The role of client/server computing technology in the management of global enterprises

Summary form only given as follows. Client/server technology is a revolution that is forever altering how we build and manage information processing systems. Client/server is a realization of a new kind of increasingly distributed information networks accessible from anywhere at any-time. The rapid growth of client/server technology is due to powerful technical and economic forces. Several technical trends are converging around client/server technology. These include faster, smaller and standardized computer components, improved distributed communications and increased information dissemination. Strong economic forces include emphasis on operational effectiveness, demand for market driven quality, need to increase enterprise responsiveness, and reengineering of business processes and information flows. These advantages make client/server technology very attractive for organizations facing pressures of increased global competition. This paper defines client/server computing and summarizes some of the technical and business-related forces making this technology popular. This paper also explores how client/server technology is used to create and manage information-driven enterprises and maximize user productivity.