Used in almost all automatic library systems, client / server technology is computer architecture. Client / server technology is computer architecture to separate application functions into two or more different components. Client / server technology divides the function into a client subsystem (applicant) and server (provider), with standard communication methods (such as TCP / IP and Z39.50). To facilitate the information sharing between them, it divides the function. On desktop computers, the client presents and manipulates data. To save and retrieve protected data, the server acts like mainframe. The machine can do its job with the best.
Characteristics.
The main characteristic of client server technology is below
o With differences in their performance tasks, clients and servers can be distinguished from each other.
o Clients and servers generally function on different computer platforms.
O one or more servers can be connected by the client.
o Some clients can be connected by the server simultaneously.
o Without influencing each other clients or servers can be improved.
o By asking for service, the client always starts the dialogue.
In the client / server environment, the client PC almost does the following:
o Screen handling
o menu or interpretation command
o Data entry
o Help processes
o Recovery error
The server can be anywhere along the separator line and with a wide range between clients. Only the user interface is moved to the client at one end; At the other end, the database can be distributed.
Throughout the range there are at least five points:
1. Distributed presentation: Server and client partially handle presentations
2. Distance Presentation: Client handles or controls all presentations
3. Distributed logic: servers and clients partially handle application logic
4. Data remote data management: server handles or controls all database management
5. Distributed database: Server and client partially handle database management
In the library environment there are two main applications for clients / servers:
1) For the automatic library system as an architecture – to facilitate the use of this system vendor designing systems using client / server technology to access multiple servers to increase productivity and bring together several product lines.
2) To connect a heterogeneous system as an approach – to facilitate transparent access vendors design clients to other vendor systems and from other people servers to facilitate transparent access to the system.
Benefit.
The benefits of client computing / servers are below
1) Although changing legacy applications is much easier to implement clients / servers
2) Move to the development of fast applications and new technologies such as object-oriented technology
3) For development and support it is a long-term cost benefit
4) To support a new system, it’s easy to add new hardware such as document imaging and video teleconferencing
5) For each application it can apply several vendor software tools
Client / server technology is proven to be more cost-effective and feasible in the mainframe environment.
Concern
The company applies client / server technology to the following problems
o between clients and servers where there are many levels of complexity and compatibility problems
o Because you need to maintain the old system (mainframe) and the cost of developing new client server architecture will increase in the short term
o There are many layers of complexity and compatibility problems between clients and servers.
O Costs will increase in the short term because you need to maintain the old system (mainframe) and the development of new client server architecture.
O Software competencies such as security tools and management are not mature as a mainframe counter.
o With these tools it takes time to become proficient.
o when giving control a