Now let's see what are generic forms of networks that can exist in computer communications. A network can be defined simply as an interconnection of multiple teleprocessing devices. Three basic approaches to network processing exist in modern communications systems.

Timesharing

The earliest approach is known as timesharing. Timesharing occurs in networks in which multiple users gain access to a single host computer from their individual terminals. An example of timesharing is the use of a central computer at a nationwide company's headquarters by a variety of sales professionals dispersed around the nation.

The next approach gaining popularity in computer networking systems was the distributed processing method. This type of system involves the interconnection of minicomputers and microcomputers throughout a business organization. Various types of resources are shared by the interconnected terminals, while the individual computers retain control over their own processing.

The third approach to computer network processing, client/server computing, is currently attracting the most interest among management information systems professionals. The popularity of this approach is due to its ability to allow companies to selectively centralize and decentralize certain key operations. Thus, users can view client/server computing as a cross between the timesharing method (which emphasizes centralized computing) and distributed processing (which emphasizes decentralized computing). In client/server computing, the various applications available in the network are shared by several clients and one or more host computers (or servers). Clients obtain access to the network by means of desktop computers. The server, which can be a microcomputer, minicomputer, or mainframe, provides control for the entire network.

The hardware and software configuration used in client/server computing is the most complex because the network must enable any one of its subsystems to enter any other available subsystem. Thus, microcomputers in the network can take advantage of the unused computing capacity of other computers in the system. Also, the host computer can download data and information to a client. The role of the server is to provide control for the vital functions of the network, such as hardware and software sharing, database management, batch processing, and network management.

Economic, technological, and organizational factors have led to the current popularity of client/server systems. Client/server systems provide an economic benefit by allowing firms to maximize the efficiency of their information resources. Recent technological advances such as improvements in the power of microcomputers, graphical user interfaces, communications channels, and database management systems have increased the feasibility of client/server systems for all business organizations. Modern business organizations have decentralized many of their functions. This phenomenon has also sparked increased interest in client/server systems.