client/server architecture Last modified: Wednesday, June 07, 2006
A network architecture in which each computer or process on the network is either a client or a server. Servers are powerful computers or processes dedicated to managing disk drives (file servers), printers (print servers), or network traffic (network servers ). Clients are PCs or workstations on which users run applications. Clients rely on servers for resources, such as files, devices, and even processing power. Another type of network architecture is known as a peer-to-peer architecture because each node has equivalent responsibilities. Both client/server and peer-to-peer architectures are widely used, and each has unique advantages and disadvantages. Client-server architectures are sometimes called two-tier architectures.
Client/Server Technology Conspectus issues  The page provides links to articles on client/server market research, architecture issues, cost management, networking, change management, and Intranets. In addition, there links to supplier profiles that include company and product overviews. Client/Server Software Architectures - An Overview Provides a summary of some common client/server architectures and also summarizes mainframe and file sharing architectures. Links to more detailed descriptions for many of the individual architectures are provided throughout the document ENT, Windows NT enterprise computing magazine Articles cover Microsoft applications, Windows NT, Backoffice, network architecture, system management, and client-server computing. Also hosts a buyer's guide, white papers, and resources. White paper on client/server architecture from Sigma Systems Inc. Sigma is the developer of software for higher education systems. This white paper describe Sigma's architecture for client/server and multi-tier designs, and how their software is developed and implemented. Client/Server FAQ Contains the table of contents for the Client/Server FAQ. Open Networks Today Networking news moves at a fast pace, and Open Networks Today lets you keep up with it. Open Networks Today offers its readers the ability to control how news is presented through customizing content filters, discussions, and news feed links. The Truth About Servers What makes a server a server? Is there a difference between an e-mail server and a messaging server? Should a firewall be considered a server in certain circumstances? These questions and more are answered in an extensive tutorial that cuts through the marketing hype and explains the basics of key server types. What Network Do You Need? An overview of the different types of networks possibilities, from peer-to-pear to client/server, and what kind of products you need to run them.

Related Terms

architecture CAN client client-side fat client local-area network network network-attached storage node peer-to-peer architecture process remote access server RIS server server farm server-side smart client staging server Sybase thin client three-tier two-tier WTLS