Server-Client
About 15-20 years ago, the PC as we know it did not exist in a business environment. Everyone had a ‘Terminal’ that connected to a ‘Server’ which stored all of their personal data, proprietary software, databases, calendaring, internal mail etc.

The benefits with this design was that everything was very centralized and had no way of being used outside of the office. (stolen US Army data found on MP3 player anyone?)

The problem with this design was that everything was very centralized and had no way of being used outside of the office. (and the interface was just plain ugly)

Backups were simple because only one thing was backed up instead of 700 different workstations. Soon affordable VPN Solutions came along and allowed branch locations to access the data stored at the home office, yet everything was still very locked-down and centralized. The server-client model was born and used and abused for years. It worked and we loved it.

Decentralization
Then came the idea that everyone should have their own ‘Personal Computer’ with its own data, calendaring and mail. Now only certain things needed to be maintained on a server (databases and proprietary software). The Personal Computer became king, peer-to-peer ROCKED!!! We wore the t-shirts whenever we got the chance. I even made a DVD about it and made millions (not sharing any of it, sorry).

Now everything became more independent, data was decentralized. Projects, ideas, and thoughts could thrive on more fronts and servers mattered less (I mean hey, they cost more anyway so why use ‘em?). The possibilities were almost limitless.  BUT your file shares were still on physical servers and getting to them remotely was still cumbersome. Also backups on everyone’s PC became their responsibility and decentralization caused data theft to increase.

Cloud-Networking
Now we are coming to terms with the idea that maybe it is good to have all your data in one place. Maybe sharing isn’t such a bad idea after all. Services are popping up like wildfire that allow you to access your files and folders anywhere on the Net.  But you need to maintain multiple contracts with multiple vendors just to keep the ‘status quo’, and it only takes care of half of a full-service solution.  Your business databases and proprietary data are still inaccessible when you are not in the office or connected via VPN.  It appears as if we are going backwards now.  Why not just return to the Server-Client model that worked for the better half of the technology boom? Hasn’t this all been done before??

That is where cloud-networking comes in.  Why not move forward and cloud the entire thing, virtualize it all, make it accessible to everyone who needs it, open yourself to new horizons, get a Nobel Peace Prize for your amazing advances in technological innovation. (ok so I might be getting carried away but it really does feel that good!)  Imagine all of your software, internal databases, client lists, calendars (both global, team,  and individual) available at a moments notice from any computer: be it Microsoft Windows-based, Mac, thin-clients, *NIX based – you name it.  All access, all the time, from any location just like being in your office. If it’s that good then why isn’t everyone doing it? Hmmm….I wonder. Stop juggling and THRIVE! So when will your company get in the 21st Century?

Dennis Hall
network engineer
etechs Hawaii
dhall@etechshawaii.com