Client Server Technology in Business Environment

Characteristic Features and Benefits

Other characteristics distinguish client-server computing from mainframe computing. For example, their power lies in networking small, but powerful machines. These networks rely on the desktop platform to access local processing power. Data is readily accessible to staff. This quickens response time and flexibility. Also, if one machine is compromised or shuts down, the organization can still function. Open systems allow business to configure their hardware and software to their specific needs, whether or not these products come from different vendors. Businesses can pick and choose from hardware and software products and create the most efficient combination according to their needs.

This mix-and-matching of hardware and software products necessarily makes client-server technology modular. Modularity increases business flexibility and competitiveness by allowing for the removal or addition of hardware or applications as the company grows or upgrades it practices. Client-server models of computing lead to a reduction in business costs and a more efficient use of resources.

Finally, client-server technology increases a company’s complexity. Since hardware platforms and software packages come from different vendors, this requires special attention. A company’s IS (Information System) team must be well-versed in the company’s hardware, software and networks as well as how those components are connected to and interact with each other. IS employees must also be able to maintain the client-server model within a geographically dispersed environment. Therefore, knowledge of remote processing is also required. Extra training may be needed to address this increased level of technological complexity. However, a sensible approach to introducing this complexity can temper or evenly distribute these costs over time. Introducing and testing small applications in the back office helps minimize risks. Applications can then be added gradually, while simultaneously minimizing risk and maintaining data centralized during the process. Distributing data, which occurs in client-server models, increases risk by increasing user access. It is important to also implement security measurements to protect sensitive data and processes and protect data and process integrity.

Client-server models have arisen from business need of the 21st century. Implementing these models flattens an organization’s hierarchies, which allows for better use of human resources, giving them more decision making power through increased access to data and processes. This increased efficiency, in turn, increases profits. The development of client-server applications is much quicker than mainframe development- 6 months versus 2 years. Although they are more complicated and expensive to implement single process applications, the benefits are enduring and work on a variety of levels.

First Page: Client Server Models in Business Environment