Client/Server Technology

Client/Server Technology
The rapid pace of innovation in processor and memory technology makes it possible today to place the entire field of business data processing on a new foundation: client/server technology. Innovative personal computers and multi-user systems, developed on the basis of open interfaces and standards, enabled the implementation of application solutions that put the end user at the center of the design. In contrast, mainframe technology is usually characterized by more expensive resource requirements and less user friendly software applications. In order to increase its support for user reporting and analysis requests in an easy to use, responsive system environment, the OSC is exploring the replacement of the Geac Enterprise Server with a client/server integrated systems solution.

Client/server applications are better adapted to the requirements of end users. They are distinguished by greater flexibility in systems configuration. One example is the design of the user interface, which incorporates interfaces with icons, windowing and mouse capabilities. The OSC will be able to take advantage of these interfaces, their intuitive operation, and the increased productivity of the user due to the ability to perform tasks in parallel in separate windows. The user interface is just one aspect of the abilities offered by the client/server approach. The OSC will also be able to leverage additional capabilities including integration of desktop applications with business data processing, expanded functionality, scalability, portability, a high degree of system availability, and improved system response times. Applications developed using client/server technology can distribute the system load on separate servers for certain tasks. Experience shows that with such an allocation of tasks, a homogeneous load on individual computers is possible. This reduces the internal system overhead for process, improves throughput and performance, and saves costs.

In a survey by the Gartner Group in 1997, users identified the following reasons for introducing client/server solutions (the percentage of those naming the reason is shown in parentheses):

Direct access to required data (23%)
High flexibility of information processing (22%)
Direct control of the operating system (12%)
Reduced costs (11%)
Increased productivity (9%)

The OSC should be able to see system performance and user satisfaction in line with the Gartner report, with implementation of additional client/server capabilities.