Client/Server
The third cornerstone is the ability to support a true client/server environment. The client/server
momentum is building rapidly in corporate IS organizations. Forrester Research predicts that, by 1996,
100 percent of new applications will be developed using client/server architecture. While only 10% of
today's applications are client/server-based, that number is expected to grow rapidly to 30% by 1997, and
70% by 1998. In general, the move to client/server architecture has been fueled by a desire to cut costs,
speed data access, hasten the development of applications, and improve the quality of information. Cost
reductions come from eliminating hardware upgrades and annual maintenance contracts for mainframe
hardware and software. Also, giving end-users better access to data will increase productivity and better
access to timely and accurate information will help decision-makers make more informed choices. Most of
the Tier One vendors have chosen to evolve their character applications. As a result, they typically do not
fall in the 10% who are client/server-based today. They have been slow to re-engineer their products and
they will not be able to deliver what the marketplace is demanding.
(C) Copyright 1995, Data Systems Support; Modified 1/23/95; lparks@dssmktg.com