Instructor Notes Module 3: Services-
Based Approach to Solution Design
Introduction
This module teaches students about the services-based design approach and the
differences between user services, business services, and data services. This
approach is captured in the Microsoft
®
Solutions Framework (MSF)
Application Model.
After completing this module, students will be able to:
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Describe the principles behind the MSF Application Model.
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Identify the service layers of the MSF Application Model.
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Explain the value of the MSF Application Model in designing solutions.

Materials and Preparation
This section provides you with the materials and preparation needed to teach
this module.
Materials
To teach this module, you need the following materials:
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Microsoft PowerPoint
®
file P03_1608a.ppt
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Module 3, “Services-Based Approach to Solution Design”
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Activity 3.1, “Identifying Services”

As you work through the activity, consider alternative solutions that
students may present so that you will be prepared for those solutions as
well.
2. Review the suggested solution.

This activity will help students understand the distinction among the layers of a
design. Students who are not familiar with n-tier applications or services-based
design might be confused by the concept of layers. Use this activity to help
students understand this concept.
Instructor Notes Module 3: Services-Based Approach to Solution Design 3
Module Strategy
Use the following strategy to present this module:
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Services-Based Approach
In this section, students learn about application models and are introduced to
the MSF Application Model. Be certain to emphasize that the three service
layers are logical, not physical, and do not necessarily imply three physical
boxes or tiers. You might want to develop a simple example involving an
application running entirely on one computer to emphasize this point.

This course uses the term “layer” to refer to the logical constructs of
user interface, user services, business services, data services, and data store.
The term “tier” is used in the sense of a physical distribution of components
across a topology, as in “an n-tier application.”

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Activity 3.1: Identifying Services