Technologies of the Web
This chapter provides information about the basic technologies involved. This is probably redundant for web developers, but necessary for project managers without a technical background.
- The internet is a client-server system that involves a central server, remote clients, and a network between them. Failure can occur on any of these three components.
- A web site is a collection of files that are delivered from server to client by means of standard protocols. This is not the same as traditional information systems with a constant connection. The primary protocols used on the internet are HTTP (web pages), SMTP (mail), and FTP (file transfer).
- IP addresses identify each machine, DNS correlates that number with a more user-friendly name
- TCP breaks up a file into packets containing headers
- There are a number of standard file formats that are handled by browsers and common software. The capabilities of the client terminal are key in determining what is possible.
- In most cases, the terminals are the customers' own equipment. The site owner has no ability to "upgrade" or change it, but must instead accommodate it.
- There are established and evolving standards a Web site would do well to follow.
- The Web server is its own animal, separate from other information systems, but it may connect with legacy systems. The degree to which this is possible/feasible depends on legacy systems. Sometimes, a lot of custom programming is needed to make disparate systems talk to one another.
- Web servers may serve files via the public internet or a private network (intranet)
- There are a number of decisions to make regarding the hosting of a Web site: internal or external, shared or dedicated, etc.
- Finally, all of this is evolving rapidly and it's important to keep on top of things. A PM should also be aware that the landscape can change radically during the course of a project.