Client/server model

To understand the logic behind the multiple combinations that conform to the client/server model, it is necessary to carry out a preliminary analysis of the structure of interactive processing; interactive processing systematically implements a certain number of elementary functions; these elementary functions can be grouped according to their type; the declination of the client/server model is based on the ways in which these types of functions are distributed between workstation and server. This analysis is the subject of the first part of the article.

In a second step, we will combine the main distribution modalities to draw up a typology of the various occurrences of the model.

Next, we'll see that the model assumes communication functions to complement the network's transmission functions. These functions are located between the "client" applications and the server, and are based on the transport functions.

A final step will enable us to "position" product groups and standards in relation to the client/server model.

The main aim of this article is to provide a solid analytical framework to help readers gain a better understanding of the protean nebula behind the acronym client/server.