System Architecture

Having worked for an ERP project on Oracle applications, I already had some basic idea of the System Architecture of the system. But to improve my existing knowledge and discuss the core concepts I called my friend Ankit who happens to be a DBA and works for the same client for whom I worked.
Me: hi Ankit.. How are you?

Ankit;: I am fine. How are things going at your end?

Me: I am doing great. Studies and assignments are keeping me busy these days.

Me: Hey, I called you because we had a class today on Systems Architecture and I wanted to discuss few things with you.

Ankit: Yeah, Sure. Tell me.

Me: I will start with my understanding of the topic. System architecture consists of Data and Applications. Data is a collection of information related to an organization or person. While an application is something which is used to represent this data. Applications acts like a window using which one can look into the data and modify or update it.

Ankit: Yes, you are correct. But then there is a lot to add to what you just said. I mean when you say data and application are they segregated?

Me: That’s right. Logically they are two different entities. But they might be present on the same physical location. For example, we store data in document format .doc in our computer and MS word application helps us read and process this data which is stored on the same computer. And to add to all this we have this different tiered System Architecture to implement complex systems.

Ankit: Yes correct. Single tier architecture in which data and application are on the same system, For example, our laptop or desktop. Second is a two tier architecture in which data and application are on two different system and they are connected by TCP/IP protocols. The machine having application is called client and the machine that contains data is called server.

Me: Correct. Now, along with these two we have a three tier architecture where in we have a business application layer between the data and the user interface. The forth variant is Multitier structure where in Internet is used. This is the most used and highly robust structure used these days because of the business going global.

Ankit: Hmmm. In fact if you might remember, even we use this multi tiered structure for the ERP that we use at GE.
Me: Yeah, I remember. Oracle applications is implemented with multi tier structure at GE. Users access the application through internet from different geographies which in turn connects to the database and provides information to the user.
Ankit: Yes, you are correct. In fact we also have implemented a structure where in the data is stored in the same database while the access rights are different for different users.

Me: Yes. I remember. As a purchasing super user I had the access to all the sourcing related data while my counterpart in the finance department could access only finance data and not sourcing one. This method not only saves the cost for the organization but also improved the data management and system administration.

Ankit: Hmmm I guess you have covered most of the general aspects of the System Architecture..

Me: Yes. Even I think so. But then if you get some news or some latest changes happening in the industry, so keep me updated.

Ankit: Yeah sure my friend.

Me: See you. Ciao Ciao

Ankit: Bye