Advanced System Analysis Lecture 9: Architecture Design

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant disadvantage of early server-based architectures?

The server processed all the workloads leading to slow response times. (correct)

They operated without a central point of control.

All application software was stored on multiple client terminals.

They required multiple computers to operate effectively.

Which of the following is an advantage of server-based architectures?

Increased hardware expenditure for multiple servers.

Faster response time due to distributed processing.

Users have full control over application software.

Simplified software development due to a centralized system. (correct)

In a Zero Client Server model, where is the desktop operating system typically hosted?

On an external storage device.

On each client device.

On a local machine.

On a centralized remote server. (correct)

What key benefit do Zero Client devices provide in a virtual desktop infrastructure?

Reduction in total costs, power consumption, and noise. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What issue arises due to the server handling all functions in server-based architectures?

Overloading of the server as user demands increase. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does VDI stand for in the context of Zero Client Server models?

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect makes server-based architectures simpler for software administration?

Centralized hosting of both applications and data. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why might an organization choose to implement Zero Client devices?

To reduce costs and improve efficiency in managing resources. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of a zero client server architecture?

Significantly reduced power usage (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes client-based architectures?

Client devices execute data access logic. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major problem associated with client-based architectures?

Data must travel from the server to the client for processing (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the processing in a zero client architecture?

There is no software at the client device. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which option is not a benefit of the zero client computing model?

Increased non-business usage (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the client-based architecture typically handle data requests?

The entire database is transferred to the client for processing. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of zero client computing enhances security?

No vulnerability to client-side malware (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario would most benefit from a client-based architecture?

A small team with low data access needs (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of server virtualization over traditional server architectures?

It reduces costs by requiring less hardware. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes storage virtualization?

The pooling of physical storage from different devices into a single manageable resource. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which area is NOT typically associated with virtualization?

Hardware virtualization (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does network virtualization allow an organization to do?

Combine bandwidth into independent channels for versatile allocation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Cloud computing primarily relies on which of the following?

A collection of hardware, networks, and services accessed over the Internet. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of cloud services is highlighted?

They can be tailored based on user demand. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about virtualization is false?

It involves creating physical copies of servers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of virtualization focuses on dividing a single physical server into multiple virtual environments?

Server virtualization (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of public clouds?

Services are provided over the Internet with limited control. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cloud is most suitable for organizations with strict data control guidelines?

Private cloud (C) Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does cloud computing provide regarding resource management?

Customers can scale resources up or down based on demand. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'elasticity' refer to in cloud computing?

The capacity to increase or decrease resources as needed. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of hybrid clouds?

They combine both private and public cloud features. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should organizations incorporate to minimize the risks of a catastrophic cloud failure?

Redundancy in their cloud computing applications. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of standardized APIs in cloud services?

They facilitate easier linkage between cloud services. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How are customers typically billed for using cloud services?

Billing is based on the resources used. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Advanced System Analysis Lecture (9) - Chapter 5: Architecture Design

Lecture (9) covered chapter 5 on architecture design for advanced system analysis.
Lectures were by Dr. Asmaa Mohamed.

Less Commonly Used Architectures

Less commonly used architectural designs were discussed.

Server-Based Architectures

Early computing architectures were server-based.
The server (often a central mainframe) handled all application functions.
Clients (typically terminals) facilitated communication with the server.
The server managed presentation, application, data access and storage logic.

Server-Based Architectures Advantages

Application software and data are centrally stored on the server.
Control is centralized, as all messages flow through the server.
Software development and administration are simplified by the central computer hosting the entire system.

Server-Based Architectures Disadvantages

The server in early systems processed all work, which generated bottlenecks and slow response times as the load increased.
Demands from applications and increasing users overloaded the server.
Response times slowed down, and server upgrades became increasingly costly.

Zero Client Server or Ultrathin Client

A modern server-based computing model often used in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).
A VDI environment hosts a desktop operating system (like Windows or Linux) on a centralized, remote server.
End-user data and desktop images are managed within a virtual machine.
Zero Client endpoint devices are small, powerful hardware units that reduce spending, power consumption, space, noise and security concerns.
Typical device connects to a remote server. The server hosts the OS, applications and software.
Server based zero-client model limits non-business use of the client computer (e.g., no social media use).

Zero Client Server Benefits

Significant power usage reduction compared to traditional client configurations.
Devices are less expensive than traditional PCs and Thin Client devices.
No vulnerabilities to malware due to the lack of software on the client device.
Efficient and secure application delivery to end-users.
Easy administration of multiple virtual PCs on server-class hardware, reducing physical PC acquisition and maintenance costs.

Client-Based Architectures

In client-based architectures clients (microcomputers) share a local area network.
The client computers handle presentation, application, and data access logic.
The server provides storage for data.

Client-Based Architectures Advantages

Simple architecture suitable for situations with low user numbers and minimal data access needs.

Client-Based Architectures Problems

All data on the server must travel to the client for processing. This can overload both the network and client computers, especially with large databases and numerous user queries.
Data access logic is executed on the client, requiring the entire database to be transmitted before processing.

Advances in Architecture Configurations

Two significant advances are virtualization and cloud computing.

Virtualization

Virtualization creates virtual devices or resources (e.g., servers, storage) as software-based versions, offering flexibility and efficiency.
Types of virtualization include server virtualization, storage virtualization, and network virtualization.
Server virtualization involves partitioning a physical server into several virtual servers.
Server virtualization can significantly reduce costs by minimizing the need for large, monolithic computers.
Storage virtualization pools physical storage from multiple network devices to create a single, manageable storage entity.
Network virtualization combines network resources by splitting bandwidth into channels that can be assigned or reassigned dynamically to specific servers in real-time.

Capabilities of Server Virtualization

It overcomes limitations of old server-based architectures, which were based on single, large, expensive computers.
Reduced hardware requirements translates to lower costs.

Storage Virtualization

Pools physical storage, appearing as one device managed centrally.

Network Virtualization

Combines network resources where bandwidth can be dynamically assigned to servers.
SAN (Storage Area Network) is an example.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing delivers services, infrastructure, and storage over the internet, on-demand.
Aspects of computing (Hardware, Networks, Storage, Services, and Interfaces) combine to deliver services.
Cloud services can be provided as separate components or a complete platform.

Cloud Computing Implementation

Public cloud: Services on the internet with limited control over the technology infrastructure (e.g. services from Amazon, Google, Microsoft).
Private cloud: Services provided via an organization's intranet or hosted data center (e.g. used by medical offices and banking institutions).
Hybrid cloud: Combines public and private cloud capabilities to address specific needs, e.g. using private for sensitive data and public for customer facing websites.

Public vs Private Cloud Computing

Public clouds share virtualized resources supporting multiple customers. It uses internet connectivity suited for less sensitive data.
Private clouds use a closed cluster of dedicated resources and support better security with connectivity via fiber and private networks, better suited for sensitive data.

Cloud Computing Advantages

Scalability (cloud scale up or down based on demand)
Straightforward cloud resource procurement.
Standardised APIs mean seamless program interaction, enabling easier cloud service integration.
Pay-as-you-go billing model for resource usage.

Cloud Computing Advantages (detailed)

Enables document control, environment friendliness, rapid development, infinite storage, better security and more flexibility.
Rapid development, infinite storage and improved work flow streamlining are benefits..

Cloud Computing Challenges

Catastrophic failures are a concern.
Reliability, availability, security, and interoperability are concerns for organizations using cloud-based services.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the key concepts from Lecture 9 of Advanced System Analysis, specifically Chapter 5, which explores various architectural designs, including server-based architectures. Students will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of these less commonly used systems, and their overall impact on application functionality.