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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. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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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
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
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
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
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
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
client/server model of computing
emphasizes the user’s interaction with the data
splits processing between clients and servers
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
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
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
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
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
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)
Networking
key to c/s communications clients and servers pass information
back and forth via a network
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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