The Realities of Client/Server Development and Implementation

Abstract

Carnegie Mellon University has made the initial transition to client/server technology. Most previous systems were developed using relational database, fourth generation language tools, C and Unix platforms with a character based user interface. The client/server model involves the use of the client desktop, a Netware server, and a database server.The paradigm shift to client/server should not be taken lightly. There are a number of issues that had to be addressed: which client/server tool(s) to use, which project should be first, project planning and estimating, development standards, training for both development staff and end users, as well as end user desktop computing and network issues.This paper addresses these issues and reflects on the lessons learned throughout this process.