DRU is a small brokerage house that enables its clients to buy and sell stocks over the Internet, as well as place traditional orders by phone or Fax. DRU has
just decided to install a new e-mail package. One vendor offering an SMTP-based
two-tier client -server architecture. The second vendor is offering a Web-based e-mail
architecture. DRU doesn’t understand either one but thanks the Web-based one should
be better because, in their words, “the Web is the future”.

The complete question rather reads;

DRU is a small brokerage house that enables its clients to buy and sell

stocks over the Internet, as well as place traditional orders by phone or Fax. DRU has just decided to install a new e-mail package. One vendor offering an SMTP-based two-tier client-server architecture. The second vendor is offering a Web-based e-mail architecture. DRU doesn't understand either one but thanks the Web-based one should be better because, in their words, "the Web is the future".

(a) Briefly explain to DRU management, in layperson's terms, the difference between the two.

(b) Outline the pros and cons of the two alternatives and

(c) Recommend to DRU about which is better

Explanation:

a) SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. Thus, put simply an SMTP-based two-tier client-server architecture is a package that involves using a client-server provider like Outlook. This implies that Outlook provides the client with his own unique PO Box (server) so to speak.

While the Web-based e-mail architecture enables the DRU access to online mail platforms like G-mail with little server customisation features.

b. The Web-based e-mail architecture is good for personal email activities because of its ease of operation, however, it does not provide top security and customisation features. While an SMTP-based two-tier client-server architecture allows for unique server customisation with added security features as well be suitable for larger organisational work. Although a disadvantage is that it may cost more and quite a complex process to learn.

c) Since DRU is a growing firm the SMTP-based two-tier client-server architecture would be recommended as this would provide it will efficient customer service delivery.