Traditional
wisdom says that 3-tier architectures are "Good". After some
digging around, I find out that Separation of the user interface
from business logic and database access has many advantages...
- Reusability of the business logic component results in quick development. Let's say we have a module that handles adding, updating, deleting and finding customers in the system. As this component is developed and tested, we can use it in any other project that might involve maintaining customers.
- Transformation of the system is easy. Since the business logic is separate from the data access layer, changing the data access layer won’t affect the business logic module much. Let's say if we are moving from SQL Server data storage to Oracle there shouldn’t be any changes required in the business layer component and in the GUI component.
- Change management of the system is easy. Let's say if there is a minor change in the business logic, we don’t have to install the entire system in individual user’s PCs. E.g. if GST (TAX) is changed from 10% to 15% we only need to update the business logic component without affecting the users and without any downtime.
- Having separate functionality servers allows for parallel development of individual tiers by application specialists.
- Provides more flexible resource allocation. Can reduce the network traffic by having the functionality servers strip data to the precise structure needed before sending it to the clients.
Creating
a 3-tier architecture is relatively straightforward, but getting it
right involves a good deal of effort.
“Kudoos...
to the Openmiracle developers for such a effort they taken...”
