- SAP’s business suite is based on a flexible three-tier client-server architecture that can easily be adapted to the new Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) available in the latest versions of the software.
- In the first tier, a client interface-a browser-type graphical user interface (GUI) running on either a laptop, desktop, or mobile device-submits users’ requests to the application servers.
- The applications servers send the processed requests to the database system-receive and process clients’ requests to the database system-the third tier-which consists of one or more relational databases.
- The main role of the database is as an information storage system. The relational database contains the tables that store data on LEGO’s products, daily operations, the supply chain, and thousands of employees.
- Using the SAP query tool, users are able to toggle and tabulate data and extract reports from the database. Therefore, the database’s role is also as a reports generator.
Explain why distributed architectures are flexible.
- A distributed architecture system is a software system in which components located on networked computers communicate and coordinate their actions by passing messages. The components interact with each other in order to achieve a common goal.
- Data may be stored in multiple computers, located in the same physical location; or may be dispersed over a network of interconnected computers.
- A distributed database can reside on network servers on the Internet, on corporate intranets or extranets, or on other company networks.
- Because they store data across multiple computers, distributed databases can improve performance at end-user worksites by allowing transactions to be processed on many machines, instead of being limited to one.
- Users from different parts of the world may access the same data. Therefore, they are more flexible in terms of availability to users.
- Supply Chain Management (SCM): Supply chain monitoring and analysis as well as forecasting, planning and inventory optimization.
- Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Enable managers to optimize development process and system.
- Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP): Include Human Capital Management (HCM) application for personnel administration and development.
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of having multiple databases in a distributed architecture? Explain.
- Multiple database contains the tables that store data on product, daily operation, supply chain and thousands of employees ¢ Managers can easily use the SAP query tool to obtain reports from the database because it does not require any technical skills Distributed architecture enables authorized personnel to have direct access to database system from the company’s various location including in Europe, North America and Asia
