Enterprise Networking and ClientServer Computing

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Enterprise Networking and Client/Server Computing
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Enterprise-Wide Computing

• A method of providing cost-effective computer
  capability wherever it is appropriate within an
  organization. Provides computer capability on
  multiple processors that can process
  independently and that also interact regularly by
  exchanging data over a network
• Linking all sites, possibly covering several
  geographic regions, together into one large
  network
• Data and programs relative to one local site can
  be shared by several sites, thus overcoming time
  and space limitations

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Networking Operating System

• Controls all operations and functions within the
  networks domain
• Just as your brain tells your body parts how to
  function and work together, the software governs
  the way computers in the network communicate with
  each other and perform functions

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Advantages of the Enterprise-Wide Networking Model

• Cost reductions through the sharing of resources
• Hardware and software usage can be maximized and
  create efficiencies
• Networked computers allow teams to work more
  efficiently as data and other resources can be
  maintained in a central location
• When data does need to be routed, it can easily
  and efficiently be controlled

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Fundamental Capabilities of Networks

• Improves response time
• Enables the formation of strategic alliances
• Suppliers can share your data and automatically
  replenish inventories when necessary
• Distributes one or more of the following
• Information processing
• 2-tier and 3-tier architectures
• Networking processing
• Data base storage

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Electronic Data Interchange(EDI)

• EDI is the electronic exchange of routine
  business transactions (orders, invoices, etc.)
  between different organizations using a
  standardized, computer-readable format
• EDI transfers data in a format that is directly
  readable by the computer without any manual
  intervention
• EDI standards are critical to its success.
  Thousands of companies worldwide use EDI to
  communicate directly with customers to process
  orders, pay bills, and manage inventory
• Examples Super Valu, Walmart, GM, PG

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Challenges of Enterprise-Wide Networking

• Connectivity
• Dissimilar network components often give way to
  incompatibility issues
• More difficult to maintain control over the
  assets of the organization
• Organizational changes are required because of
  decentralization of resources
• Network reliability and security

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Client/Server Computing
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Client/Server Computing

• A model of computing where different computer
  platforms or servers are dedicated to special
  functions. Each server is potentially accessible
  by all other computer platforms on the network.
• For example, one server could only hold data and
  another server contains the application
• A client is a user workstation or PC that asks
  for services from the servers on the network.

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2-Tier Client/Server Model
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3-Tier Client/Server Model
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Client/Server Analogy

• Restaurant service is an analogy to help explain
  client/server computing. The customer (client)
  makes a series of requests for a specific set of
  services that may include an appetizer, beverage,
  main course and a dessert.

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Client/Server Analogy

• The customer doesn't want to know who performs
  what service. He would just like to have a high
  quality meal delivered in a timely fashion.

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Advantages of Client/Server Computing

• Potential of reduced cost
• Be careful here
• Improved performance
• Increased security
• More intuitive interfaces
• Better software development tools once a level of
  proficiency is achieved

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Disadvantages of Client/Server Computing

• Heavy up-front costs
• Initial performance decline
• Newer tools and software development processes
• Lack of skilled professionals
• Training and re-training issues

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Competitive Advantages of Client/Server Computing

• Reduced time to market
• Improved Customer service
• Simplicity

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Decentralized Operations

• Decentralizing IT operations puts computing power
  and data access in the hands of the users,
  transforming clerical workers into "knowledge
  workers". This increases the productivity of MIS
  staff by reducing trivial requests and allowing
  them to concentrate on mission-critical
  applications. Client/server architectures improve
  the service you can offer by supplying
  information at the point closest to your customers

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Event-Driven vs Menu-Driven Programming

• Menu-driven
• Used by mainframe applications and DOS_Based
  applications
• The programmer guides the user through a series
  of options
• Event-Driven
• Used by Windows-Based applications
• The programmer codes for the many events that a
  user can perform
• Click, Double-click, Drag, Drop, Resize,
  Radio-buttons, Checkboxes, etc.

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Expected Costs of Client/Server Computing

• New Hardware
• New Software
• New Networking
• New Training

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Management Issues

• Technical Issues
• Organizational Issues
• Business/Economic Issues
• Security Concerns

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Solutions to Management Issues

• Proper planning and management when converting or
  installing enterprise-wide systems
• Education and training to teach employees how to
  use the software and hardware efficiently
• Establishing a data administration function to
  determine where the data is, who is responsible
  for the data, and who can access the data