Client-Server Computing: Lessons Learned and an Application in the Healthcare Industry

Abstract

Client-server architecture is a local area network (LAN) based computing environment in which a central database sever or engine performs all database commands sent to it from client workstations, and application programs on each client concentrate on user interface functions. Client-server computing is a phrase used to describe a model for computer networking. In this shared processing model, a server has an intelligent database engine functioning as a service on the network. This model offers an efficient way to provide data/ information and services to many users as needed. A network connection is only made when a user needs to access the information or obtain the needed service. This lack of a continuous network connection provides network efficiency. Any change made in the server is transparent to clients.