| The "Business Computer" architecture I think the time is right to impose an architecture on the way we provide IT to the end user - a "Business Computer" architecture. So why now? The world of IT products has increased dramatically in complexity, since the attempt to introduce standards and "open systems". However, a number of trends are emerging. Firstly, the much maligned mainframe is making something of a comeback, as a data server, and it's attributes are getting the recognition they deserve. Secondly, there is an acceptance of Windows NT, and this is also putting a squeeze on the UNIX world. Thirdly, the effect of the Internet, World Wide Web, and the adoption of tcp/ip as the communications standard. Our end users have tasted some of the freedom that IT can provide, when UNIX systems were all the rage, and now they still want the fun parts, but they want us to do all the serious bits. There is also the issue of Y2K. This is putting the spotlight on IT departments, rightly or wrongly, and how we are seen to respond may well be crucial to our future credibility. What is the "Business Computer" architecture ? This is not just technology based, but culturally. Solutions provided by IT sections must be business, end-user, orientated, not driven by an appealing technology. We must provide a coherrent framework to allow the rapid deployment of applications,security of data and reliability of access. This should be backed-up by adequate system-management tools. This will allow the complexity of running a computer system to be hidden from the user, by using our experience of providing mainframe-class operational systems. The starting point to describe the "Business Computer", is to say :- So how is this to be achieved? i) On the technology front, by using thin-client, three-tier, client server. A "Presentation Client", numerous "Presentation Servers", and at the back-end the "Data Servers". This could be achieved, for example, by using Wyse Winterms, Citrix Winframe on NT servers, and an ICL Trimetra for the data. Any emulation or cleint software would run on the Citrix servers, including, for example, browser software. (For those brave souls who only require VME and UNIX access, then a solution could be, Winterms, Barron McCann CONICL Nexus servers, and a Trimetra.) ii) All IT tenders and contracts should be changed to ensure that all new harware and software works in a three-tier client server environment, and pressure should be brought to bear on existing suppliers to bring current software into line. iii) Underpinning this, a security policy, which all employees understand and agree to follow. This should lay out the need for the "Business Computer", and the benefits. Home:Index Previous: Introduction Next: Business Computer - The Benefits |