Client Server Architecture Essay Example
Client Server Architecture Essay Example

Client Server Architecture Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1311 words)
  • Published: December 8, 2016
  • Type: Tests
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1. Are the challenges faced by Hures unique, historically and presently? What makes them exceptional or not? The difficulties Hures has faced in the past are similar to those experienced by many companies transitioning from mainframes to a more complex era. Mainframes were powerful computers primarily used by businesses and governments for important tasks such as industry analysis, consumer data analysis, resource planning, and large-scale data processing.

The term "mainframe" originally referred to the large cabinets that contained the central processing unit and main memory of early computers. However, modern mainframes have become powerful commercial machines that function as servers in client-server networking. This development has resolved the issues faced by companies like Hures with traditional mainframes.

In the past, Mainframes had several disadvantages. They did not allow for mix

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and matching, only serving dumb terminals on users' desktops, requiring a wired connection to access data. Software platforms were specific, making maintenance and system management expensive as every component needed upkeep. To meet business demands, Hures purchased its first information system, a mainframe computer, in 1987.

In the transition from the Good Old Days to the client/server model, there were certain drawbacks, such as reduced flexibility, maintenance challenges, and difficulty in connecting with the outside world. To address these issues, they had to switch to the client/server system. The client/server model offers advantages in terms of flexibility and allows for a wider range of solution options compared to single computer models. Additionally, it promotes openness by allowing the use of different platforms in a network, as long as they can communicate through a common protocol.

Openness includes the freedom

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to choose the implementation at either end. It is also reliable as programs and data can be replicated across a network, allowing another server to take over if one breaks down. Servers can also be created for specific services. Client/server computing is scalable, with more servers able to be added to meet increasing application demand. However, the increase in power is not linear with the number of servers. This is a challenge currently faced by Hures Company, proving that their present problems are not unique.

In order to deal with this problem, it is essential to improve the hardware capabilities of both the server and desktops. Additionally, Hures faces difficulties in configuring applications into client-server modules and making necessary adjustments based on user feedback. This challenge is commonly faced by businesses using traditional (2-tier) client-server systems.

Two alternative architectures that could be used to overcome the problems faced by Hures' current Client/Server technology are the Three-tier model and N-tier model architectures.

The three-tier architecture is ideal for large-scale Internet and intranet client/server applications as it meets their needs. This architecture offers improved scalability, robustness, and flexibility, allowing for the integration of data from different sources. In doing so, it tackles the challenge of configuring applications into client-server modules and making configuration modifications based on user feedback that the company faces. The increased scalability and data integration capabilities also make it easier to incorporate user feedback. Additionally, managing and deploying the three-tier model on the network is simplified because most of the code runs on servers.

When abstract levels of service are established, the network interchange between applications is reduced. Instead of

directly interacting with the client, the server calls on the business logic to access the database for the client. Currently, Hures uses a tier 2 approach, but implementing a three-tier system would provide less complexity and centralized management on the server. Moreover, a three-tier architecture offers better security, improved performance, and excellent application reuse. While there are more options available in N-tier client-server architecture, the three-tier system can also be seen as an N-tier solution.

The N-tier is capable of accommodating the growing number of applications worldwide. It can effectively handle the demands of Intergalactic applications by integrating Middleware tier components within a single business transaction, allowing them to assist each other in fulfilling requests. Hures finds this feature valuable as it addresses user feedback and surpasses the current system in place.

The IS department of Hures has proposed the use of intranet web technology as one of their suggestions.

Examine the advantages and disadvantages of implementing an intranet. An intranet is a privately-owned network that utilizes Internet Protocol technology to facilitate the sharing of information, computational services, and operational systems within an organization. It can encompass a company's internal network or a larger portion of the organization's technological framework and may consist of multiple local area networks. The primary goal is to streamline user desktops within the organization, promoting cost-effectiveness, time-efficiency, and enhanced productivity. Given the numerous benefits offered by a functional intranet, the IS department has proposed its implementation. Advantages of an Intranet

Having a single information source in an organized manner reduces confusion and allows for easy access when needed. This saves time as people know where to

look. In addition, having a common corporate culture is promoted as everyone can view the same information. Intranets also enable immediate updates, providing live coverage of changes and limiting the company's liability.

By distributing information to employees based on their needs, time is saved and they can access it at their convenience rather than being distracted by unnecessary emails. Furthermore, the Intranet platform facilitates business operations and decision making on the World Wide Web through application development and deployment. This approach proves cost-effective by eliminating the need for physical documents, as users can view information and data via a web browser, resulting in savings on printing and document maintenance expenses.

Intranet security has drawbacks such as the possibility of unauthorized access and potential misuse of materials. Another concern is compatibility issues with software and hardware, which can disrupt the intranet's performance if necessary updates are not made. Moreover, some employees may face difficulty in accessing the intranet if they lack desktops at their workstations.

The increasing amount of information on the intranet presents a challenge in presenting and designing the platform to help users filter out unnecessary content. This undermines the time-saving advantage of the intranet, leading to wasted time. Moreover, weak security and universal user access make it easy for objectionable content to be posted, creating a need for clean-up and making it vulnerable to cyber crimes.

4. The popularity of intranet software and the Internet is considered a threat to traditional Client/Server systems. Intranet software operates on servers and offers services like HTTP publishing (such as the worldwide web), searching, indexing, and FTP file retrieval. Clients use web browsers

to access web pages, and since the protocols for intranet and web are the same, users can use any tested web browser. These web browsers can be obtained for free or at a small cost.

The internet plays a crucial role in supporting intranet software by offering essential tools for efficient operation of the intranet network. Moreover, the internet enables modern intranets to extend beyond a single building and embrace a client/server architecture, similar to how intranet software is connected to the internet.

By utilizing existing client/server applications, both intranet software and the internet can be utilized to create authentic intranet applications. Additionally, they have the capability to integrate applications in the Web browser that typically do not function effectively together. This allows accessibility to information on the Internet using the same application environment and interface. Many companies have chosen to use Intranet software operating on the internet instead of implementing conventional client/server architecture as a cost-saving measure.

The popularity of intranet software has increased among big organizations as it offers an easier and more effective way to spread over geographical areas compared to traditional client server. The only advantage that traditional client server holds over intranet is security, but organizations are willing to take the risk as it still requires someone to break cyber laws to breach security.

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