Client-server database systems
J Daly
4 points * 2 hours per week * Second semester * Caulfield * Prerequisites: COT 2132 or COT2138
This subject aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding, and practical experience in the use of the various components required to develop successful client-server applications. Both theoretical and practical approaches will be presented to the problems of building client-server applications. Topics include usage of the term `client-server'; components of the client-server; comparison of different client platforms (DOS/Windows, OS/2, UNIX/Motif, Windows NT, Windows 4); network issues; comparison of different server platforms (file server, database server, minicomputers, mainframe, distributed servers, MPPs, remote servers); software components - GUI tools (C code and MS SDK, Windows emulators, X-Windows); 4GL tools (Gupta, Powersoft); fully integrated tools (Oracle, Ingres); database systems (Access, Paradox, DB2 and look-alikes, Oracle, Ingres, Gupta, MS SQLServer, Sybase); connectivity (DRDA, IDAPI, ODBC protocols); WIN32 API; DDE and OLE; EDA/SQL; DLLs; management problems of client-server - security issues, software distribution, software inventory and licensing, costs.
Assessment
Examination (2 hours): 60% * Two practical assignments: 40%
Recommended texts
Bochenski B Implementing production-quality client/server systems Wiley, 1994
Dewire D T Client-server computing McGraw-Hill, 1993
Smith P and Guengerich S Client-server computing Sands, 1994