System Architecture

A dialogue on System Architecture

Anjela, an MBA student in the first year and a friend, comes to me and asks whether I can give her an idea about system architecture. Following is a dialogue that took place between the two of us.

Me: System architecture provides a conceptual understanding of the parts of an operating system and the relationships among them. Sound system architecture is an important aspect of ensuring that the operating system is secure.

Anjela: So what does System Engineering stands for?

Me: System engineering refers to the design and implementation of production systems that require the integration of diverse and complex tasks, e.g. automobile assembly lines. It has two parts-

• · Database system
• · Application system

Anjela: Can you please explain to me the different tiers of system architecture?

Me: Sure why not. Let me go step by step-

• Programs/applications must not have data embedded into it no matter whether they are on the same hardware or not. This is the single tier architecture. For example say x=2, y=3, z= x+y. For every change in the values of x and y I have to update my program repeatedly. Now this becomes clumsy here as every time I have to go back and forward to complete the process. Instead, reading x, y from a certain range of values and then performing z will be a much simplified process.

• In the two tier architecture, data is stored in the central server and the applications on individual machines. It is also called the client-server architecture.

• The three tier architecture explains that with the introduction of a new product an organisations user interface remains the same whereas the fundamental change is in the business application area

• The multi tier architecture replaces application specific client with the web browser. It does not need dedicated client but only a web browser.

Anjela: So can we consolidate business application and the web server. What will be the outcome of this?

Me: The business application and web server can reside in the same machine removing some of the complexities which are-

• Managing multiple machines which is a challenge
• Management issue as to which one is easier to handle
• Reduction in the energy costs

Anjela: So don’t you think managing multiple tiers is a difficult task?

Me: Multiple applications can be complex to manage. But there are solutions-

• Invest in one big machine and standard software. The disadvantage here is that integration can be risky if the central database crashes.

• Club all the applications into one mega application which makes it easier to manage.

• Standard application ensures smooth functioning of the organisation. For example an ERP application

• Handling of specialist requirement is convenient

• Use WAN (Wide area network) instead of internet which brings in the threat of hackers. For a globalised company WAN will not work, we will need web browser.

Me: So have I been able to make you understand system architecture to some extent

Anjela: Yes! Certainly you have. Thank You.