Complex Computer Systems - Research Paper Example

? Complex Computer Systems Complex Computer Systems A computer system poses complexity in its design because it has more internal structure, and is subject to change. It is imperative to note that there is no best way of building a computer system, but horrible ways can be avoided by having a clear division of responsibilities among the parts (Lampson, 1984). Some of the crucial determinants of success of a computer system include functionality, speed and fault tolerance. A successful computer system should work fast enough, as well as, keep on working for a long time without any fault. Therefore, experts should consider completeness, interface and implementation of a computer system as the most essential features (Lampson, 1984). Most computer systems that are considered successful demonstrate a positive direct effect on the perceived eases of use. Therefore, some computer systems are never fully accepted by their intended users, and are underutilized (Hasan, 2007). Also, very few IT systems have been categorized as truly successful. There are numerous factors and processes that make IT projects complex (The British ComputerSociety, 2006). Understanding and proper management of these projects is important to comprehend why such projects fail. It also helps to understand how proper management of complexity can increase success for computer systems. Technology is an important source of complexity of computer systems, but the key source of complexity is the scope of the project, as set by management (The British Computer Society, 2006). Among the success or failure factors are social, economic and technical factors. These factors influence whether the complex computer system project succeeds or fails in its objectives. There must be technical and social strategies designed to detect and manage external and internal influences to ensure success of any complex computer system. A successful, complex computer system should saves on time and budget, while it maintains the anticipated functionality (The British Computer Society, 2006). An excellent example of a complex computer system is the Smart Meter that was designed and developed by LogicaCMG. This is an Instant Energy Project that the company, which deals with research, design and production of prepayment gas meters, introduced to the United Kingdom energy market to make work easier for energy suppliers and domestic clients (The British Computer Society, 2006). Central service installed on server database and application server. These have interfaces and tier supplier infrastructure The Smart Meter System has several components. First, the Smart Meter’s Central System has a web interface and Oracle database (TheBritishComputerSociety, 2006). The web interface and Oracle database have been built on a Distributed Computing Infrastructure. Integration of these components with the central system allows for online payment. The payment is identified by the payment agent. A Short Message (SMS) is processed by the SMS provider system. Also, every Smart Meter System has an Apache web server, which is used to deliver user interfaces. The Oracle 9i database component of the system is was used to produce the database, while the Tomcat servlet container is driven by Java and the STRUTS framework (TheBritishComputerSociety, 2006). This uses Java Server Pages and cascading style sheets for presentation layer. The Prepayment Metering Infrastructure Provider application allows suppliers to interact with their meters in real time (The British Computer Society, 2006). The Smart Meter System is a complex computer system because it allows domestic clients and domestic energy provision customers to make prepayments for their gas, using their mobile phones. The Smart Meter System is also complex because it is can be used by both vendors and end user clients. Therefore, the system accepts top ups in terms of monetary values by customers via their mobile phones (The British Computer Society, 2006). Consequently, plans were put in place to sell the Smart Meter to houses and business premises so as to replace the existing meters that could not allow prepayment top ups through mobile phones. Also, complexity of the Smart Meter arose because there had to be innovation using new technologies that had to be put into a well established energy market in the United Kingdom. The Smart Meter System is a perfect example of a successful system. First, the system is responsive to the needs of the energy market. For instance, responsive to market needs by the system has been demonstrated whereby different market needs such as accepting payments in Euros, as well as, meeting European standards have been adhered to (The British Computer Society, 2006). It is not only used in the United Kingdom, but it can be used in developing countries, as well. It only requires entry of a PIN code to the Smart Meter upon purchase so that it can be topped up with credit, like to when the transactions are done by a mobile phone. The Smart Meter has provided several benefits to clients. Currently, there is fuel poverty and people want to benefit from the prepayment option for budgeting purposes. This also gives clients an opportunity to monitor how they use fuel in order to avoid inefficiency (The British Computer Society, 2006). The Smart Meter System also used new combinations with existing technologies that arise from innovative ideas in the energy industry. Clients benefit from SMS messaging, prepayment metering, easier information gathering, more control on energy service provisions and the ability to cut operational costs. The design principles contributed significantly to the success of this system. First, the team comprised of both experts in Information Technology and Management. The project was done by a virtual. Team members and leaders did not have to meet physically, but communication was maintained through email and other electronic modes, across team members. The project team of comprised a manageable number of ten people only. The design team used change management, risk management and communication management effectively (The British Computer Society, 2006). There was full support from the top management. In addition, software had to be tested frequently to confirm that organizational change was to be made based on data and not assumptions. Management kept good records pertaining to the project and shared this information with the team where it was necessary. Therefore, the team understood and managed the project properly to ensure success. Modularity, abstraction, hierarchy, and layering contributed to the success of the system significantly. First, the Smart Meter System exhibited a high level of modularity in its design. Modularity is the interdependence within modules, and independence across modules, whereby each unit has its structural elements powerfully connected amongst them and relatively, weakly connected to elements in other units (Baldwin & Clark, 1999). Each module of the system was independent on functional issues, but at the same time the modules were dependent on each other to perform the whole prepayment metering process. Secondly, there was a logical consistence in axiomatic, syntactic and semantic levels mapping to retain some desirable properties for simpler representations of the Smart Meter System. This exhibited sufficient abstraction, which contributed significantly to the success of the Smart Meter System. The system was characterized with complex operational tools that ensured the combinatorial optimization of algorithms (The British Computer Society, 2006). The Smart Meter System consisted of modules. Any system is formed through modules. A simple system has less complex hierarchical structures. Complex systems, on the other hand, are formed through modules that have varying degrees of hierarchical structuring (Mehrotra, 2011). The Smart Meter, being a complex system was comprised of complex hierarchical structures, which facilitated its functionality and efficiency. Layering is another important aspect in the development and design of complex computer systems. This is because a complex system is made of programs that fall under the category of higher levels and those that are categorized as low layer programs. The Smart Meter System used higher level languages like Java, which are independent of hardware combined with assembly level languages that are specialized and dependent on the hardware. The higher layer depended on the facilities of lower layers for proper functionality (Rajaraman & Radhakrishnan, 2007). This ensured success of the system as a whole. The Smart Meter System, designed by LogicaCMG is an example of a successful, complex, computer system. The management team of the company was fully involved in the project, whereby team members had to achieve agreements before making decisions. This offered members the autonomy and authority to make project decisions. This ensured smooth implementation and success of the project. Also, the management team kept good records about the project. It shared this important information with the team when need arose to ensure a successful implementation of the system (The British Computer Society, 2006). Overall, the Smart Meter System offered end users several benefits, including saving time, facilitating control of their budget and attaining the anticipated functionality. References Baldwin, C. Y., & Clark, K. B. (1999). Design Rules: The Power of Modularity. Cambridge: MIT Press. Hasan, B. (2007, September). Examining the Effects of Computer Self-Efficacy and System Complexity on Technology Acceptance. Retrieved September 1, 2013, from http://www.igi-pub.com Lampson, B. W. (1984, January). Hints for Computer System Design. Retrieved September 1, 2013, from https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BxUHmF1GCGyqSXNXaEFSS3BsbjA/edit?usp=sharing Mehrotra, K. G. (2011). Modern Approaches in Applied Intelligence: 24th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and other Applications of Applied Intelligent Systems. Berlin: Springer Publications. Rajaraman, V., & Radhakrishnan, T. (2007). Computer Organization and Architecture. New Delhi: Prentice-Hall of India Press. The British Computer Society. (2006, August ). Case Study of Successful Complex IT Projects . Retrieved September 1, 2013, from http://www.bcs.org/upload/pdf/casestudy2.pdf Read More