No Terms in computing are more pervasive and less understood than Open Systems and Client/Server. the Technology shift away from centralized, often mainframe-based systems toward the distributed client/server model characterizes computing in the 1990's and is, in large part, made possible by standardised open system components. If you have responsibility for management, procurement or implementation of a modern computer system, you need to be aware of open systems and client/server, the technologies they encapsulate and their importance to you.

This book provides a complete overview of computer hardware and software technology, emerging trends and the impact of open systems and client/server model on the enterprise's business decisions and practices. On reading it you will be able to:

* Define the term 'Client/Server Architecture'.
* Define the term 'Open Systems'.
* Compare the relative strengths and weaknesses of the client/server model and the traditional timesharing approach.
* Understand the developments in computer hardware, operating systems, networks and application software which have led the move to smaller distributed systems.
* Assess the opportunities presented by Client/Server and the pitfalls inherent in implementing it.
* Evaluate current client and server applications.
* Better predict future trends in distributing computing technologies.
* Understand the benefits of the new computing model for your enterprise and your customers.

Part one looks at why we need open systems and client/server; at the end, it gives a summary of necessary standards, which are described in parts two and three. Each of the tree parts has its own introduction. Part two describes computers as stand-alone entities and part three deals with networking them. the formats of both part two and part three deals with networking them. The formats of both part two and part three are based loosely on th OSI Reference Model.

Beyond the Mainframe aims to describe clearly the component technologies of open and client/server computer systems and networks. It is intended to be accessible to non-specialist readers including:

* Managers responsible for procurement of computer systems or management of them when they have been procured.
* Managers directly, indirectly or not at all involved with computers who want to know the terminology and the main principles, as an aid to working with their colleagues.
* Those in education, either giving or receiving; probable courses where this book will be relevant include Computer Science, Informatics and Business Studies.
* Sales, pre-sale and post-sale staff working for computer manufacturers, resellers and other system vendors.