Backend – indispensable in information technology
The backend is an important part of the IT architecture, usually referring to an application that runs in the background. The opposite of the backend is the frontend, which is usually part of the user interface. A backend performs different tasks depending on the environment, usually these relate to data storage or output. The term is often used in connection with client-server or database applications, and a backend is also the area of a web application that runs in the background on the web server and is only available to a restricted group of users (for example, registered users). Even within computer programs there is often a division into backend and frontend.
Backend, middleware, frontend – the three levels in the data centre
Generally, a backend can be found in data centres. Their structure can be divided into three major areas. While the frontend is accessible to the end user, often database applications, the middleware takes care of the data preparation that is displayed in the frontend. This is often referred to as an application server. The data itself is stored in the backend, a powerful server. The backend is designed to allow fast data preparation. Examples of backend include mainframes, which operate as background computers, or workstations, which are workstations with particularly large storage capacity, high processing speeds and high data throughput. These workstations are integrated into networks and serve as the central switching point for the peripherals within the network structure. The user interfaces of these workstations are usually graphically sophisticated.
Backend in eCommerce
In the field of eCommerce, a powerful and, above all, well-networked backend is particularly important. The fact that data is often stored in different programs can lead to confusion and problems in data management. A powerful backend ensures regular data reconciliation. To make this possible, the systems used must be standardized. Although this involves a certain amount of effort, it increases the clarity and performance of the entire system, especially in larger corporate structures, because sources of errors, such as those that can arise from duplicate data records, are eliminated. Equally helpful is the automation of work processes. If the individual workflows are optimally coordinated, this saves time and money and strengthens service quality and customer loyalty through a smooth process.
Maintain database – optimize backend
The better a database is maintained, the better the backend and the rest of the system will run. It is important to regularly evaluate the converted and stored data, this is usually done with the help of statistics. Before setting up the backend, one should know the required scale and what kind of data should be stored. Administrators like to work on this directly in the shell, a utility used for UNIX and Linux systems.
