Open System Architecture
This simply means that the choices for various support elements for ERP System – terminal, client/ server arrangements, and soon – must allow for a wide range of suppliers. The ERP system must, at minimum, allow for multiple hardware vendor options. This could avoid dependency to the resource environment if one element is not available but we still have other options. So our ERP system is not completely down affected by the interrelated elements.
For example, the system must support IBM, HP, Sun, Dell, and Compaq. A true open system architecture will allow you to migrate from one computer OEM to another resource environment without having to reprogram what you already have in place.
Operating Systems Software Flexibility
In an open system architecture, the ERP Software suite must support the operating systems of the various equipment manufacturers listed in the preceding bullet. In the past several years, UNIX has proven to be the most robust and reliable operating system on many platform. The Linux operating system will provide alternatives for smaller organizations. Note that proprietary operating system lock you in to a specific OEM; with the rapid evolution of RISC technology, this could be a problem in the future.
So you must consider resource environment of the Operating System provide easy migration if there is upgrade version without having side effect of your current ERP System. Operating System is the home of your ERP system once living in, this will be long term stay. |
