Enterprise Architecture

Lacota Technologies uses two types of N-Tier architecture to build file and database driven enterprise solutions for Microsoft Operating Systems. They are Microsoft DNA and .NET.

Our original architecture was based on Microsoft DNA (Distributed Network Architecture). It provided us with a stable, extensible approach to building enterprise applications that is still very powerful today.

Client Server

To understand DNA, it helps to look at an earlier way of developing network applications - the client server model. In the client server model, an application is divided into two parts; the application, which runs on a workstation and; the data, which resides on a network server in some type of database. The problem with this model is that, if you change databases, the entire client application needs to be rebuilt and redistributed. Similarly, if you want to change your interface from a windows forms interface to a web interface, you need to completely rebuild and reinstall.

Microsoft DNA

Microsoft DNA fixed those shortcomings by dividing the client application into smaller functional units or tiers; user interface, user services, business services, data services and data source. Now, if you need to change the database, only one small component is changed. Everything else remains undisturbed. In DNA communication between the user/business and data tiers is managed by messaging oriented - middleware such as MTS or MSMQ. The limitation here is that it works well for applications running on a local network but is not built to handle messages from the internet, through which a great deal of today's business is done.

Microsoft .NET Architecture

The .NET architecture is similar to DNA but differs in the way it handles the middle tiers. Instead of using messaging middleware, .NET uses SOAP, Web Services and .NET Remoting. SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is an XML messaging framework. Messages can be sent from the internal network or the internet and be directed to a Web Service where they are parsed into usable data.

At Lacota Technologies, we research new technologies and methodologies so we can deliver cutting edge applications to our clients. At the same time, we keep what works, even if it isn't the latest buzzword on the internet.