Developing and Administering PeopleSoft Systems

The diagram of the PIA (Figure 1-6) illustrates the most important point about PeopleSoft systems: they comprise a chain of linked technologies that stretch between the user and the database.

The database is fundamental to the entire structure. It must function efficiently, and it must itself be built upon solid foundations. However, as the PeopleSoft technology has evolved, additional tiers and various layers of software and infrastructure have been inserted between the user and the database. If any of these layers do not function efficiently, the users will be affected.

Developers and DBAs have different perspectives on the system and its technologies.

The Developer

The PeopleSoft development tools provide an environment in which to manage development and upgrading that is consistent across all platforms. This is both a strength and a weakness. The advantage is that PeopleSoft delivers and supports a single set of tools and procedures for all database platforms. This means that a PeopleSoft developer needs one set of skills, regardless of the database that is used.