L02 - Technological Foundations Flashcards
Information System vs. Application System
The Software System (Application Software, System Software) and the Hardware System (Computer, Networking Technology) are making the Application System. These are the technological elements. Together with the non-technological elements (People & Procedures) they form the Information System. Application Systems (AS) include various technological concepts and elements on the software and hardware level, e.g. computers, operating systems, database systems, computer networks, system architectures, security etc.
Hardware
Hardware includes all physical components of an application system (e.g. L02 S08).
Input-Processing/Storage-Output
The IPO + S Model is the most basic structure for describing a process. This is how a computer program and a single algorithm in a programming language work.
Have a look at the framework.
Von Neumann Architecture
The von Neumann Architecture describes the architecture for a digital computer where data and code (instructions are stored in the same memory.
The key elements of this architecture are the memory (Random Access Memory, RAM) and the Processor (Central Processing Unit, CPU).
The memory buffers programs for execution and the resulting data output. Each memory cell is serially numbered (address) and contains a storage word as smallest unit accessible for the user. The volatile storage only maintains data when it has power.
The processor has on the one hand the control unit, which decodes instructions stored in memory and controls the sequence of execution of the instructions. On the other hand there is the arithmetic logic unit which receives decoded instructions from the control unit, accesses required data in memory and executes the instructions.
Software Characteristics and Definition
In contrast to tangible products, software has some specific characteristics: It´s immaterial and has no physical restrictions for changes at any time. There is no wear out, no need for spare parts. It is aging through alternative innovations. Software is easy to replicate and difficult to quantify. There is no production and no logistics needed.
Definition: Software consists of clearly defined instructions that upon execution, instructs hardware to perform the tasks for which it is designed. The term was coined to contrast the old term hardware (physical devices). In contrast to hardware, software is intangible, meaning “it cannot be touched”.
Types of Software
System Software:
- controls and manages access to the hardware, like Windows, Linux, etc.
Application Software:
- must work through the system software. End-users primarily use the application software, lie Open Office, Microsoft Visio, SAP ERP, etc.
Product software:
- is a purchase a things while Tailer-made software is provided via service contracts. There is no strict borderline between these two types. Companies are faced with the fundamental question whether to make (tailor-made software) or buy (standard software).
Traditional Application
Traditional applications run on a single system. In most cases, they are installed on a computer and can be accessed only on this computer. Data is stored on this computer and can be shared via email etc. The application provides a user interface, which makes it easy to use and it uses the computer´s processing power to perform tasks. They need to do the following tasks:
- Interact with the user
- Perform tasks
- Store data
Distributed Applications
In a distributed application, the three tasks (user interface, processing, data) can be split up among two or more devices. Example Banking.
The responsibilities of the application have been distributed among multiple, geographically distant computers.
Have a look at the framework
What is a Server?
Hardware: In general, nothing else but a normal computer. Designed for reliability and to serve a large number of requests und strongly connected to Internet. It runs the server software.
Software: It is a computer program, provides functionality as a service. Typically, client send requests, server processes requests and replies. One physical server can run multiple server programs.
Multi-Tier Architecture
To achieve scalability specific multi-tier architectures are implemented. Many application systems group functionality in distinct categories. Each of these categories is a so-called “tier” in the architecture. Within each tier ´, only functionality from the same tier and the adjacent tiers are used. The number of tiers depends on the size of the application system. Three Tier Architecture:
User Interface Tier (Client), Application Tier and Database Tier.
Advantages of Multi-Tier Architecture
- Security
- Scalability
- Maintainability
- Easily Enhanced
e.g. SAP
Channels
A channel is a costumer contact point or a medium through which the company and the costumer interact. Costumers expect companies to offer more than one channel, as it increases for the costumer.
In the ideal company
• customers can use different communication channels at the same time
• customers experience a seamless interaction throughout all channels
• every channel provides the same data and information
• all channels are fully integrated
Channel Integration
Customers expect consistent, uniform, integrated service and experience, regardless of the channel they use. They are willing to move seamlessly between channels -traditional store, online, and mobile -depending on their preferences, their current situation, the time of day, or the product category. (Piotrowicz 2014)
e.g.: Products purchased online can be collected and return in physical stores. Coupons can be redeemed across all channels. Products, services and prices are consistent across all channels.
Multi-Channel, Cross-Channel, Omni-Channel
Multi-Tier Architectures and Channel Integration
Multi-tier architectures can support channel integration. Costumer, product and stock data can be stored on central data base. Mobile app, online store and systems in the physical stores are connected to this database.
Distributed Systems
Introduction: What do we need to build a distributed system?
Network: A network is a linkage of different devices (terminals, file servers, mainframes, …) which enables a communication between these devices. (cables, network interface cards, switch, etc. vs. operating systems, protocols and applications (WIN 7/10, Windows Server 8, HTTP, etc.)
