Revisiting Client/Server Computing

The role of the Information Technology department is changing as it continues to mature and adapt to changes in technology, much of that change dealing with its interaction with corporate end-users. IT departments must continue to move in a more user friendly direction or they are going to encounter serious political problems with top management. The increased interest in cloud computing, green computing, and in outsourcing are further indicators of the problems that IT departments are currently facing.   Information Technology departments must approach client/server with a clear view of the lasting business benefits that it can bring rather than opposing or resisting the migratio

Client server computing and cooperative processing

https://egrove.olemiss.edu/aicpa_guides/1387/thumbnail.jp

Client-Server Computing: Getting your Feet Wet

Tremendous growth of client-server (C-S) computing is expected throughout the 1990s. Computer information systems (CIS) curricula are faced with the ongoing challenge of providing client-server instruction while technologies and methodologies are still evolving. To keep pace with this dynamic environment, faculty must begin building initial client-server experiences into the CIS curriculum. The purpose of this paper is to describe one institution\u27s experiences getting its client-server feet wet. First, fundamental concepts of client-server are considered. Second, basic questions about introducing C-S to the CIS curriculum are addressed. Next, the introduction of client-server computing at Western Carolina University is described. Finally, future client-server changes are considered

CEG 435/635: Distributed Computing and Systems

Study of process coordination, client-server computing, distributed objects, transactions, concurrency control, recovery of transactions, network and distributed file systems

Web based client/server computing

Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1996.Includes bibliographical references (p. 68).by Hoony C. Youn.M.Eng

Establishing the Research Foundations for Successful Client-Server Computing: What Naturalistic Studies Could Contribute

What is the nature of the process of implementing a new technology? How should the dynamics of implementing a new technology be studied? What research methods are best-suited to the study of complex issues of social and organizational impacts arising from the implementation of a new technology? Client-server computing represents a significant new technology that has not been a focus of research investigations. As companies pursue client-server technology as a replacement for legacy computing systems, there is a need to provide practitioners with grounded research that discover patterns of organizational and social dynamics that influence the successful outcome of a transition to this new technology. This article suggests that naturalistic research studies can formulate realistic business foundations for the successful implementation of client-server computing

Large-Scale Client/Server Migration Methodology

The purpose of this dissertation is to explain how to migrate a medium-sized or large company to client/server computing. It draws heavily on the recent IBM Boca Raton migration experience. The client/server computing model is introduced and related, by a Business Reengineering Model, to the major trends that are affecting most businesses today, including business process reengineering, empowered teams, and quality management. A recommended information technology strategy is presented. A business case development approach, necessary to justify the large expenditures required for a client/server migration, is discussed. A five-phase migration management methodology is presented to explain how a business can be transformed from mid-range or mainframe-centric computing to client/server computing. Requirements definition, selection methodology, and development alternatives for client/server applications are presented. Applications are broadly categorized for use by individuals (personal applications) or teams. Client systems, server systems, and network infrastructures are described along with discussions of requirements definition, selection, installation, and support. The issues of user communication, education, and support with respect to a large client/server infrastructure are explored. Measurements for evaluation of a client/server computing environment are discussed with actual results achieved at the IBM Boca Raton site during the 1994 migration. The dissertation concludes with critical success factors for client/server computing investments and perspectives regarding future technology in each major area

Group-oriented coordination models for distributed client-server computing

This paper describes group-oriented control models for distributed client-server interactions. These models transparently coordinate requests for services that involve multiple servers, such as queries across distributed databases. Specific capabilities include: decomposing and replicating client requests; dispatching request subtasks or copies to independent, networked servers; and combining server results into a single response for the client. The control models were implemented by combining request broker and process group technologies with an object-oriented communication middleware tool. The models are illustrated in the context of a distributed operations support application for space-based systems

Technology as Folklore: A Study of Change Through New Technology

We are in the second year of a three year, longitudinal, field-based study of work group life and technology change. Our view is that present organizational life has two dominant characteristics. The first characteristic is an increasing interdependence between members of the organization to do work. The second characteristic is the increasing dependence on information technology to support work. The interaction of these two forces becomes a key issue confronting the modern organization. In that context, this research seeks to describe: • How is client/server computing effecting technology-supported, group-based, work? • How are these effects shaped by organizational, temporal and social structures? This study focuses on chronicling the change in I/T infrastructure at one large academic organization. This change is viewed from a multi-theoretic perspective. We have the opportunity to observe and document the move of a large academic organization as it embraces the client-server computing infrastructure. Present, interim, findings include: (1) technical changes are difficult, social and organizational changes are more difficult; (2) change requires they maintain two systems; (3) there are two types of users and they are both important; (4) the technologists are now in the middle of the value chain