CIMA E1 Syllabus E4. IT - Systems Architecture - Notes ^{7 / 7}

It is how the systems infrastructure is organised together to support the organisation’s functions and its overall goals.

• Local area network (LAN) - this allows for communication between computers within a limited 
  geographical area.

• Wide area network (WAN) - this allows for communication between computers in many different locations.

Centralised or Decentralised

Systems architecture is typically either centralised (whole IT function is in one location) or decentralised (IT function is spread throughout various locations in the organisation).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Centralised Systems Architecture

• Advantages

  - There is one set of files on the centralised file server so that everyone uses the same data and information. 

  - Head office (where the computer is usually based) is able to control computing processes and developments.

• Disadvantages

  - This type of system is not particularly flexible. Resources must be placed on the server to be shared. 

  - Local offices might experience processing delays or interruptions 

  - Reliance on head office. Local offices rely on head office to provide information they need.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Decentralised Systems Architecture

• Decentralised architecture has some benefits like not relying on a single system, less complexities and less impact of security breaches but it also comes with increased costs and difficult in sharing data between different parts of the organisation.