Client/Server Challenge

The client/server architecture for application development divides functionality between a client and server so that each performs its task independently. The client cooperates with the server to produce the required results.

The client is an intelligent workstation used as a single user, and because it has its own operating system, it can run other applications such as spreadsheets, word processors, and file processors. The user and the server process client/server application functions cooperatively. The server can be a PC, minicomputer, local area network, or even a mainframe. The server receives requests from the clients and processes them. The hardware configuration is determined by the application's functional requirements.

Some advantages of client/server applications include reduced costs, improved accessibility of data, and flexibility. However, justifying a client/server approach and ensuring quality are difficult and present additional difficulties not necessarily found in mainframe applications. Some of these problems include the following:

* The typical graphical user interface has more possible logic paths, and thus the large number of test cases in the mainframe environment is compounded.
* Client/server technology is complicated and, often, new to the organization. Furthermore, this technology often comes from multiple vendors and is used in multiple configurations and in multiple versions.
* The fact that client/server applications are highly distributed results in a large number of failure sources and hardware/software configuration control problems.
* A short- and long-term cost—benefit analysis must be performed to justify client/ server technology in terms of the overall organizational costs and benefits.
* Successful migration to a client/server depends on matching migration plans to the organization's readiness for client/server technology.
* The effect of client/server technology on the user's business may be substantial.
* Choosing which applications will be the best candidates for a client/server implementation is not straightforward.
* An analysis needs to be performed of which development technologies and tools enable a client/server.
* Availability of client/server skills and resources, which are expensive, needs to be considered.
* Although client/server technology is more expensive than mainframe computing, cost is not the only issue. The function, business benefit, and the pressure from end users have to be balanced.

Integration testing in a client/server environment can be challenging. Client and server applications are built separately. When they are brought together, conflicts can arise no matter how clearly defined the interfaces are. When integrating applications, defect resolutions may have single or multiple solutions, and there must be open communication between quality assurance and development.

In some circles there exists a belief that the mainframe is dead and the client/ server prevails. The truth of the matter is that applications using mainframe architecture are not dead, and client/server technology is not necessarily the panacea for all applications. The two will continue to coexist and complement each other in the future. Mainframes will certainly be part of any client/server strategy.