Analysis of Logical Architecture

A high-level logical architecture provides the basis for a low-level logical architecture. The high-level logical architecture needs to meet the business and technical needs that you previously established. The logical architecture is broken down according to the various applications that comprise the system as a whole and the way in which users interact with it. In general, the logical architecture includes Portal Server Secure Remote Access, high availability, security (including Access Manager), and Directory Server architectural components.

The high- and low-level architectures also need to account for any factors beyond the control of the portal, including your network, hardware failures, and improper channel design.

The low-level architecture specifies such items as the physical architecture, network infrastructure, Portal Desktop channel and container design and the actual hardware and software components.

High-Level Logical Architecture

The high-level logical architecture to supports both the business and technical requirements and addresses questions such as:

• Does the proposed architecture support both the business and technical requirements?

• Can any modifications strengthen this architecture?

• Are there alternative architectures that might accomplish this?

• What is the physical layout of the system?

• What is the mapping of various components and connectivity?

• What is the logical definition describing the different categories of users and the systems and applications users have access to?

• Does the design account for adding more hardware to the system as required by the increase in web traffic over time?

Low-Level Logical Architecture

Low-level architecture focuses on specifying the processes and standards you use to build your portal solution, and specifying the actual hardware and software components of the solution, including:

• The Portal Server complex of servers.

• Network connectivity, describing how the portal complex attaches to the “outside world.” Within this topic, you need to take into account security issues, protocols, speeds, and connections to other applications or remote sites.

• Information architecture, including user interfaces, content presentation and organization, data sources, and feeds.

• Access Manager architecture, including the strategy and design of organizations, suborganizations, roles, groups, and users, which is critical to long-term success.

• Integration strategy, including how the portal acts as an integration point for consolidating and integrating various information, and bringing people together in new ways.