Lessons of life, through System architecture!!!

Disclaimer: This post is prepared as a requirement for MIS Assignment#0, Autumn Semester 2012, VGSOM-IIT Kharagpur.

I was walking deep down in that long, winding, sullen road, paths strewn with dry maple leaves, cool breeze blowing. Yes, coming to IIT was always my dream but this dream could’ve been fulfilled years ago at the time of BTech, but now that I was here there was something missing, some unfulfilled desire or some dream. Maybe a better understanding of my goals and aspirations was needed. But, the hectic MBA schedule didn’t provide time for such introspections. But, now that I had some time especially after my mid sems were over I decided to roam about the long and never ending roads of IIT kharagpur. Suddenly, a voice stopped me, a deep but a subtle voice, there was a boy standing about the same age as mine, he asked me about me.

Stranger: Are you looking for anything?

ME: No, was just roaming about.

Stranger: Okay, I studied at this place once.

ME: Oh that means you are an alum, nice to meet you, I have been too much bugged down by the hectic schedule here.

Stranger: Don’t be, enjoy this place, studies are a part of curriculum, its important that in addition to that you enjoy this place.

ME: By the way, I forgot to ask your name?

Stranger: My name is Rohit Joshi, I studied Computer Science here, got admission in 2000 batch.

I wondered that he is looking almost the same age as me, how can he graduate so early, nevertheless.

Rohit Joshi: So, tell me some interesting things from your curriculum, do you have any subject which is closely related to Computer Science.

I told him we have a subject called as MIS which stands for Management Information System, he asked me what had been covered till now in that subject, so I told him that we have covered System Architecture.


Rohit Joshi: Can you explain me some of the system architecture concepts? Been a long time since I last studied computer science?

ME: Okay, I will but in exchange, you should also share with me some of your experiences

Rohit Joshi: Okay, I am ready, I will give you some good tips, how to excel in your life, studies, career etc.

ME: There are four types of architecture:
Single tier
Two tier
Three tier
Multitier architecture.

The first kind of system is a SINGLE TIER SYSTEM : in which the data and the application(PL-Presentation logic & BL-Business logic) are on the same physical hardware. For example: laptops, desktops, servers etc.

 


Rohit Joshi: In similar way in life we have our own identity which we can compare with a single tier system, it’s our own space where we should do whatever it takes to keep us happy and satisfied. Be, it in the terms of health, money etc. We should not compromise this personal space for anything on earth. So, never be so worked up that you don’t find time for yourself.

ME: Wow!! That’s a cool comparison, let’s see if you have something for 2-tier as well.

Rohit Joshi: Tell me what is it?

ME: The second kind is called the TWO TIER CLIENT SERVER ARCHITECTURE: in which data is stored in a different location and the applications to access it in another. They are connected by various LAN cables. Client-server architecture offers both operational and performance advantages. First, it better accommodates the decentralized business environment; business logic resides and executes where it is more appropriate: on the end-users' desktops. Enterprise-wide data is integrated and managed by the server. Second, it offers a cost effective solution that allows for increased performance due to load balancing and better resource utilization on both desktop and server computers, and scalability and growth to more clients and new client application software. But the demerits are its high bandwidth requirements and  maintenance/version control of the software.




Rohit Joshi: In a similar way, two tier architecture represents the interpersonal relationships we have with our peers, we should care about them. Be, it our parents, friends, relatives or whosoever it might be. Proper time, care and concern should be given to these relations, because anyone can earn money, excel and become successful but few can do so in a way so as not to hamper interpersonal relationships.

ME: That is some cool advice and mantra, now I tell you about 3-tier architecture.

Rohit Joshi: Okay!!!

ME: The two-tier client-server architecture evolved into the THREE TIER ARCHITECTURE when the need arose to support more complex applications. The three tiers run only the user interface on the end-user computer, an application server that runs the business logic and processes the data is differently located, and it accesses the database server."
Then there is MULTI TIER ARCHITECTURE: This means splitting a system into more than just a client layer and a database layer. Instead, we have the clients, and they only deal with presenting data to the user and sending changes back to the server. The server then takes care of the business logic, and gets and returns the raw data to one or more database servers. The advantages are better maintainability (business logic can be changed without updating every client machine).

Rohit Joshi: The three and multitier architecture covers the essence that how you behave with the people of the world, when you are in a group, in a team, in your college, school, company etc. How well you are able to guide people, convince people and motivate your juniors and learn from your seniors. Your attitude with not so well-off people with your servants, workers all come under it. God, is keeping a tab of everything, and people know you by your behavior with others.


ME: Wow!!! I am amazed you have compared the entire computer architecture with relationships in life. I am hugely inspired by your words, By the way I forgot to ask what do you do these days, I mean where do you work.

Rohit Joshi: I…….ummmm……..Goodbye and take care…

And, suddenly I realized he was no more there, I was amazed, where did he suddenly disappear.

I came back to my room and opened the student directory of IIT Kharagpur.
Year: 2000
Dept: Computer Science and Engineering
Name: Rohit Joshi

What I saw next swiped me of my feet.

Status: Department topper, discontinued after third year, died in a tragic road accident, by a speeding car in the campus.

I became very disturbed after reading it, somehow I managed to sleep that night, At, night I saw a dream, I saw Rohit,

He said to me…


Life has never been kind to me. But, I learned a very important lesson from my life. However, short your life may be, make sure you live it well, you don’t know which moment might be your last. Do, good wherever you are, don’t just put too much pressure on you, enjoy life, nurture relationships, I miss my parents, I miss my friends, Moreover, I miss IIT Kharagpur, that’s probably why my soul refuses to let go from its magnificence…I lived here, I died here, I'll live here forever......