The design of the interface will probably reflect some of the architecture of the back-end - if all connections are virtual and go through one or more physical ports or if each connection requires a physical connection (that may be multiplexed into something else on its way to the heavy iron). I designed a much simpler thing that connected a PC running a Visual Basic app (cut me some slack - it was 92 or so) between a SQL Server and an AS/400 machine through an ancient ISA board that was only happy under OS/2 but tolerated DOS enough to cooperate a little. It was quite an experience - at least the data arrived in ASCII.
I have no idea what United is running (besides the Windows ASP.NET front-end), but I wouldn't be surprised if it's something complicated enough to induce programming errors in clever people.
ITA's quizzes more than once inspired me on tests I subjected candidates to in order to gain a better understanding of the plumbing inside their heads. I assume the reservation system plumbing is equally interesting.
I have no idea what United is running (besides the Windows ASP.NET front-end), but I wouldn't be surprised if it's something complicated enough to induce programming errors in clever people.
ITA's quizzes more than once inspired me on tests I subjected candidates to in order to gain a better understanding of the plumbing inside their heads. I assume the reservation system plumbing is equally interesting.