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Library consortia require automation systems that adequately address the following questions: Can the system support centralized and decentralized server configurations? Does the software’s architecture accommodate changing requirements? Does the system provide seamless behavior? Contends that the evolution of distributed enterprise computing technology has brought the library automation industry to a new realization that automation systems engineered with an n‐tiered client/server architecture will best meet the needs of library consortia. Standards‐based distributed processing is the key to the n‐tier client/server paradigm. While some technologies (i.e. UNIX) provide for a single standard on which to define distributed processing, only Microsoft’s Windows NT supports multiple standards. From Microsoft’s perspective, the Windows NT operating system is the middle tier of the n‐tier client/server environment. To truly exploit the middle tier, an application must utilize Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS). Native Windows NT automation systems utilizing MTS are best positioned for the future because MTS assumes an n‐tier architecture with the middle tier (or tiers) deployed on Windows NT Server. “Native” NT applications are built in and for Microsoft Windows NT. Library consortia considering a native Windows NT automation system should evaluate the system’s distributed processing capabilities to determine its applicability to their needs. Library consortia can test a vendor’s claim to scalable distributed processing by asking three questions: Is the software dependent on the type of data being used? Does the software support logical and physical separation (distribution)? Does the software require a systems‐shut down to perform database or application updates?

This paper draws attention to the value of a new generation of information servers as a tool for human communication. Section I introduces the notion that the Internet is heralding a new era in communications, where peoples of different age and background are able to communicate with each other without barriers of distance or time. Section 2 examines the client‐server architecture which, together with the advent of graphic user interfaces, made possible a new generation of distributed, platform‐independent information servers. Four of the new generation servers are discussed in the remaining sections, namely Archie, gopher, WAIS and the World Wide Web, as well as video‐conferencing with CU‐seeMe.

In traditional point‐of‐sale (POS) systems, an in‐house database server processes all sales transactions it receives from local client computers. Such systems incur high costs because of operational requirements, such as professional maintenance, the sophisticated server hardware required, and scalability requirements. For small retailers that want to use POS systems but have relatively limited financial resources, these expensive operational requirements are big obstacles. Considering these issues, the purpose of this paper is to suggest a POS system that is adequate for small businesses.

Using a simulation method, the authors tested and compared the operational performance of POS systems in two different environments, i.e. the remote server‐client environment and the local server‐client environment.

One possible solution is for a group of small retailers to use a shared, remote database server, but such servers often have reliability and performance issues. To resolve these issues, the authors suggest a POS system that utilizes local data tables embedded in each client's computer. This system consists of a remote database server and a group of client POS computers with off‐line data‐handling capabilities. The results indicated that it is possible for small businesses to obtain significant benefits from an affordable POS system based on a remote client‐server model that utilizes a local data cache.

The results of this study indicated that small businesses may obtain significant benefit from the affordable POS systems based on a remote client‐server model that utilizes a local data cache.

The literature lacks studies on small businesses' accessibility to POS systems. The study fills this literature gap and shows a technological solution to provide affordable POS systems to small businesses, which have not been paid much attention by POS vendors.

Outlines plans and products of Software Intelligence′s new division AXENT Technologies which will concentrate on information security solutions for client/server computers.

This paper describes a re‐engineering project undertaken by a comprehensive university’s extended education department. The project involved a transition from a decentralized workplace dominated by Macintosh personal computers to an IBM PC/clone‐based client/server environment. Lessons learned during the decision making and platform conversion stages of the project are emphasized. These lessons are applicable to other similar re‐engineering projects.

Unicorn and STILAS are multiuser client/server systems developed in and for the Unix environment to automate all aspects of information management, from cataloging and authority control to intelligent access of non‐SIRSI databases. In keeping with the client/server concept, SIRSI has introduced a graphical user interface (GUI) to Unicorn and STILAS. The SIRSI system provides a path to information both inside and outside the library. SIRSI provides a standard interface, an “Intelligent Interface” client to diverse database systems and other vendors' library automation systems. SIRSI's Reference Database Managers provide an intelligent connection to locally mounted reference databases. SIRSI's VIZION, a stand‐alone desktop client, provides an automatic graphical user interface to hundreds of online sources of information and services available through the Internet and via modem. Furthermore, SIRSI has recently introduced WebCat, which facilitates mounting and access to the complete catalogs and other services of libraries over the Internet's World Wide Web.

Electronic product catalogues and brochures are gaining popularity, but there is little agreement on content, format, and searching methods. This limits their usability and integration with existing construction software tools. This paper examines a product‐modelling approach to delivering building product information and describes a proposed multi‐tier client‐server environment. ISO/STEP and IAI/IFC building product models are considered to facilitate representation, exchange, and sharing of product information. The proposed architecture incorporates scalability with middleware components that would provide single or few points of entry to integrated product information. This paper is part of a research project that builds on the results of related projects including Construct IT Strategy, PROCAT‐GEN, Active Catalog, COMBINE, and ARROW, towards implementing the required software components.