Used in almost all automated library systems, client/server technology is the

computer architecture. Client/Server technology is computer architecture for

separating the application’s functions into two or more distinct parts.
Client/Server technology divides functions into client (requestor) and server
(provider) subsystems, with standard communication methods (such as TCP/IP and
z39.50). To facilitate the sharing of information between them, it divides the
functions. On the desktop computer the client presents and manipulates data. To
store and retrieve protected data the server acts like a mainframe. The machines
can perform their duties to their best.

Characteristics

The main characteristics of Client Server Technology is as under-

• By the differences in their performing tasks the client and server can be
differentiated from one another.

• The client and server generally function on different computer platforms.

• One or more servers may be connected by the clients.

• Multiple clients may be connected by the servers at the same time.

• Without affecting each other the client or server may be upgraded.

• By requesting a service the clients always initiate the dialogue.

In a client/server environment a client PC almost does the following:

• screen handling

• menu or command interpretation

• data entry

• help processing

• error recovery

A server can be anywhere along the dividing line and with a broad range between
the clients. Only the user interface has been moved onto the client at one end; at
the other end the database may be distributed.
Along the range there are at least five points:

1. Distributed presentation: The server and the client partly handle the
presentation

2. Remote presentation: The client handles or controls the entire presentation

3. Distributed logic: The server and the client partly handle the application
logic

4. Remote data management: The server handles or controls the entire

Database management

5. Distributed database: The server and the client partly handle the Database
management

In a library environment there are two major applications for client/server:

1. For an automated library system as the architecture- To facilitate use of this

system a vendor designs a system using client/server technology to access
multiple servers to improve productivity and to bring together multiple
product lines.

2. To linking heterogeneous systems as an approach- To facilitate transparent

access a vendor designs a client to systems of other vendors and from
others a server to facilitate transparent access to its system.

Benefits

The benefits of client/server computing are as under

1. In spite of changing the legacy application it is much easier to implement

client/server

2. Move to rapid application development and new technology like object

oriented technology

3. For development and support it is a long term cost benefits

4. To support new systems it is easy to add new hardware like document

imaging and video teleconferencing
 5. For each application it can implement multiple vendor software tools

Client/Server technology is proved much cost efficient and feasible in a mainframe

environment.

Concerns

The companies implement client/server technology on the following concerns-

• Between the client and server where there are many levels of complexity