Features of client/server architecture

Client/Server architecture divides an application between service requesters (clients) and service providers (servers) connected through a network.

Features

1. Role separation: the client sends requests and presents results; the server processes requests and returns responses.
2. Centralised resources: data, files, printers and databases are kept on the server, so they are easy to share and manage.
3. Centralised security and backup: access control, authentication and backup are done at the server.
4. Scalability: more clients or more servers can be added as demand grows.
5. Location transparency: the client need not know where or how the service is carried out.
6. Hardware and OS independence: different client platforms can use the same server through standard protocols.
7. Resource sharing and cost saving: expensive hardware (high-end storage, printers) is used by many clients.
8. Message-based communication: clients and servers talk by request/response messages (for example HTTP).
9. Easy maintenance: upgrading the server software updates the service for all clients.

Disadvantage: the server is a single point of failure and a possible bottleneck.