IT Architecture Overview and Evolution
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main considerations in IT architecture?

  • Integration of systems (correct)
  • User interface design
  • Development costs
  • Hardware utilization

Which layer is NOT part of the standard IT architecture?

  • Business Application Layer
  • Application Layer
  • Middleware Layer (correct)
  • Service Layer

What is a key benefit of using Application Service Providers?

  • Permanent installation
  • Lower dependency on network
  • Always updated versions (correct)
  • High customization options

In large enterprises, who is typically responsible for IT planning?

<p>IT department (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of Application Service Providers?

<p>Limited functionality (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer is considered the base layer architecture in IT?

<p>Infrastructure Layer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed to determine IT investment?

<p>Current technology trends (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a component at the base layer of IT architecture?

<p>General purpose application software (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of IT architecture in an enterprise?

<p>A set of devices and applications required to operate the entire enterprise (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following eras in the evolution of IT architecture started in 2000?

<p>Cloud and Mobile Computing Era (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which technology driver is primarily associated with the concept of increasing performance through miniaturization and power of computing?

<p>Moore’s Law (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consideration in IT architecture that addresses the fast pace of technological change?

<p>Future Proofing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of IT architecture?

<p>Sales strategies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Standardization in IT architecture aims to achieve which of the following?

<p>Buying the same products from vendors for consistency across users (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the service layer in IT architecture?

<p>The collection of software applications that business functions depend on (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key effects of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) on IT architecture?

<p>Need for enhanced security measures and policies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Total Cost of Ownership primarily concerned with?

<p>The overall expenses linked to technology usage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT included in creating an IT architecture plan?

<p>Evaluate employee satisfaction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Total Cost of Ownership, which of the following is part of running costs?

<p>Ongoing maintenance expenses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is included in the ICT costs when assessing a business strategy?

<p>Support services for users (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'BYOD' stand for in an IT context?

<p>Bring Your Own Device (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial to understand market demand in IT planning?

<p>Competitor service offerings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would NOT be a part of the installation costs?

<p>Training sessions for users (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step involves assessing the infrastructure to match technological needs?

<p>Creating a plan (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of conducting an IT assessment?

<p>Evaluate technology-related expenses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is focused on supporting technology users in an organization?

<p>Training programs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

IT Architecture

The underlying structure and components that support an organization's technology.

Personal Computer Era

The era marked by the rise of personal computers, shifting IT from centralized mainframes to individual machines.

Client/Server Era

The era where individual computers connect to a shared network, enabling communication and resource sharing.

Enterprise Computing Era

The era marked by the integration of business applications and processes across the organization's entire IT infrastructure.

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Cloud and Mobile Computing Era

The era characterized by the use of cloud-based services and mobile devices for accessing and managing IT resources.

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Moore's Law

The exponential increase in the number of transistors that can be placed on a microchip, driving faster and more powerful computers.

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Metcalfe's Law

The concept that the value of a network increases as the number of users or devices connected to it grows.

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Cloud Computing

A technology trend characterized by a shift towards accessing IT resources and services from a remote server via the internet.

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Integration in IT Architecture

Ensures different IT systems work together seamlessly, preventing data duplication and isolated information.

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IT Architecture Layers

Provides a structured framework for IT systems, dividing them into layers based on function and purpose.

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Base Layer in IT Architecture

Includes hardware, network infrastructure, operating systems, and common software applications.

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Standard IT Architecture

A standardized IT setup with common components like servers, PCs, printers, and network connections.

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Application Service Providers (ASPs)

Companies that offer software and related services over the internet, allowing users to access applications without installing them locally.

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Governance Structures for IT

The organizational structures and processes used to manage IT, varying based on company size.

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Determining IT Investment

A strategic process involving assessing current IT costs, market demand, and competitor services to determine the best IT investments.

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Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The total cost of owning and using a technology solution, including direct costs, downtime, acquisition, running costs, installation, maintenance, support, and training.

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Downtime

The time a technology is unavailable for use due to breakdowns, maintenance, or other issues.

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Acquisition

The initial costs of purchasing or acquiring a technology solution.

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Running Costs

The ongoing costs of operating a technology solution, including electricity, software licenses, and internet connectivity.

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Installation

The costs associated with setting up a technology solution, including labor and configuration.

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Maintenance

The costs of maintaining a technology solution in good working order, including repairs and upgrades.

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Training

The costs of providing training to users on how to use a technology solution.

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Support

The costs of providing support to users of a technology solution, including troubleshooting and answering questions.

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IT Architecture Plan

A plan that outlines the technology infrastructure required to achieve business goals.

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Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

The practice of allowing employees to use their own personal devices for work purposes.

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Study Notes

IT Architecture

  • IT architecture is a set of physical devices and software applications needed for enterprise operation
  • It's also a collection of firm-wide services budgeted by management; includes humans and technical capabilities
  • Key questions about IT architecture include: what is it? What drives its evolution? How do trends impact its management?

General Hardware Components

  • Computer hardware platforms
  • Operating system platforms
  • Enterprise software applications
  • Data management and storage
  • Networking/telecommunications platforms
  • Internet platforms
  • Consulting system integration services

Evolution of IT Architecture

  • General-Purpose Mainframe and Minicomputer ERA (1959-Present)
  • Personal Computer Era (1981-Present)
  • Client/Server Era (1983-Present)
  • Enterprise Computing Era (1992-Present)
  • Cloud and Mobile Computing Era (2000-Present)

Technology Drivers

  • Moore's Law (related to transistors)
  • Mass Digital Storage
  • Metcalfe's Law
  • Cloud Computing
  • Mobile Devices
  • BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

Considerations in IT Architecture

  • Future Proofing: Adapting to rapid technological advancements to ensure the IT system can handle future needs
  • Standardization: Using the same products from vendors to reduce maintenance and training costs potentially reducing costs overall
  • Integration: Systems should connect logically to avoid data duplication (avoid "information silos")

Base Layer Architecture

  • Hardware
  • Network
  • Systems Software
  • General Purpose Application Software

Application Service Providers

  • Key Benefits: Ubiquitous access, always available, updated data/versions, pay-as-you-go service model
  • Disadvantages: Limited functionality (in the past), vendor control of software and data

Governance Structures

  • Small/Medium Enterprises: Generally have no dedicated IT department; planning & management responsibility typically falls on managers. Outsourcing is often used.
  • Large Enterprises: Dedicated IT departments/specialists manage planning; IT responsibilities are often clearly delineated.

Determining IT Investment

  • Consider how current technology trends impact the industry
  • Evaluate market demand for products and services
  • Assess competitor offerings
  • Align ICT (information and communication technology) costs with business strategy

Total Cost of Ownership

  • Technology costs are more than just initial investment (acquisition)
  • Includes ongoing expenses (running costs, maintenance, support, downtime, installation, and training), also indirectly including acquisition and/or licensing when applicable

Creating an IT Architecture Plan

  • Determine requirements
  • Collate requirements and match them to available technologies
  • Create an IT architecture plan

Have a Think...

  • Google "BYOD" (Bring Your Own Device)
  • Consider reasons for and against allowing BYOD in a workplace setting

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Description

Explore the essential components and evolution of IT architecture, including hardware, software, and networking. This quiz covers historical eras of computing, technology drivers, and management considerations. Test your knowledge on how these elements contribute to enterprise operations.

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