Text a: System design. Hardware solutions

Systems design is the process of defining the architecture, components, modules, interfaces, and data for a system to satisfy specified requirements. The activities that typically take place during the design phase for an information system are: identify potential solutions, evaluate and select the best, select hardware and software, develop application specifications and obtain approval to implement the new system.

There might be more than one way to solve the problems and meet the requirements. When evaluating hardware solutions for a new information system, the project team considers the overall architecture of the system based on level of automation, processing methodology, and network technology.

Some information systems provide a higher level of automation than others. The project team should consider the pros and cons of different levels of automation and computerization.

An information system can be designed for centralized processing, in which data is processed on a centrally located computer (usually a mainframe) or distributed processing, in which processing tasks are distributed to servers and workstations. Distributed processing is very popular because it provides high level of processing at a low cost but presents more security problems than a single, centralized computer. The project team must consider this factor too.

Every information system requires a network, so the project team must examine network alternatives, such LANs, extranets, intranets, and the Internet.

1. Read the questions and circle the correct answer.

1. What must the project team figure out in the design phase? a) what the new system must do; b) how it will fulfill the requirements 2.What hardware options for information systems are available? a) mainframes, servers; b) personal computers; c) all of the above 3.Where is data processed in centralized processing? a) on servers; b) workstations; c) on a centrally located computer 4. Why is distributed processing so popular? a) it is cheap; b) presents higher security; c) requires powerful computer 5. Who is an information system designed to serve to? a) a single user; b) an entire organization; c) all of the above

2. Match the words with their synonyms.

1) to figure out; 2) to evaluate; 3) to fulfill; 4) to specify; 5) to distribute

a) to identify; b) to understand; c) to deliver; d) to perform; e) to assess

3. Read the text choosing the correct word in bold type.

Automation alternatives can affect/create many aspects of an information system. For instance, point-of-sale system with low level of automation employs/requires the checkout clerk to enter credit cards numbers. And a credit card number can be stored/ hold using only a few bytes. At a higher level of automation, a magnetic strip reader speeds up/ automates the process of entering a credit card number. At a further level of automation a pressure-sensitive digitizing pad and stylus are used to collect/to read customer signatures. The entire transaction record becomes automatic/electronic and storing a digitized signature might require a special type of database software.