There are many different types of computer systems.
Some application systems are small, stand-alone systems that run on a
desktop computer that are used by just one individual. Other application
systems are very large and complex and can be used by hundreds of people in
different geographic locations.
Some application systems are centralized on a mainframe
computer. Others are distributed across multiple computers.
These “client-server” applications have software components running on client machines
(e.g. presentation logic) and other components (e.g. data validation rules,
data management functionality) running on one or more server
machines.
Some application systems are designed for “self
service” by customers. These Internet and IVR applications (Interactive Voice
Recognition Systems) guide infrequent or untrained users through
transactions step-by-step.
Other applications are designed for employees who provide
“personal service” to customers via a call centre or at a kiosk. Users
of these systems normally require system training but are then able to
process large volumes of transactions expeditiously. These systems
normally handle both "standard" and “exception” type
transactions.
