Systems Architecture

Client-Server Architecture

A program on a Client Computer requests services from a program on a (shared) Server Computer

Advantages of Centralisation

• Easier administration of services by IT professionals
• Easier availability and location by users
• Consistency of resources, such as files and data, can be managed and assured
• More efficient and cost-effective hardware procurement through purchasing a small number of more powerful computers

Peer-to-Peer Computing

Computers on a network are treated as equals
Each computer can share resources with the other computers on the network

Problems

• Difficult to establish centralised control of services
• Difficult to locate services
• Difficult to synchronise versions of files or software
• Difficult to secure network from unauthorised access and from viruses

Hybrid Model of Computing

Client-Server technology used to locate system and files
The systems can participate in peer-to-peer transactions