Centralized computing: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 21:11, 13 February 2009

Revision as of 03:44, 5 October 2009

Line 1:

{{Context|date=October 2009}}

{{context}}

'''Centralized computing''' is computing done at a central ___location, using [[terminal]]s that are attached to a central computer. The computer itself may control all the [[peripheral]]s directly (if they are physically connected to the central computer), or they may be attached via a [[terminal server]]. Alternatively, if the terminals have the capability, they may be able to connect to the central computer over the network. The terminals may be [[text terminal]]s or [[thin client]]s, for example.

It offers greater [[security]] over [[Decentralized computing| decentralized systems]] because all of the [[processing]] is controlled in a central ___location. In addition, if one terminal breaks down, the user can simply go to another terminal and [[log in]] again, and all of their [[computer file|file]]s will still be accessible. Depending on the system, they may even be able to resume their [[session (computer science)|session]] from the point they were at before, as if nothing had happened.

This type of arrangement does have some disadvantages. The central computer performs the computing functions and controls the remote terminals. This type of system relies totally on the central computer. Should the central computer [[crash (computing)|crash]], the entire system will "go down" (i.e. will be unavailable).

Line 23:

== Hosted computing model ==

A relatively new method of centralized computing, '''hosted computing''', solves many of the problems associated with traditional distributed computing systems. By centralizing processing and storage on powerful server hardware located in a data center, rather than in a local office, it relieves organizations of the many responsibilities in owning and maintaining an information technology system. These services are typically delivered on a subscription basis by an [[application service provider]] (ASP). <ref name="coredesktop">[http://www.coredesktop.com/purpose.htm Core Desktop Solutions, Inc. &ndash;]. Retrieved on 5 September 2007.</ref>

== References ==