Discuss some of the key benefits of three-tier applications. ...

[future617RT]

Discuss some of the key benefits of three-tier applications.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

You are consulting with the owner of Better Bodies, a national chain of gyms. How could the use of information systems help them exert each of the four generic strategies in achieving competitive advantage?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[softEldritch]

Answer to Question 1

Three-tier applications can lead to several benefits in organizations:
1. Scalabilitythree-tier architecture are more scalable than two-tier. One example would be to use the application server to reduce the load to the database server by using transaction processing monitors.
2. Flexibilityin the three-tier architecture, it is easier to switch database engines.
3. Lower long-term costs
4. Improved customer servicemultiple interfaces on different clients can access the same business processes.
5. Competitive advantage

Answer to Question 2

At a certain scale of business, Better Bodies could employ globalization to purchase less expensive gym equipment, in a low-cost leadership strategy. The firm could use computers to monitor and evaluate health and fitness of members and customize workouts, in product differentiation strategy. It could use information systems for sales and marketing data research in order to define a niche market that would bring greater profits. The firm could allow customers to review their health data and add additional information or view statistics to create customer intimacy. If the individual gyms are franchises, then a network could be used for franchisees to share data and research new sales tactics, etc.