COMP 404 Fall 2014	Communications Assignment 7: Scenarios for  Extended Visitors

Question:  

Consider the potential usage of extended visitors in an enterprise-class application, that is, an application that involves many components spread across the globe (or beyond!).    Describe and analyze 3 possible application scenarios in which extended visitors would be compelling, i.e. where achieving your goals would be extremely difficult or impossible without the use of extended visitors.   Do not use examples where extended visitors are being used just because they can be used; look for scenarios where their use makes a significant difference.

In describing your scenario, give a brief but complete description of what is going on, how the extended visitor would be used and what goals the use of extended visitors would accomplish.    Do NOT give detailed system details or code!    The concentration here should be on the "why", not the "how".

Be sure to consider the following ideas and issues:

• How does the separation of the data structures (the hosts) from their algorithms (the visitors) affect what is being done?   Why is this separation critical to your scenario?
• How does the dynamic nature of extended visitors affect what can be done?  
  • Is the ability to handle new or unknown hosts important and if so, how and why?     
  • Is the ability to modify the algorithm at run time important and if so, how and why?
• What are the downsides of using extended visitors in that scenario?  What are you giving up or compromising?

Be sure to follow the General Communications Guidelines when writing your discussions!

© 2014 by Stephen Wong