Evolution of Client/Server Architect – Technical article
1. Introduction
In the past, most applications were run in mainframe computers. With the capability of desktop computers substantially increase and the emerging of Internet in mid nineties, more applications are implemented in Client/Server architecture. Evolution of client/server architecture can be investigated on the following aspects:-
i. tier design;
ii. technology associated with client server architecture; and
iii. platform and tools used
2. Tier-design
The tier design of client/server architecture changes from 2-tier, 3-tier to n-tier to suit different application environment including the presence of middleware and thin or thick client situations. The introduction of Middleware is for implementing security measures and to cater for different configuration of back-end servers.
3. Technology associated with client/server architecture
The technology associated with client/server architecture progress from Transaction Processing Monitoring, Remote Procedure Call, Message to Web Services mode shifting toward object orientated.
4. Platform and tools adopted
Various client-side and server-side scripting tools are available for client/server application including Common Gateway Interface script, Javascript, VBscripts, Active Server Pages, JavaServer Page and PHP etc.. Languages for developing client/server applications includes Java, Visual Basic and .NET etc.. Developer of these tools and languages are mainly from Microsoft (Windows), Sun (Java). Microsoft products and proprietary products whereas Sun’s products are open sourced products. Recently open sourced product and their potential are getting more attention. That is why the giant hardware enterprise IBM invested US$ 10 millions into EnterpriseDB, an open source database vendor in March this year.
5. Conclusion
All the above changes would facilitate rapid development of client/server applications with a view to reduce development cost and time. Development of software templates are also in an increasing trend to further shorten the development time and cost.
