P1 of Unit 8 (eCommerce) looks at the technologies required for eCommerce.
Technologies Used;
Hardware
Software
Networking
Hardware
Web Server: A webserver is a Hardware device used to host an eCommerce website. The server supports the entire content of the website such as HTML files, Data bases and Image Files. Web Servers will run on operating systems such as Windows or Linux and will use web server software to manage access requests to the website. Webservers are similar to PC’s however they have faster processors and more memory making it much more powerful.
Firewall: A firewall is a software or hardware-based network security system that controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic by analysing the data packets and
Staff who are responsible for the delivery of items will use the database that is connected to the eCommerce site to ensure all the correct products are sent to the correct customer. It is important to connect securely to the database to ensure that all orders are processed correctly and the business runs smoothly. Technologies such as a PHP (A programming script) and MySQL are used to communicate between the website and the database management system (DBMS).
Network
TCP/IP: TCP/IP is a protocol used to transfer data and information over a network such as the internet. TCP (Transfer Control Protocol) is a wired connection between different machines on the internet. A protocol is a rule of how connections are set up between two devices. Anyone using the internet to access an eCommerce website will use TCP/IP. IP stands for Internet Protocol and each device on a network has a fully unique IP address. When a shopper tries to access an eCommerce store they do not need to know the IP address of the web server that the store is hosted on but can type a URL such as www.shop.com into a browser window instead. TCP/IP is a complex technology and normally and eCommerce site developer does not have to have in depth knowledge of the protocols but should understand that they exist.
Ports: Ports on different devices allow them to connect to other devices stored on the internet. Ports allow a device with one IP address to access another device with a different unique IP address. A