Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives At the completion of this subject students should understand the function of each of the components of a client-server application; understand the principles of good client-server application design and be able to implement a system according to these principles; and appreciate the range of standards applicable to client-server systems, and understand the role played by each.
Synopsis 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 (DSO/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%