What Is Client-Server Computing?

In client/server networks, a server manages a large database that a client PC interacts with. The server runs large, complex application programs and extracts data from the database. The client PC works with a subset of this data for local processing tasks. This makes the process of managing the database and accessing information easier for both sides.

Thin client/server computing

Thin client/server computing combines the features of both server and client computing. Servers run applications, while clients act as dumb terminals. The thin-client connects to the server using a network. The server runs the applications on the client’s behalf, and the clients boot from the network. When a user starts the client, the BIOS tells it to look for a boot disk on the network.

The EDS Business Banking Division recently implemented a thin-client solution in its 800-location banking network. The initial set-up required a full-time support person on-site at each site, as well as network support. Then, the bank realized that it could reduce the cost to customers by centralizing the application and avoiding the need for onsite support personnel. Since the thin client/server technology has a long history of success, the bank is confident in its decision.

Thin-client computing is a growing trend in the PC market. More businesses, government agencies, and public institutions are implementing Linux-based solutions. Many PC manufacturers have already recognized the benefits of thin-client computing and are embracing this new computing environment. And while it has its drawbacks, Linux is a strong alternative to Windows and can be used in a variety of industries.

Organizations are increasingly utilizing thin client/server computing to replace their legacy systems. The technology helps organizations cut costs by reducing hardware and software costs. Additionally, organizations can easily add new clients without disrupting their work flow. With more companies opting for this type of computing, organizations can preserve their liquid assets and remain competitive in the marketplace.

The City of Largo, Florida, has already transitioned to Linux-based thin-client/server methodologies and has already seen substantial cost savings. It has also significantly reduced departmental maintenance and IT costs. Its solid-state thin-client appliances have an eight-year lifespan, and the cost is extremely affordable. In addition, Linux software is freely available, allowing organizations to avoid buying expensive new hardware.

Object-based computing

Client/server computing uses object-based computing. An object is a set of data, operations, or states that can be distributed across multiple machines. These objects can be implemented in a variety of ways. One approach is to create a server and client that both share the same set of data, but can run independently of each other. This is referred to as colocation.

The server and the client communicate via an interface. A process carries an object reference, which is usually in the form of a pointer to a local representation of the object. However, an object cannot be passed from process A to process B. To work around this, a process A marshals its object pointer into a process-independent representation. Often, this marshaling operation occurs automatically.

The basic interface for a server is the Basic Object Adapter. The adapter exports operations such as creating object references, activating and registering an interface. It also contains methods that can be called by the client application. The client can then use the object reference to communicate with the server.

Client/server computing uses CORBA, a standard for creating distributed object-based applications. It was developed by the Object Management Group (OMG), a consortium of several hundred information systems vendors. The goal of CORBA is to promote the use of an object-oriented approach in the development and integration of distributed software applications. This approach to client/server computing allows programmers to distribute processing across multiple networked machine systems. This enables more efficient use of machine resources. Client/server computing has two main parts: the server and the client.

Ice’s object server starts with initializing its Ice runtime system. The communicator manages basic resources, including a pool of threads and dynamically allocated memory. The communicator also provides means for configuring the environment. For instance, the user can specify maximum message lengths and the number of invocation retries.

The server and the client can have different activation policies for each object. The server can execute a method only if it knows the object’s state. It can also invoke it through a separate thread.

Multivendor client/server computing

Multivendor client/server computing is a way of leveraging the benefits of multiple vendors in a single computing environment. Typically, each vendor sells one or more hardware and software products. The hardware and software are sold together or separately depending on the needs of the client. In multivendor client/server computing, the server component of the system is provided by a different vendor.

OSF Distributed Computing Environment

The OSF Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) is a client/server computing environment that supports distributed applications. It is an integrated set of services and tools that enables users to access and use data on remote servers. The DCE uses the TCP/IP communications protocol to facilitate communication between applications.

Developed by the Open Software Foundation, the DCE provides an infrastructure for scalable and secure client/server computing. It also provides a toolkit for the development of client/server applications. The DCE also includes two core components: a directory service that records the names of network resources, and an authentication service that provides user verification.

The DCE uses Network Data Representation (NDR) for data encoding. This method uses a “receiver-makes-right” model, inserting an architecture tag in front of each message. This data format is also more flexible than traditional file systems, as it does not allow users to create files on the server. It also includes a Distributed Time Server, which provides a synchronized clock for the entire network.

Client/server computing refers to a client/server model where the client requests a resource and the server provides it. This type of environment has many distinct layers of communication between the client and server. The server, for example, may serve several clients at the same time, while the client communicates with one server. The two systems are connected via a computer network. Another common type of DCE is the distributed computing environment (DCE), which consists of multiple nodes that handle processes in tandem.

OSF Distributed Computing Environment is a server/client computing environment that supports multi-processing and multiple users. The OSF DCE also provides security features for users. Its security features allow clients to access secure resources. Clients can request resources from multiple servers in order to perform different tasks.

Another type of distributed computing environment is the cloud. Cloud computing utilizes multiple computers that are connected by a network. Users access the same data from multiple locations. This type of environment can be more efficient and user-friendly. The cloud is a cost-effective alternative to client/server computing.