SE-Assignment 1: Computer Architecture

Situation: A conversation over lunch with my younger sibling on computer architecture.
Participants: me and my younger sibling.

The conversation:


Me: So, how was school today?

Brother: Great! But the computer lecture left me wanting for answers.

Me: Why, what was covered?

Brother: In our spare time, we cursorily discussed information systems architecture, databases and their relevance in computer architecture. I couldn’t grasp the concept though.

Me: I might be able to elucidate. Let me explain:

Computer science consists of programs. These are in turn made up of data structures and algorithms. The data structures indentify what to process and the algorithms, how to process.
Similarly, information systems engineering refers to systems that consist of a database (that identify what to process) and applications (that specify how to process).

Brother: I got the former, please care to explain the latter.

Me: A system is simply a design or set of relations between parts of that unified whole.
In simple parlance, it means the relations guiding the integration between the data and applications.
A system…

Brother: Yeah and the teacher mentioned some types of systems in computer architecture. What are those?

Me: I’ll enumerate and explain the different types in turn-
i) Single- tier
ii) Two- tier
iii) Three- tier
iv) Multi-tier

i) Single tier: This would have data and an application on a physical hardware. An important thing to be kept in mind is that the data should be logically distinct from applications i.e. it should not be embedded in programs or rather programs should be open- ended and be able to take any data.
For example: a simple calculator.

ii) Two-tier: Client Server Architecture
The data would be stored on a physical device e.g. a server (running on a program like MySQL).
This data server would be connected to different individual machines running on different applications that vary with the business requirements.
This database is connected to the workstations through the Local Area Network (LAN). This has an advantage that multiple workstations can access the server without slowing it but it requires considerable bandwidth.

iii) Three-tier: The database and the business applications are kept centrally and connected through the
LAN to other workstations. Each workstation would require an application to access the database.

iv) Multi-tier: The data server and business application are kept centrally. All interface is done by the web server through the internet. The web browsers do not need an application to access the data.
E.g. the railway online enquiry system.

Advantage: No special software required.
Disadvantage: The service providers business application should be web enabled.

Brother: But can’t a workstation have multiple applications running on it?

Me: Yes, it can but that would make the data management very complex.
The problem of complexity can be managed through the following:

i) Relational Database Management System (RDBMS): It’s a common or integrated database that provides data to all workstations. Changes made are uploaded real-time which ensures that there is non- duplication and consistency.

ii) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): This provides a standardized platform as all workstations run on the same application and all updates are routed through the ERP to the database.
Advantages: Greater integration, it can be bundled as a single package and is hence, easier to use and manage.

Brother: Can this ERP be integrated with workstations that are not at the same location?

Me: Yes, it is possible. It can be connected through the internet. The challenge is to keep hackers at bay. This can also be managed by using firewalls to ensure data security.

There are some databases that are used widely like Oracle, SQL server, MySQL and some applications like Java, Visual Basic and ZOHO!.

Hope I’ve been of some help.

Brother: God! Look at the time. I’ve to rush for my coaching class. Thanks, you’ve been a great help.

Me: You’re welcome.