Centralized application and client management allows efficient solution of application management, access, performance, and security. Below is figure one taken directly from Citix Systems (Server-Based Computing, 1999). The new architecture will have various types of technology implemented throughout the system. The main component will be the internet which provides the foundation for the architecture. Other web related technologies such as HTML, and communications protocols are also used. The architecture first begins at the presentation level. In regards to payroll this would consist on online paycheck review, or benefits review. At the presentation level, there is the client system, which is used to view Web page information. The client contains both presentation and application logic components. At the content level, there is a Web server that provides interactive view of information from a relational database. Finally, at the data and service level, there is a relational database system, which provides data for the Web server. This architecture is also called three-tier architecture consisting of client tier, Web server tier, and database tier.

With the advancements of the Internet, the Web, and related technologies such as Java advances to the architecture have been made. In addition to technological advances, standards such as communication protocols (TCP/IP and HTTP) have now been implemented to provide a more comprehensive approach to the architecture. In this architecture, sometimes referred as to the network-based application architecture, focus is on highly targeted, private distribution of software services over Intranets and Extranets. In this architecture, the Web page is not only the agent for providing information, but it also offers a variety of application services to speed up business transactions and offer additional services. This is ideal for payroll transactions...

This architecture consists of n-tiers and offers maximum functionality and flexibility in a heterogeneous, Web-based environment. An example of four-tier architecture is shown in the diagram below (I created this diagram in Microsoft word, so bare with its simplicity).
Now, in regards ethical issues, many considerations arise. For one, cyber attacks could potential expose personal information to parties with harmful intentions. In addition, access to the system can be comprised through the sharing of passwords and security clearance codes. Furthermore, in the advent of a system failure, employees themselves could steal and use information for their own purposes. Depending on the industry in which the large organization operates, they could sell information to interested third parties or those with a special interest in banking relationships with employees. The company using the system could also employ companies that they themselves may have a special interest in. For example, a company may use Oracle to provide its architecture needs while it also owns a 10% stock interest in the company. Through proper governance however many of these ethical issues can be eliminated.