ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the various aspects of the client/server concept. The development of the client/server architecture capability is not only to distribute processing from the mainframe to the server but to distribute major portions of data bases. There are three basic approaches to applications development in a client/server environment. First, a migration plan can be developed that moves all or most of the existing applications from the mainframe to the client/server architecture. The second application development approach is to develop all new applications for the client/server architecture while older applications are maintained on the mainframe until they are phased out. The third approach is hybrid. That is, applications are developed for the environment for which they are best suited—the mainframe, client/server, or both. An area of great interest in client/server computing is distributing data bases. Client/server computing is often seen by senior management as a way to drastically reduce Information Systems (IS) costs while continuing to provide needed IS services.
