High Level System Architecture – Environment
System Name
Field PC
DC Web Server
COMMUNICATIONS
Protocol
Hardware
COMMUNICATIONS
Protocol
Hardware
Computer type
OS
Computer type
OS
Telecommunications
Language
Middleware
Telecommunications
Language
Middleware
Reports
DB
Screens
Distributor
DB
Mainframe
OS
Telecommnication
Language
DB
Tiers – The top parallel line crossed by the three vertical lines
represent the tiers of the architecture. This is a three tier system.
You may have a one tier (stand alone), two tier (client and one
server) or two tier (client, server and upper level server).
Double Arrow – represents the communication links between the
tiers. The top line is the protocol used and the lower line is the
hardware communications equipment.
The squares define the environment of each of the machines, the
languages, operating system, etc.
The disks represent the database server being used.
The convex/concave arced rectangle represents the input/output
hardware/software.
The printer paper represents the reporting hardware and
software.