Client/server technology: Is it beneficial in the engineering information and information technology environment?

Client/server systems have been touted as the next step in the advance of the computer into modern, computer-aided drafting (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), geographical information systems (GIS), engineering information (EI) technology, and information technology (IT) society, but they are not a solution to every organizations problems when it comes to advanced computer technology. Some of the ideas that are presented here are {open_quotes}old hat.{close_quotes} Then I ask you, why don`t we follow there {open_quotes}old hat{close_quotes} principles? This paper attempts and explores the advantages and disadvantages of these popular systems. The client/server architecture, apart from its ability to manage CAD/CAE/GIS and EI/IT and deliver it to decision makers in a timely fashion, offers many compelling advantages. There is, however, a downside to the widespread acceptance of the client/server environment. Users who expect to save money may be very disappointed. This paper provides a set of guidelines to help senior managers determine whether client/server computing is right for their CAD/CAE/GIS and IT organizations. From this point on, the abbreviations, CAD/CAE/GIS and EI/IT will be jointly referred to as {open_quotes}EI/IT{close_quotes} systems.