Catalog data is served from one node of the cluster. The second node of the cluster manages all other data, including customer data, orders, inventory, and fulfillment. To maximize availability, these servers operate in a fail-over configuration using the functionality provided in SQL Server. As with the public site, the scripting capabilities of ASP handle simple business logic. These custom components are used to manage everything from purchasing and receiving inventory to generating the pick tickets used by shipping personnel to fill customer orders.
Marketing managers use similar features to track sales and the results of special promotions.
Microsoft Access 2000 and Microsoft Office 2000 are used for reporting. This provides real-time data visibility throughout the enterprise. The company plans to upgrade all external and intranet Web servers to Windows 2000 later this year. They are looking at separating the company's public and internal systems. It provides the fastest, easiest way to develop Web applications that integrate and interoperate with existing applications, suppliers, customers and future applications and devices.