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Client/Server Technology

Client/Server Technology. Infsy 540 Dr. Ocker. Past. centralized business computing and centralized model of organizational computing -- mainframes high degree of control for systems managers end-users not very involved barriers to information access - sharing not the norm. Now.

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Client/Server Technology

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  1. Client/Server Technology Infsy 540 Dr. Ocker

  2. Past • centralized business computing and centralized model of organizational computing -- mainframes • high degree of control for systems managers • end-users not very involved • barriers to information access - sharing not the norm

  3. Now • End-user computing is here to stay • less control for systems managers • sharing of data is the norm • client-server computing is replacing the mainframe

  4. various meanings of client/server technology • One meaning: • formal systems architecture describing technologies that cooperate together on a computer network • users operate PCs (clients) that connect to central computers (servers) over a computer network • both computers cooperate to spilt the work of performing various tasks • set of management strategies for creating systems that improve org’al effectiveness • strategies for distributing computing resources within an org. to support interpersonal communication, organizational coordination, and business collaboration

  5. various meanings of client/server technology • Another meaning: • set of management strategies for creating systems that improve org’al effectiveness • strategies for distributing computing resources within an org. to support interpersonal communication, organizational coordination, and business collaboration

  6. Client/Server Model • enterprise networking - an arrangement of the org’s HW, SW, telecommunications, and data resources to put more computing power on the desktop and create a company-wide network linking smaller networks

  7. client/server model of computing • primary way of delivering computing power to the desktop • computing, data and processing power are distributed throughout the organization rather than being centrally located

  8. client/server model of computing • emphasizes the user’s interaction with the data • splits processing between clients and servers

  9. client • user point of entry into a network • normally a desktop computer, workstation, or laptop • user generally interacts directly only with the client portion of an application

  10. server • satisfies some or all of a user’s request for data • also runs the application software • can be a mainframe or another desktop computer • servers store and process shared data

  11. Infrastructure • c/s computing enables restructuring of information flow by distributing computing resources and allowing access to information • hw and sw must function as a series of pathways/highways

  12. Core capabilities of c/s computing • users use desktop computers to do much of their work locally • when they need to access shared information or to use resources of another (more powerful) machine, they connect their desktop (client) machine to the remote machine (server) using a network

  13. Clients • provide user interface - GUI - graphical user interface • run stand alone applications (e.g. word processing) - these applications use entirely local resources for both processing and data storage • run the client side of client-server applications

  14. Servers • shared resources that are accessible over the network;used by clients • combine both hw and sw • clients contact servers with requests • servers process the request and return the results to the clients • many clients use the server; end-users can share information by accessing a common database (stored on the client)

  15. Networking • key to c/s communications • clients and servers pass information back and forth via a network

  16. Distributing the work • fig. - shows 5 different ways that components of an application can be partitioned between the client and the server • applications must be written as two or more separate software components that run on different machines but that appear to operate as a single application

  17. Payroll example • client tasks could include • input data • submit data queries to the server • display results on screen or printer • server task could include • fetch the entered data • process the payroll • control access

  18. Business benefits of C/S computing • enables new approaches to business computing by restructuring flow of communication and information within orgs. • improved communication, coordination, and collaboration --> Groupware • email, computer conferencing, electronic calendars, shared databases

  19. Business benefits of C/S computing • distributed data stores consist of different servers that collect and organize information • corporate data warehouses • can be located centrally on a mainframe; • receive data extracts periodically from operational systems (e.g. TPS); • serves as a repository for shared information; • information can be distributed on various machines (servers)

  20. Some Limitations • more difficult to write SW that divides processing among clients and servers • server can get overloaded when too many users simultaneously want service

  21. Major influences that cause firms to shift to Client/Server • technically and economically feasible to transfer computing power to desktop -- declining prices, good telecomm. capabilities • knowledge-based workers create and work with information ; require easy access to information - C/S systems enhance productivity by placing information where users are

  22. Major influences that cause firms to shift to Client/Server • communication is faster, easier and less costly with C/S technology -- important in global economy • flatter orgs. need more decentralized from of computing • support team work through networking

  23. Major influences that cause firms to shift to Client/Server • offers flexibility to orgs. who need to change rapidly - easy to connect new clients (e.g. team members); can easily upgrade power of server without interrupting service • cost savings - supposedly cheaper

  24. key principles for managers in transition to c/s computing • to achieve value from the (costly) investment in c/s computing, need to commit to process redesign • two different levels of investment - infrastructure and applications

  25. key principles for managers in transition to c/s computing • need to make long-term investments in backbone communications networks; plan for ever-increasing bandwidth • building the enabling infrastructure is a strategic effort • building distributed applications is a tactical effort

  26. key principles for managers in transition to c/s computing • individuals and workgroups need to exploit the potential • networked infrastructure enables people to work together and share information in a variety of ways

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