Assignment $6$: System Architecture Design and Data Management

Objective:

This assignment will guide you through the process of designing a system architecture that integrates

both client$/$server and web$-$based components. You will also explore different data processing methods,

evaluate e$-$commerce architecture solutions, and address the use of wireless networks and network

models. The goal is to apply the concepts covered in Chapters $9$ and $10$ to create a scalable, secure$,$ and

efficient system design.

Part $1$: System Architecture Design

Scenario: Imagine you are designing a new information system for a growing e$-$commerce

business that sells products online. The company needs a robust system to handle customer

transactions, inventory management, and a reliable reporting system for sales and marketing.

The system must also support remote access for employees and integrate with suppliers.

Tasks: a$.$ Design a Client$/$Server Architecture:

Define how you will split the responsibilities between the client and server.

Will you use a thin or fat client design? Justify your choice.

Will you implement a two$-$tier or three$-$tier architecture? Explain the reasons for your

choice and how the middle layer will handle application logic.

b$.$ E$-$Commerce Platform:

Choose between in$-$house development, a packaged solution, or an ASP $($Application

Service Provider$)$ for the e$-$commerce platform. Discuss the pros and cons of each option

in the context of scalability, flexibility, and cost.

Discuss how you will ensure secure transactions and protect customer data, considering

the security risks of a web$-$based system.

Part $2$: Data Management

Scenario: The e$-$commerce platform must process customer orders in real time, update

inventory, and generate daily sales reports. Additionally, the company is considering

implementing a data warehouse to help analyze customer trends and improve marketing

strategies.

Tasks: a$.$ Online vs$.$ Batch Processing:

Identify which processes will be handled via online processing and which will use batch

processing. Consider aspects like inventory updates, customer transactions, and

reporting.

Explain why online processing is necessary for some functions while batch processing is

more efficient for others.

b$.$ Data Warehousing and Data Mining:Discuss how you would integrate a data warehouse into your system. How would it

support the company's goals of analyzing customer trends and improving marketing?

How could data mining techniques be applied to help the company gain insights from

customer purchase patterns?

Part $3$: Network Design and Wireless Integration

Scenario: The company wants to implement a wireless network to allow employees to work

flexibly within the office and to access the system remotely from various locations. They are also

considering expanding their office and linking multiple locations via a WAN.

Tasks: a$.$ Network Topology:

Choose a network topology $($bus$,$ star, ring, mesh, or hierarchical$)$ for the company's

internal LAN. Justify your choice based on the company's needs for reliability, scalability,

and ease of maintenance.

Discuss how you would integrate a WAN to link multiple offices, considering the use of

routers and gateways for external communication.

b$.$ Wireless Network:

Explain how you would design a WLAN for the company. Discuss the use of the Basic

Service Set $($BSS$)$ and Extended Service Set $($ESS$)$ topologies.

Consider the challenges of wireless security and interference. How would you address

these issues to ensure the network is both secure and reliable?

Part $4$: System Design Specification

Scenario: Once the system is designed, it is time to present the system design specification to

the company's management for approval. This document must include all components of the

design.

Tasks: a$.$ System Components:

Create an outline of the system design specification that you would present to

management. Include sections such as system architecture, data design, network design,

and security.

Summarize the implementation requirements, including time and cost estimates for

completing the system design and moving into the implementation phase.

b$.$ User Approval Process:

Describe how you would involve users throughout the design phase to ensure their

needs are met and they are comfortable with the new system. How would you handle

revisions based on their feedback?

Part $5$: Ethical ConsiderationsScenario: During the development of the system, some users have reported dissatisfaction with

the system's usability. The IT department is considering using keystroke monitoring to analyze

user behavior and improve the interface.

Tasks: a$.$ Ethical Evaluation:

Discuss the ethical implications of using keystroke monitoring to improve system

usability. Consider privacy concerns, user trust, and whether this approach is the most

effective method for gathering feedback.

Propose alternative methods for addressing user concerns and improving the system