Local area network changes

The needs of the organization will determine the type of EDMS to be implemented. Systems can be local or, more commonly, distributed throughout the company to maximize the sharing of information and, hence, benefits. This distribution can be site wide or even intersite using local area networks (LANs) and/or wide area networks (WANs). The validation of such networks is covered in Chapter 12 of this book. Many systems are client-server based and may use a Web browser to provide read-only access into the system. The latter is changing with the introduction of Web-based interactive packages. Figure 10.1 provides an example of EDMS architecture for a multiuser distributed system. 

The following systems or system components can be distinguished local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), network operating system (NOS), operating system (OS), application software, database management software, standard application software, hardware, documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Table 13.1 provides examples of systems and components, and the types of changes that may occur with each system or component. 

In most cases, communication lines establish steady, 24-hour connection between their endpoints. In order to increase reUability, and sometimes also for traffic load balancing reasons, alternative routes can be bmlt between the local area networks. If any of the lines is broken, the gateways can automatically adapt to the new, changing topology. Thus, the packets are continuously delivered by the alternative routes. Adaptive routing is possible at gateways, particularly for supporting 24 x 7 operation. It commonly occurs in the backbone of the Internet. 

Computer network and database management systems are supporting systems for CIMS. The computer network consists of a number of computers (called nodes in the network) and network devices, as well as network software. It is used to connect different computers together to enable the communication of data between different computers. The computer network can be classified as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). LAN normally means a restricted area network, such as in a building, factory, or campus. WAN means a much wider area network, across a city or internationally. Network technology is developing rapidly. The Internet concept has changed manu-... 

These rapid changes in both the number and mix of people living in a community have implications for organizations operating within the region, as inevitably the customer base and their needs change. Localized areas of damage or disruption to transportation networks can see marked shifts in where people shop. In any disaster, there are always winners and losers, and... 

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