Computer Systems Development

Ever since until 1985 computers are expensive. Because of the fact that computers are large and expensive (Mainframe, Super Computer, Midrange) only a large organization has the financial capability to make use of computers. 1st Development was powerful Microprocessors - 16 bits 64 bit, (Today is 128 256 bits) 2nd Development was LAN, the MAN, then WAN 3rd Development are the connection of high end computers called distributed systems.

Distributed Systems Definition

A distributed system is a collection of independent computers that appears to a user as one coherent system.

Two aspects:
Deals

with hardware; the machines are autonomous. Deals with software; the user think they are dealing with a single system.

Important Characteristics of Distributed Systems

The way the computers communicate is hidden from the user. User and the application interaction can happen regardless of the place. Relatively easy to expand or scale. Continuously available. Organized by a layer of software that is logically placed between a higher-level layer consisting of users and applications and the layer underneath consisting of the OS. The layer is often called middleware

Examples of Distributed Systems

A LAN with servers and workstations - Pool of processors not assigned to a specific user - Single file system accessible from any computer - Execution of a command is performed to any WS or processor - The system as a whole looks and acts likes a classical single processor timesharing system.

Information system that supports the automatic processing of orders - Pre system used by and allowed user in different location - Orders are placed from any connected computer device - Orders are automatically forwarded to the planning department - Users not aware of the physical flow of orders through the system

World Wide Web Users not aware of the exact location of the needed document

Goals
To justify the by creation or construction of DS. a) Easily connect users to the resource - sharing of resources is economical - improved user collaboration and information interchange.
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b) Hide the fact that resources are distributed across the network c) It should be open d) It should be scalable