Large companies require more computers than smaller ones, often using mainframes and networks with a client-server architecture. The server stores data and applications, while clients access them. Some networks use the server as a processing power source, creating a virtual powerhouse.
Businesses of various sizes have different IT needs. Larger companies need to use more computers than smaller ones. Large companies routinely have large computer setups, such as mainframes and networks. A network for a large enterprise commonly has a client-server architecture, also known as a two-tier architecture. No matter what it’s called, this type of architecture is a division of labor for the computing functions required by a large enterprise.
Under the client-server architecture framework, a company’s computer network will have a server computer, which serves as the “brain” of the organization, and a group of client computers, commonly called workstations. The server portion of this architecture will be a large-capacity computer, perhaps even a mainframe, with a large amount of data and functionality stored on it. Client parts are smaller computers that employees use to perform their computer-based responsibilities.
Servers commonly contain data files and applications that can be accessed across the network, from employee workstations or computers. For example, an employee who wants access to company-wide data files will use their client computer to access data files on the server. Other employees can use a common access application by accessing the server through their own client computers.
This type of server is called an application server. Take full advantage of the client-server architecture by using the server as a storage device for applications and requiring clients to access the server to use those applications. There are numerous examples of this type of application; among the most popular are word processors, spreadsheets, and graphic design programs. In any case, the use of applications illustrates the client-server architecture.
However, the server isn’t just for storage. Many networks have a client-server architecture where the server also acts as the processing power source. In this scenario, client computers are virtually “connected” to the server and get its processing power. In this way, a client computer can simulate the increased processing power of a server without having the necessary processor stored within its structure. Here, the client-server architecture describes a sort of virtual powerhouse.
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