Suitability of Client/Server to implementation in different environments

As an emerging technology, the client/server methodology has effectively contributed for implementations in different environments/industries. 

Client/server in LAN/Intranet

Most client/servers today are PC LAN implementations since its capable of providing personalized benefits for groups of users. Often called as Basic Client/server comprising of PC’s for personal usage (personal platforms) as well as shared usage (server platforms). The shared local server platform typically acts as a gateway for enterprise external networks enabling enhanced communication (Articlesbase, 2011).

Above scenario applies to automated Library Systems where PC-based client inter-communicates with multiple servers, or automated system of a different library or a distant online reference service provider. Apart from the usual scenario the same machine can act as client as well as the server in a case where two library systems request each other’s functionalities, enforcing them to act as clients, for the purpose of resource sharing. Therefore we can define two environments for client/server in a library system,

• ·         As a model for the automated library system.
• ·         As a model to connect heterogeneous systems.

The initial approach for automating a library system is the ability to access multiple servers, bringing together product lines in order to increase productivity. In the second application the vendor should undergoes a mechanism to provide servers a transparent access to other systems. Therefore vendors have a potential opportunity to design a client/server system according to its requirements not forgetting to meet the standards of underlying principles.

Distributed WAN systems

Implementation of client/server paradigm in Wide Area Networks enables organizations to establish a secure single network intended to connect its remote departments and branches. Large multinational organizations as banks obtain the advantage of WAN systems since it contributes towards the development and the sustainability of the organizations’ business procedures. In a bank ATM scenario customers use the ATM client machines to communicate with the central server with business functions as withdrawing funds, querying an account, transferring credit to other accounts etc. This can be considered as a 3-tier paradigm of client/server (Seina 2010)

ATM

Moreover a most popular example for WAN based environment of client/server is the usage of web applications where a client application connects to web servers as Apache or IIS, CGI based technology through web-requests using a web browser. Then the web browser communicates with the data tier/database in order to extract or to manipulate the data requested. This was considered a major transition phase in the global market as it gave rise to e-commerce aspects where companies gained revenue through the increase of customer base by launching corporate websites.

Suitable hardware and software devices for implementation

Devices needed for implementation

Personal platforms:- Personal platforms are perhaps the most distinctive area of client-server technology. We define a personal platform as: 

This is basically a computer platform which enables users to communicate over a network providing a consistent user interface to perform tasks relevant to an organization. In client/server perspective this usually enrolls in the client aspect of the architecture whereby providing interface for the communication with the servers. Different kinds of personal platforms include MS/DOS PC, Windows PC, OS/2 PC, UNIX workstation, Apple Macintosh, and various hand-held devices. (Articlesbase 2011)

In a client/server implemented Wide Area Network obtains the service from devices such as WAN switches, access servers, CSU/DSU, modems, ISDN terminal adapters, routers,firewall hardware ,multiplexers, repeaters, load balancers, ATM switches and other networking devices to supplement a distributed access for the system. (Networking Tutorials 2010)

Bibliography

Articlesbase. (2011). Client-server : Computer Industries Newest and Hottest Buzzwords. [Online]. Available from: http://www.articlesbase.com/networking-articles/clientserver-computer-industries-newest-and-hottest-buzzwords-58332.html#ixzz1CpeV1DW4. [Accessed: 31st January 2011]

Networking Tutorials. (2011). What is WAN Networking. [Online]. Available from: http://www.articlesbase.com/networking-articles/clientserver-computer-industries-newest-and-hottest-buzzwords-58332.html#ixzz1CpeV1DW4. [Accessed: 31st January 2011]