The Client-Server-Based Architecture in the Organisation - Research Paper Example

? Client/Server vs. Web Based Approach al Affiliation) There are two options when it comes to software that manages information. Client-server and web-based known as hosted typically reside soon an external application service provider network. For light walker Limited (Ltd) to install either of the software options, they need to analyze what advantages and disadvantages either application will bring. (De Heuvel, 2009) Introduction Most companies opt to use the client-server based architecture in their organization, because it is what is commonly used. The web-based architecture however, is still new, and most organizations are choosing to invest in this architecture. The scope of this paper is investigating the advantages and disadvantages of using either of the systems and recommending the better option Advantages of using either a web-based or a client-server approach Let us look at the pros and cons; Web-based systems are usually offered on a subscription or usage basis, and will allow Light Walker Ltd to be in control of the costs and allow the company grows to the system without a massive initial payment. On the other hand, Client-Server systems will enable Light walker Ltd to control the number of upgrades done to the system and can opt to discontinue business with the service provider if they wish not to upgrade. The con of Web-based is that subscriptions always tend to continue for a long period, meaning that the company pays over along time, and it will eventually find itself paying a large amount for the ongoing system use (Applehans, Globe & Laugero, 2002). The application is also locked to the service provider, and shifting from a service provider to another one will involve starting subscription payment including installation again. Client-Server software usually has a high initial value since its whole cost is paid upfront and this does not ensure that the system created will meet all of the company’s needs (Goldman, Rawles & Mariga, 2004). If the software is licenses, it may have a service charge of twenty percent whether the software is used or not. Another pro that is associated with the web-based system is that, the cost for hardware, operating system and the data base software is included in the price of the application. This will benefit light walker Ltd, in that it will not have to incur any internal cost on purchase and maintenance of the network. However, a client server has the technical support of the in-house staff and is fully controlled by the company (Goldman, Rawles & Mariga, 2004). This allows the organization to configure the system to suite their needs. Since every coin has two sides, let us see the disadvantages. A web-based solution has a limited computing environment since it does not fully own the environment it is hosted on, and the working space at times can be shared among several companies. Another disadvantage of the web-based solution is that the database is off site and can cause delays in retrieving of data (Applehans, Globe & Laugero, 2002). With the client base server system, the full cost of purchase, installation, maintenance of the system and its upgrade will be on Light Walker Ltd, and this might divert funds set aside for the company’s business. Keeping the software on an ASP might save some money. The IT support for the web-based solution is solely provided by the service provider; the upgrades and database migration issues are dealt with off set allowing the company to have virtually no involvement in the maintenance of the system. Issues that are presented by customers are dealt with globally and not on a customer-by-customer basis. This means that when a problem arises with one customer, a solution will be provided that will ensure no other customer has the same problem. A client-server system will allow Light Walker Ltd to choose when, user seat software, upgrades and database migration will happen. This system has a significant disadvantage on the web-bases solution since the company has no say on how the system should be managed, and any suggestions have to involve a third party, the network administrator, in order to make any changes (Goldman, Rawles & Mariga, 2004). Client-server will see the company bear all the expenses of upgrading the system and a software vendor can choose to revise the prices at their leisure, and if any issues arise, the vendor has to deal with the problem remotely. The configuration of the company's unique network might pose a challenge, since it will take a while before the vendor studies the system. Web-based user seats are normally sessions on a server rather than software installed on a user’s computer; this will allow Light Walker Ltd and other customers with similar solutions access to the application at the same time. However, client based applications tend to run faster since they are located locally and the traffic is one from the company. The disadvantage of having the web-based solution on line is that when the users want to make changes to the database they have to be online, the system is not accessible off line. Also, keep in mind that data has to be moved to servers that are off site, so it might take a while for data on the screen to change to the new information. The client–server solution has its own share of problems, since every seat has to be paid for regardless of how active the user might be (Goldman, Rawles & Mariga, 2002). Access to the system in the web-based solution is available from any place that provides internet connection and a standard browser. Access is not restricted to a specific computer. Since the company has internet access, no additional costs will be incurred to access this system. The client-based software does not require access to the Internet since it is accessed from the companies local area network. The only disadvantage that the web-based solution has in terms of remote access without internet connection is that the system cannot be accessed. The client–server solution has a location disadvantage since the user of the system has to be present in the company to provide access the server through the local network. In order for the company to provide remote access to a client-server solution, additional software like Citrix or PC Anywhere will have to be purchased, and that is an additional cost (Goldman, Rawles, & Mariga, 2002). Conclusion Both systems have strong points and weak points and would serve various objectives for the organization. I would urge the organization to take up the web-based solution. The web-based solution will provide the company with having a solution provider host their system and manage it thus if any problems arise from the system, the service provider will deal with it. The fact the web-based solution provides subscription for its customers ensures that the company can budget the application in the company's operations budget. Finally, the web-based solution allows the business to focus on its core business since the amount it would use to install a server based solution will go to company investments and expansion. References Applehans, W., Globe, A., & Laugero, G. (1999). Managing knowledge: A practical web-based approach. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley. De Heuvel, W. (2009). Aligning Modern Business Processes and Legacy Systems: A Component-Based Perspective. New York: The MIT Press. Goldman, J. E., Rawles, P. T., & Mariga, J. R. (1999). Client: A business-oriented approach. New York, N.Y: John Wiley and Sons. Read More