Reference
Standalone
“Standalone” is a system configuration
in which a single computer performs
processing without connecting to a network.
Reference
Workstation
Refer to “Chapter 8-4-1 Hardware.”
Reference
Parallel processing
“Parallel processing” is a method for
improving the overall throughput of a
system by connecting multiple computers to perform a single processing task.
Reference
Cluster system
A “cluster system” is a system configuration in which multiple computers (including servers ) are connected by a
network, operating together as if it were
a single system. It is one type of system
configuration that seeks to improve reliability by continuing to provide services
without interrupting tasks in the event of
a failure.
Reference
Handling of primary and
secondary systems
Depending on how the secondary system is handled, there are two types of
duplex systems.
●Cold standby system
The primary system usually performs
real-time processing, while the secondary system performs other processing
such as batch processing. Depending
on the separate processing performed
by the primary and secondary systems,
a duplex system can be effectively employed.
●Hot standby system
The primary and secondary systems do
not perform separate processing, and
the secondary system is maintained in
the same state as the primary system
as a backup. This makes it possible to
quickly switch systems in the event of a
failure.
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In terms of hardware configuration, distributed processing can be categorized into “horizontal distribution” and “vertical distribution.”
●Horizontal distribution
“Horizontal distribution” is a processing mode in which processing is distributed by connecting computers and workstations with standalone processing capabilities.
●Vertical distribution
“Vertical distribution” is a processing mode in which the functions are
distributed by connecting a hierarchy of computers and terminals that perform the processing.
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Information system configuration
The typical configurations for information systems are summarized below.
(1)Dual system
A “dual system” uses two systems with the same configuration, which simultaneously perform the same processing to check whether there are errors in the processing results. If a failure occurs, the system that generated
it is isolated and the other system continues the processing.
(2)Duplex system
A “duplex system” uses two systems; one system is used as the primary
system (currently used system), and the other is used as the secondary system (backup system). The primary system usually performs the processing. If a failure occurs with the primary system, the duplex system switches to the secondary system to continue the processing that the primary system was performing.
(3)Thin client
A “thin client” manages resources such as application software and files
on the server side, and limits the client-side computer to only the minimum
functions. On the client side, the system can be operated simply by preparing network functions for connecting to the server and input/output functions. This makes operations management easy to conduct, and offers enhanced security.
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Uses of information systems
The uses of information systems are summarized below.
(1)Interactive processing
“Interactive processing” is a form of mutually interactive processing between the user and computer. The user responds to the operations requested by the computer through the display, mutually performing the processing as if actively interacting with the computer.