Layer 2 - Operating and Network Systems - Brown

Of course, operating systems and network operating systems are two separate phenomena, but from a layers perspective of enterprise management, the distinction is not that important. Both require expert management by competent engineers. Both are key elements in ensuring the stability and security of a system. The most critical back door security problems lie in this layer. Furthermore, optimal processing power is critically dependent on a good match between available hardware resources and operating systems.

In the "bad old days" acquisition decisions regarding operating systems and processors served to commit organizations down specific paths, constraining alternative choices in application and logic design. This is less the case now than in the past. Operating systems and networks are the domains of software engineers.