Beyond the Mainframe: A Guide to Open Computing Systems

No terms in computing are more pervasive and less understood than Open Systems and Client/Server. The technology-shift away from centralized, often mainframe-based systems towards the distributed client/server model characterizes computing in the 1990s and is, in large part, made possible by standardised open system components. If you have responsibility for management, procurement or implementation of a modern computer system, you need to be aware of open systems and client/server, the technologies they encapsulate and their importance to you. This book provides a complete overview of computer hardware and software technology, emerging trends and the impact of open systems and the client/server model on the enterprise's business decisions and practices. On reading it, you will be able to define the term 'Client/Server Architecture'; define the term 'Open Systems'; compare the relative strengths and weaknesses of the client/server model and the traditional timesharing approach; understand the developments in computer hardware, operating systems, networks and application software which have led the move to smaller distributed systems; assess the opportunities presented by Client/Server and the pitfalls inherent in implementing it; evaluate current client and server applications; better predict future trends in distributed computing technologies, and understand the benefits of the new computing model for your enterprise and your customers.