Situation Analysis

GPOS Feature

Profile Criteria

Student Analysis

Multiprogramming

Tech Description

In a multiprogramming system, the CPU can switch from one process to another quickly. This allows processes to use the CPU when it would otherwise become idle, basically improving the CPU utilization. Since the TSI OS is incapable of multiprogramming, it is difficult for their systems to switch processes quickly and efficiently, meaning the only way for another process to begin is to wait for the active job to be completed for the next job in line can begin.

Business Requirement

Being a business, they deal with customers on a daily basis, they need to access to multiple information, contact information, account information, etc. through multiple databases. Since TSI always has a program that handles sensor inputs, it is difficult for them to have another program running.

Multiprocessing

Tech Description

Any system that has a multiprocessor has 2 or more CPUs sharing the same physical memory. It allows multiple processes to run at once. This concept can be tied to multiprogramming as it allows switching between multiple processes.

Business Requirement

The TSI OS cannot support multiple processors on a physical device and the single core processors they purchase are only found on old, decommissioned hardware. The OS freezes when a second processor generates an interrupts.

Multithreading

Tech Description

Multithreading is used to describe situations of allowing multiple threads, a counter that keeps track of which instruction to execute next, in the same process.

Business Requirement

Because the TSI OS system call interface is basic, developers use an open-source software to remove multithreading functionality because the back-office applications that has multithreaded operations hang at launch.

Virtual Memory

Tech Description

Virtual memory gives the ability to run programs larger than the machine’s physical memory. This is done by moving pieces back and forth between the RAM and disk. Also allows a program to dynamically link in a library at run time instead of being compiled (Tanenbaum, 2015, p. 50).

Business Requirement

Because the TSI OS uses a flat memory model without paging, users in the back office have to reboot the system whenever it crashes due to insufficient memory.

System Call Interface

Tech Description

The TSI OS has a basic system call interface. Because of this, there will be compatibility issues with newer software and/or drivers that needs to be installed.

Business Requirement

Creating a workaround by modifying traps to kernel mode and develop custom system call responses only serves as a temporary solution to the prolonged problem. Newer software and drivers can become more complicated as time goes on.

Security

Tech Description

Simply put, there are no major flaws in the system that is easily exploited by hackers, no viruses/malware are present and there is a form of protection, like a password, is present.

Business Requirement

Access, whether it is the internet access or logging into the system, needs to be limited to TSI employees. Since there’s no form of security, hackers are able to access and steal/modify important data.

Device Drivers

Tech Description

Device drivers are programs that controls any device(s) that is currently attached to the computer. Usually requires an installation before the device(s) can be used, sometimes automatic or requires an installation disc that comes with the device.

Business Requirement

Because the TSI software developers write custom device drivers for their customers, there is a diversity for drivers present and it is difficult for TSI developers to code for them. Even if that was possible, it shares the same limitations as the system call interface, as there are drivers that can be complicated to code for.

Fault Tolerance

Tech Description

Basically how a system deals with malfunctions. Some programs, like Microsoft Word, automatically save data in the event of a power outage.

Business Requirement

Saving/backing up data onto SATA and SCSI drives can be useful on a computer at home. But for a company like TSI, this can be a bad thing as data are constantly being backed up, they can overwrite data with outdated or incorrect information, potentially losing longtime customer information. Furthermore, RAID cards cannot be installed because of the inability to code the device drivers for them.