1. Define how a Web server performs its basic functions. Include an example of the types of client requests made by a typical Web site visitor. Next, describe the difference between centralized and decentralized Web server architecture. If you were in charge of the e-commerce function at a small to medium sized organization, which type of architecture would recommend? Explain.

2. Research Web server hardware at Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and Oracle. Provide a summary of what is offered by each manufacturer. Include information such as the operating system, the type of processor used, the ability to expand, price (if available), and any other relevant information. If you were in charge of the e-commerce function at a small to medium sized company, which one would you select? Explain.

3. Visit the Open Source Initiative. Describe what is meant by open source, and indicate the potential benefit of using software that is categorized in this manner. What are the standards for this type of software? Also, read the article on Microsofts open source plans. How does this approach affect the future of Web server software and software in general?

4. Visit the Microsoft Internet Information Server and the Apache HTTP Server Web sites and research information provided for each. Describe how this type of software works and select the one that you would use for your own Web server if you were in charge of the e-commerce function at a small to medium sized company. Include your rationale for your decision. Which factors were the most important to you?

5. Select two of the administrative/utility software programs discussed in this module. These include those utilized for route tracing, file transfer, searching/indexing, data analysis, link-checking, and remote server administration. Identify an example of each and research information on each manufacturers Web site. Describe how this type of software works and how it would benefit an e-commerce operation. Provide a link to ALL Web sites used for this part of the assessment.

6. Reflecting on the previous five requirements for this assessment, indicate how each would affect the electronic commerce activities of a business. Be sure to include the relationships between the architecture, hardware, and software. Also, comment on how your decisions would be affected by previously-discussed areas including the technology infrastructure, sales and marketing, business-to-business activities, social networking, mobile commerce, online auctions, ethical issues, and regulatory considerations.