ABSTRACT
The Challenge Client/server and Web-based systems can be developed using any methodology. What sets them apart from their character-and mainframe-based predecessors is their technical complexity and the variation that results from it. Even the simplest client/server system has inherent complexity because processing is distributed. Instead of having all processing done on the mainframe, some logic is performed on the client workstation and some on the server (which may be anything from a PC to a mainframe). To further complicate the system, a separate database server can provide a portion of the processing. Add to that the fact that different operating systems (or versions thereof) can exist on each of the workstations and that multiple servers, each from a different hardware manufacturer and each running a different operating system, can be used, and the complexity becomes exponential. In Six Sigma terms, the opportunities for variation
be sufficient to meet customer requirements and create an ideal design.
