Unit 8 Session 4: Architectures, Applications, and Cloud Databases | IT 231 BBA Slides

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Unit 8 · Session 4

Architectures, Applications, and Cloud Databases

IT 231: IT and Applications (BBA)

Today's focus

  1. Database System Architectures
  2. Cloud Database

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • ✅ Describe 1-tier, 2-tier, and 3-tier database architectures.
  • ✅ Explain why the 3-tier architecture is the standard for modern applications.
  • ✅ Define cloud databases and Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS).
  • ✅ Evaluate the advantages of cloud databases for business.

Database System Architectures

1-Tier Architecture 💻

The database and the application exist on the same physical machine.

  • Direct user interaction with the DB.
  • Pros: Fast, simple.
  • Cons: No network access, poor scalability.

2-Tier Architecture 🖥️ ↔️ 🗄️

A client-server model where the application on the user's machine talks directly to a central database server.

  • Pros: Centralized data, fast development.
  • Cons: Security risks (direct access), limited scalability for concurrent users.

3-Tier Architecture 📱 ↔️ ⚙️ ↔️ 🗄️

Introduces an "Application Server" middle layer between the user and the database.

  1. Presentation: User Interface (Web Browser)
  2. Application: Business Logic (Web Server)
  3. Database: Data Storage (DBMS)

Why 3-Tier is the Standard 🏆

  • Security: The user never directly accesses the database.
  • Scalability: You can add more application servers without touching the database.
  • Maintainability: Code is separated logically.

Cloud Database

What is a Cloud Database? ☁️

A database that runs on a cloud computing platform (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) rather than local on-premises servers.

  • Offers the same functionality as traditional DBs.
  • Provides incredible flexibility and remote accessibility.

Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS) 🛠️

A managed service where the cloud provider handles the database infrastructure, maintenance, and backups.

  • Zero Maintenance: The provider handles software patches and hardware upgrades.
  • Examples: Amazon RDS, Google Cloud SQL, Firebase.

Advantages for Business 📈

  • Cost Efficiency: Pay only for what you use (no hardware costs).
  • Instant Scalability: Add storage or processing power with a single click.
  • Disaster Recovery: Data is automatically replicated across multiple geographic zones.

Exam Practice 📝

Short answer

  1. What is a database application? Explain with an example from a business you use regularly.
  2. What is database system architecture?
  3. What is a cloud database? How does it differ from an on-premises database?
  4. Differentiate between OLTP and OLAP with suitable examples.

Revise the answers in the full notes linked on the last slide.

Thank You

Questions before we wrap this hour?

Next: Unit 9 · Session 1 — Computer Security and Unauthorized Access

Course Home · Next session

📖 Read the full notes: Database Applications in Business · Database System Architectures · Cloud Database