Distributed applications run on multiple computers simultaneously, commonly in client-server networks or cloud computing. They can be general purpose, collaborative, real-time, or computational. Specialized computers or users perform specific tasks. Server weakness can cause delays or problems.
A distributed application is a program designed to run on multiple computers simultaneously and can be stored on a server or in cloud computing. This is commonly used within a network that has a client-server relationship where a client computer accesses a program from the server and the server does all the processing. Each computer that normally accesses the application is made for a specific purpose. While there are many different distributed applications, the common ones are general purpose programs, collaboration software, real-time systems, and computational systems. Using a distributed application is usually beneficial, but this can be a problem if the server is weak or slow.
Distributed application systems can be deployed on many different types of networks, but are most often found in client-server networks. In this type of network, the client computer, or the computer people use, accesses programs and information from the server. Not only is the application used by the server, but the server is responsible for doing all the processing for the program to work. Cloud computing can also be used for this, in which case the program is stored on a cloud server and client computers access the program.
While any computer or person can use the distributed application for general purposes, the computer or person is usually specialized or assigned to perform a specific task. For example, one computer may be used or optimized to create an image while another is used for text. The user can also be instructed to perform a specific task, rather than just performing generic tasks.
There are many different types of distributed applications, but there are four main categories. General programs are common programs found on one computer, only they are made to run on multiple computers at the same time. Collaboration software is built so that multiple people can work on a single project at the same time; each user typically works on a different section of the project. Live systems are chat and ticket programs where users answer customer questions online. Calculation programs are made to process code, and using multiple computers simultaneously optimizes and speeds up processing.
Using a distributed application is generally beneficial, because it makes it easier for many users to access and use a program at the same time, although a problem can arise if the server is not powerful. The server is commonly responsible for doing the processing, so this puts a lot of strain on the server. If the server is weak or slow, this can cause delays or more serious problems on the computers accessing the program.
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