01 - Understanding Microsoft BackOffice
by Greg Sullivan
- Overview of Microsoft BackOffice - Discover what Microsoft BackOffice is and its purpose in the world of information technology.
- Definition of the client-server process model - Examine the fundamentals of the client-server process model and learn how it serves as an important component of the foundation for Microsoft BackOffice.
- Definition of an information network - Learn what an information network is and why Microsoft BackOffice can be used to create one.
- Why Microsoft BackOffice has business value - Explore the business reasons for implementing Microsoft BackOffice and the value it has to your organization.
Computer users have longed for more efficient and convenient ways to share information since before the advent of desktop computing devices. The eventual connection of personal computers into computer networks represented an important step in the evolution of computing process models. Since then, the focus of information technology has shifted to the effective management of distributed computers, data, and processes.
Personal computers were accepted in enterprise computing environments because of the information processing power they offered, the personal workgroup empowerment they enabled, and the independence from centralized information systems organizations they accommodated. This claim is supported by the measurable success of companies such as Microsoft, Intel, Novell and Compaq. Many of the successful software companies took full advantage of this distribution of computing power by creating tools to place into users' hands. The personal productivity tools bundled in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access) are good examples.
With power increasingly distributed across the computing enterprise, it became essential to find an effective way to harness the full capability of all computers within the organization. Microsoft BackOffice is the glue that enables an enterprise to effectively leverage the full power of computer processors while providing the most benefit to information users in a controlled and secure environment.
As an introduction to understanding Microsoft BackOffice, this chapter acquaints you with the following:
- The products that make up Microsoft BackOffice
- An overview of client-server computing
- The role of Microsoft BackOffice in the world of client-server computing
- How Microsoft BackOffice moves you beyond client-server
- The value Microsoft BackOffice adds to your computing enterprise
What Is Microsoft BackOffice?
Microsoft BackOffice is a set of server products, based on Microsoft Windows NT networks, that operate together as a suite and are sold together in a bundle. Building on the market success of Microsoft Office, which is a collection of products for the client in client-server, Microsoft decided to offer their server products in a single package also - Microsoft BackOffice. Although each product is available as a stand-alone server application, purchasing and implementing the package as a whole offers many advantages.
Figure 1.1 depicts the Microsoft BackOffice products and their primary roles in the information technology enterprise.
Fig. 1.1 - The Microsoft BackOffice suite of products is comprised of six stand-alone server applications which coexist in an integrated package.
Each product is designed to be competitive on its own, in addition to integrating into a heterogeneous computing environment. Consequently, these individual products leverage the synergy of Microsoft BackOffice as a single package.
Microsoft BackOffice products contain server-based components, as well as software that is installed on client personal computers (PCs). Some of the products include substantial capabilities that are optional or only appropriate in particular environments or networks. In this respect, Microsoft BackOffice is a much more sophisticated product than a typical desktop application such as Microsoft Word.
In addition to the individual components, the Microsoft BackOffice CD includes an integrated installation utility. This utility will help you select the options you need for your server, and then make recommendations on the type of computer you need to support those options.
This book is about Microsoft BackOffice 2.0, which is the third release of the Microsoft BackOffice product package. Microsoft BackOffice 1.0 was first released in the third quarter of 1995. An upgrade was subsequently packaged as Microsoft BackOffice 1.5 and released in the fourth quarter of 1995. Microsoft BackOffice 2.0 contains these individual products:
- Windows NT Server 3.51
- Microsoft Internet Information Server 1.0
- Microsoft Exchange Server 4.0
- Microsoft SQL Server 6.0
- Microsoft SNA Server 2.11
- Microsoft Systems Management Server 1.1
Windows NT Server 3.51
Windows NT Server provides the foundation upon which all Microsoft BackOffice solutions are built. On the server itself, Windows NT Server provides an open, portable, and scalable operating system. From an enterprise perspective, Windows NT Server also acts as the network operating system, similar to the role of Novell NetWare. As such, it provides the basic file sharing, printing, and workstation connectivity services and is a platform upon which many other services can be provided. Although Windows NT Server is not as mature as some competitive operating systems such as UNIX, it has proven to be a secure and reliable product since its introduction.
See "A Network Operating System," (Chapter 2)
Windows NT is sometimes referred to as "industrial strength" Windows. Two versions of Windows NT are available for purchase. The first is known as Windows NT Workstation. Purchase this version if you choose to use Windows NT on a stand-alone computer. The other version, Windows NT Server, should be purchased if you are using it as a network operating system or need an individual workstation to take advantage of the extra power of Windows NT Server.
Windows NT Server - not Windows NT Workstation - comes with Microsoft BackOffice.
Table 1.1 illustrates the differences between Windows NT Workstation and Windows NT Server.
| Feature | Windows NT Workstation | Windows NT Server |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Stand-alone | Network computers |
| Processors | Up to 2 (retail) | Up to 4 (retail) |
| Connectivity | None | Robust |
The differences between Windows NT Workstation and Windows NT Server are significant. The retail version of Windows NT Server supports more processors than the retail version of Windows NT Workstation. This implies Windows NT Server is suitable for users who require, or prefer, more processors. Windows NT Server is further distinguishable from Windows NT Workstation in that it is designed to share resources with large numbers of users. It provides connectivity to remote networks via Remote Access Server (RAS) as well as connectivity to other networks such as Novell, Digital Pathworks, and Apple.
See "Integration with Other Networks," (Ch. 2)
Microsoft Internet Information Server 1.0
An important goal of Microsoft BackOffice 2.0 is to "Internet-enable" your organization. As such, Microsoft has added to the BackOffice bundle a new product - the Microsoft Internet Information Server. The first release of the Microsoft Internet Information Server is included with Microsoft BackOffice 2.0.
The Microsoft Internet Information Server provides the same functionality base you would expect from an Internet product including the following:
- The capability to develop and operate World Wide Web (WWW) servers
- Support for FTP and Gopher
- A secure platform
- Support for the Common Gateway Interface (CGI)
- Connectivity to other application servers
Many organizations today are gaining a presence on the Internet by creating their own WWW pages and exposing them to the Internet via a WWW server. The Microsoft Internet Information Server allows organizations to build WWW pages in the traditional manner using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). Additionally, the Microsoft Internet Information Server supports the operation of multiple WWW servers on the same physical computer in cases where more than one WWW page is appropriate.
To address security concerns, Microsoft incorporated support for the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), which is based on the widely accepted RSA public-key cryptography system. The Microsoft Internet Information Server also supports Private Communication Technology (PCT) security. PCT provides the same level of security as SSL, but is more efficient. In addition to SSL and PCT, Microsoft has worked with major credit card companies to develop a secure forum for financial transactions over the Internet. This is known as Secure Transaction Technology (STT) and will be available in a future release of the Microsoft Internet Information Server.
CGI adds functionality to WWW pages by allowing developers to build customized modules that can be loaded and executed based on the actions of WWW page visitors. This allows WWW page creators to enhance a WWW page beyond the restrictions of HTML programming. The Microsoft Internet Information Server supports CGI.
The Microsoft Internet Information Server also comes with an Internet Services Application Programming Interface (ISAPI). This is one of the most important features of this product because it allows developers to create Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) for execution by the WWW server. As such, ISAPI provides much the same functionality as CGI. However, ISAPI is far more efficient because the DLLs load into memory at WWW server run time as opposed to on demand. Also, DLL execution is faster because a separate process is not spawned as is the case with CGI.
One of the most powerful uses of the Internet is to connect the outside world with internal information. Subject to the appropriate security, this allows an organization to interact with the world via the Internet such as a customer placing an order on your WWW page and having the order placed directly into your order entry database. ISAPI makes this, as well as connectivity to other application servers, possible.
Microsoft Exchange Server 4.0
Microsoft Exchange Server provides the means by which messages are sent and received on the enterprise network. This includes electronic mail (e-mail) and information messaging for workgroup applications. Microsoft Exchange Server is based on the principles of client-server computing and is scalable to accommodate large computing enterprises. You will learn shortly the principles of client-server computing and its significance to Microsoft BackOffice.
Microsoft Exchange is truly an industrial strength messaging system. It replaces the Microsoft Mail product line. Microsoft Exchange Server was redesigned from the bottom up to overcome many of the limitations of Microsoft Mail.
Microsoft SQL Server 6.0
Microsoft SQL Server is a full-featured relational database management system (RDBMS). As such, it takes advantage of the principles of client-server computing. As a competitive RDBMS, its capabilities include transaction processing, preservation of referential data integrity, isolation of business rules on the server, execution of stored procedures, distribution of transactions, and data replication. It also comes bundled with a set of graphical administration tools. Microsoft SQL Server - as you would expect from an RDBMS built upon the foundation of Windows NT Server - is open, reliable, and scalable.
Microsoft BackOffice 2.0 contains Microsoft SQL Server 6.0. However, Microsoft SQL Server 6.5 was released shortly after the release of Microsoft BackOffice 2.0. Therefore, the section of this book that covers Microsoft SQL Server also indicates specific 6.5 features. A margin icon is used to point out those issues pertaining to Microsoft SQL Server 6.5.
Microsoft SNA Server 2.11
Microsoft SNA Server provides connection services to IBM AS/400 and IBM mainframe computers. This product allows desktop computers based on MS-DOS, Windows, Windows for Workgroups, Windows NT, Macintosh, UNIX, or OS/2 to "see" host computers. This "visibility" enables computing enterprises to leverage legacy data as the organization transitions to more contemporary computing models.
Microsoft Systems Management Server 1.1
Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) allows network and system administrators to centrally administer the entire network. This includes the administration of each computer on the network and the software on all computers. Specifically, SMS is designed to support the following:
- Hardware and software inventory management
- Automated software installation and distribution (including updates)
- Remote system troubleshooting by enabling an administrator to control the keyboard, mouse, and screen of any computer on the network running MS-DOS or a Windows operating system
- Network application management
SMS simplifies the administrative tasks associated with these important functions.
Perhaps the greatest value of Microsoft SMS is in the "hidden savings" to the organization. Today's information systems managers are plagued by many hidden costs associated with managing large networks of PCs. Some of the issues that drive up the network costs, which Microsoft SMS will help to reduce include the following:
- Users spend less time dealing with file incompatibilities because Microsoft SMS facilitates the automatic upgrade, and associated data conversion, of new software packages.
- Help desk personnel spend less time solving user problems because they can "see" the problem occur directly on the user's desktop without having to leave the help desk.
- Fewer technicians are dispatched to diagnose hardware problems because Microsoft SMS supports this activity remotely.
- Administrators save time and energy trying to keep up with curious users who are known to tinker with their configurations because Microsoft SMS tracks user configurations.
Microsoft BackOffice 2.0 All Together
The Microsoft BackOffice family of products combined fill a large gap in the computing enterprise. Figure 1.2 represents a typical enterprise network with Microsoft BackOffice providing information server capabilities and Microsoft Office fulfilling the role of an information client.
Fig. 1.2 - Each Microsoft BackOffice product provides an application service to the users of your enterprise network.
A great deal of synergy exists among the individual BackOffice products; this, in fact, is an important design goal of Microsoft BackOffice. The individual products are based upon popular, modern computing concepts. Understanding the principles upon which Microsoft BackOffice is built is essential to successful implementation of the Microsoft BackOffice components. To this end, it is important to see how Microsoft BackOffice works in the world of client-server computing, the role it plays in an enterprise network, and the value it brings to your computing enterprise.
Understanding Client-Server
To understand client-server computing it is important to have an appreciation for how process models have evolved until now. Software applications execute on computer processors. A process model is defined by where the software applications execute in the computing enterprise. A brief history of computing process models will help you understand the positioning of Microsoft BackOffice with respect to today's computing environments and the future as well.
Host-Based Process Model
The first computers utilized as information management tools were mainframe computers. The proliferation of mainframe computers brought with it the acceptance of the first phase of a computing process model, known as the host-based process model. Figure 1.3 is a pictorial representation of host-based computing.
Fig. 1.3 - In the host-based process model all processing occurs on the host.
In the host-based process model, all processing occurs on the host. Traditionally, this means the mainframe or minicomputer contained all the computing power of the organization. Terminals that connect users to the mainframe or minicomputer are incapable of processing data because these devices do not contain computer processors. Consequently, they became known as dumb terminals.
Today, it is common for desktop computer users to connect their personal computers to a host computer. Because the personal computer does contain a processor, it is not referred to as a dumb terminal; however, it can be configured to behave as a dumb terminal by means of a terminal emulation program, which enables computers with processors to perform the duty of a dumb terminal. Consequently, today's personal computers are allowed to participate in the host-based process model.
Shared Resource Process Model
With the advent of microcomputer networks came the shared resource process model. In this model of computing, nearly all processing occurs on the desktop personal computer. Figure 1.4 pictorially represents a computer network and the shared resource process model.
Fig. 1.4 - In the shared resource process model all processing occurs on the workstations.
The advantage of the shared resource process model is it allows computer users to share expensive devices. Hardware components such as printers, disk drives, and modems become more affordable because their usage can be distributed across a greater number of computer users. Network operating systems, such as Novell NetWare, became popular by exploiting the need to share these devices.
Client-Server Process Model
The proliferation and networking of personal computers resulted in the distribution of computer processing power throughout the organization. Computer processes execute in computing centers, as well as on the desktops of computer users.
Client-server computing is the distribution of processing across the computing enterprise. Software applications are constructed in parts so as to execute a portion on the desktop personal computer (the "client" of client-server) and the remainder on some sort of powerful computer shared by many users (the "server" of client-server). Figure 1.5 offers a graphical representation of the client-server process model.
Fig. 1.5 - In the client-server process model processing occurs where it best fits, whether it be on the client, the server, or both.
True client-server computing is message-based and event-driven. Message-based implies that a client sends a request to a server and receives a response. Event-driven means an event occurs that triggers the creation and sending of a message (such as a data value changing). Processing can occur on the clients and the servers in this scenario.
Microsoft has long participated in the client-server phase of the process model evolution. Their operating systems allow client PCs to connect with server computers and pass messages back and forth. Microsoft Office applications form the basis for the client side of client-server computing by providing tools that enable desktop processing of enterprise information. Microsoft development tools permit developers to build their own client-server applications. Recently, Microsoft integrated Microsoft Office applications with their development tools. This provides computer users a wide range of possibilities in managing information.
Microsoft BackOffice represents state-of-the-art usage of the client-server process model and provides a solid foundation for the anticipated arrival of distributed computing.
Microsoft BackOffice products address the server side of client-server, with each product providing a specific set of services. A design goal of Microsoft BackOffice is to take full advantage of the client-server process model. This has been accomplished in such a way as to provide a smooth transition into subsequent phases of the process model evolution.
Understanding Information Networks
Client-server is merely a transitional period in the evolution of computing process models and is an important step toward the panacea of distributed computing - that is, information users make decisions at any time from any place. Therefore, the ultimate goal is to be able to process data anywhere on the network (local and remote) with software anywhere on the network. In the world of fully distributed computing, users will be able to transparently share data, processes, and computing power.
Today, we distinguish data from information. Computer users assemble data on their desktops for the purpose of making decisions. Data is assembled into meaningful groups to support these thought processes. The assimilation of data from around the network onto the desktop creates information. The ability to process information, as opposed to bytes of data, now has become the predominant need of computer users.
Microsoft has addressed the need to assimilate, process, and analyze information by introducing the document-centric approach to desktop computing. In this approach, information is retained as an object. These "information objects" are accessed by the appropriate tool or set of tools. An information object may contain sections appropriate for manipulation by a spreadsheet, with other sections accessible by word processors or database management tools.
Although the client-server process model represents an effective way to distribute processes, Microsoft BackOffice also facilitates the effective distribution of data, software, and information objects. Microsoft BackOffice makes possible the effective sharing of data in a computing enterprise across legacy systems, client-server systems, and new distributed systems, resulting in the convenient and transparent availability of information objects throughout the organization.
Microsoft refers to the concept of connecting all types of systems for the purpose of processing information (as opposed to data) as Information networking. This definition of an information network directly maps to the product strategy of Microsoft BackOffice. While it may seem a bit self-fulfilling at first, it should not diminish the value of this important concept.
The information network is Microsoft's answer to the world of fully distributed computing.
Microsoft Office and Microsoft BackOffice allow Microsoft customers to take full advantage of the information networking revolution. The individual products of Microsoft BackOffice address information networking as indicated by distributing the following:
- Data. Using Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft SNA Server.
- Processes. Using Windows NT Server.
- Information Objects. Using Windows NT Server and Microsoft Exchange Server.
- Software. Using Microsoft Systems Management Server.
Information networking is based on sound, proven technology principles such as object-oriented technology. Microsoft supports the distribution of software components with their Common Object Model (COM). COM is the base object model upon which all Microsoft operating systems are built. Furthermore, Microsoft pledges to provide interfaces compliant with industry standards as they emerge.
Built upon COM is Microsoft's object linking and embedding (OLE). OLE defines how data will be combined on the desktop into meaningful information. With OLE, different types of data can be combined into a single document; this is known as document-centric computing. Today document-centric computing is limited to the computing desktop. As software and information objects become distributed, OLE will reach across the network.
Microsoft BackOffice is designed and built to fulfill the needs of information networking - today and into the future.
The Business Value of Microsoft BackOffice
How does Microsoft BackOffice provide value to your organization? The primary basis for the benefit Microsoft BackOffice provides your computing enterprise lies in the value of the information it manages. The following paragraphs describe the direct and indirect ways in which Microsoft BackOffice provides advantages to your organization.
Advantageous Pricing Model
Microsoft has bundled several server-based products into Microsoft BackOffice. Consequently, purchasing Microsoft BackOffice tends to be financially advantageous as compared to competitive products priced on an individual basis. Volume-based licensing agreements support this concept for organizations of all sizes. Additionally, each Microsoft BackOffice product is developed from the same foundation, with care taken to ensure consistency across products. This results in reduced learning curves as each new product is encountered during implementation.
Availability of Enterprise Information
Organizations today strive for more efficient decision making processes in light of increasingly shorter business cycles. These accelerated decision making processes rely heavily on the seamless availability of information. Effective movement of data to the desktop is one of the most important roles of Microsoft BackOffice.
Ease of Administration
As with any server-based product, information systems personnel must be assigned to its administration. Microsoft BackOffice products come packaged with a consistent set of graphical administration tools, which simplify the complexities of server management. The consistency across server applications yields additional savings through reduced learning curves. Moreover, capacity planning efforts are now consistent throughout the Microsoft BackOffice product line.
Consistent Development Platform
Application developers enjoy the benefits of Microsoft BackOffice in many ways. First and foremost, is the availability of an open, and consistent, set of application programming interfaces (APIs). More important, the server application APIs are consistent with those on the client side of Microsoft's Information Network. These APIs provide developers the capability to conceive, construct, and support distributed applications. Consistency across Microsoft BackOffice products and into the client side yields significant savings in the development and maintenance of applications.
Ability to Operate in an Open World
Microsoft BackOffice is designed to operate in heterogeneous computing environments. To this end, support for a variety of server platforms and client operating systems is available. Each Microsoft BackOffice server is open to the extent that third-party software developers are encouraged to supply add-on products. Developers may also choose to enhance Microsoft BackOffice functionality by modifying existing services or developing new ones. New services developed by your own developers can be integrated into Microsoft BackOffice. Administrators start and stop add-on services just as they do Microsoft BackOffice services. Knowing a needed service can be purchased or developed adds significant flexibility to Microsoft BackOffice as a server-based set of solutions.
Integrated Service Model
All Microsoft BackOffice components are designed to take full advantage of Windows NT Server as an underlying platform. Each product is designed to leverage the architecture of Windows NT. Consequently, the products integrate closely with Windows NT Server and each other as well. This low level of integration results in a stable and redundant platform upon which information networks can be safely built. The value of stability is further enhanced by the ease with which installation, security, and user logon are integrated. Integration leads to simplified usage which, in turn, leads to lower administration costs and more satisfied users.
The unified installation for Microsoft BackOffice products results in less installation headaches.
An integrated security model means users have fewer passwords to remember and only logon once to access all Microsoft BackOffice services. To demonstrate the ease with which users can be administered, figure 1.6 shows a User Manager dialog box in which user parameters, including security, are set by an administrator.
Fig. 1.6 - Users on Microsoft BackOffice networks are created through the Windows NT Server User Manager dialog box.
Users can also log on to the information network as a whole, as opposed to having to log on to individual server applications.
Leverage as a Solid Foundation
By implementing more than one of the products in Microsoft BackOffice, you can leverage the knowledge gained about the Windows NT environment. In general, you will find the subsequent products you implement easier to learn and understand. With each new Microsoft BackOffice component, there will be new information to learn specific to the component, but there is also similarity in setup options, security, and administration, resulting in time savings.
Most important is the value Microsoft BackOffice offers in leveraging the future. Microsoft has painted a clear vision in defining information networking as the goal. Microsoft BackOffice launches the computing world into the future, providing the next step beyond client-server computing.
From Here...
This completes your overview of Microsoft BackOffice. You have been introduced to each of the Microsoft BackOffice products, and you have gained important knowledge about the technical foundation of Microsoft BackOffice - the client-server process model. You also gained an understanding of the business value of Microsoft BackOffice and what it means to your organization. These important concepts form the foundation of your understanding of Microsoft BackOffice.
- To further understand the details of Microsoft BackOffice and aid you in determining the role it may play in your organization, see Chapter 2, "Characteristics of Microsoft BackOffice."
- To learn how to prepare for a Microsoft BackOffice computing environment, see Chapter 3, "Preparing to Implement Microsoft BackOffice."
- For the details associated with planning your Microsoft BackOffice implementation, see Chapter 4, "Becoming Part of the Enterprise."
