3-Tier architecture
3-Tier architecture
(also three-tier architecture)
3-Tier architecture definition
3-Tier architecture segments an application’s components into three separate tiers for enhanced management and adaptability. The presentation tier manages the user interface. It provides an interactive experience for the end-user. The business logic layer interprets data and upholds business regulations. Finally, the data tier oversees data storage and extraction.
See also: 2-tier architecture, Data center tiers
Use cases of 3-Tier architecture
- E-Commerce platforms. Three-layer structures support online stores by segregating user interface design, business logic, and product databases. This separation aids in efficiently handling high-volume traffic and transactions.
- Banking systems. Financial institutions employ a tri-tier setup to manage customer interfaces, transaction processing, and account data storage. Such an approach bolsters security and streamlines operations.
- Content management systems (CMS). Websites using CMS benefit from a three-level framework by distinctly handling user experience, content organization, and data storage. This ensures adaptability and easy content updates.
- Hospital management systems. Medical institutions leverage a three-tier design to segregate patient interfaces, medical processing logic, and health record databases. Such an arrangement optimizes data retrieval and patient management.
- Online reservation systems. Airlines and hotels utilize this three-part architecture to differentiate the booking interface, pricing algorithms, and customer reservation databases. This distinction enhances user experience and operational efficiency.