1.3 Client Server vs Mainframe Systems and Functions of Client-Servers

Question 1

What are the differences between client-server systems and mainframe systems? Or why would you choose a client-server system over a mainframe system?

Answer 1

Acronym: SEADS
1. System Management: Mainframe systems are integrated systems, while client-server systems, have only a few tools for system management.

2. Enduser Platform: Mainframe systems have dumb terminals capable of only singular tasks, while client-server systems have intelligent PCs with UI’s, which are capable of multitasking
3. Application Development: Mainframe systems are not flexible, slow, and increase application development times, client-server systems are flexible fast, and have short application development times
4. Data Manipulation: Mainframe systems have limited methods for data manipulation, while client-server systems have flexible methods for data manipulation.
5. Security: Mainframe Systems are centralized, while client-server systems are decentralized

Question 2

What are the functions of a client?

Answer 2

1. Managing the user interface
2. Validating user input
3. Sending requests to the server
4. Handling server responses
5. Processing application logic

Question 3

What are the functions of a server?

Answer 3

1. Responding to Client Request
2. Providing concurrent database access
3. Authentication and Authorization
4. Ensuring data integrity
5. Proving recovery control