23

What infrastructure strategies can be used to support a company in the digital economy?

Answer 23

1) Extended enterpise - to include networks of info
2) Strategic Alliances
3) Virtual organizations