Abstract
The paper deals with the advantages of client-server models and their major characteristics. The more familiar server types presently available, e. g. file servers, database servers, transaction servers and application servers are discussed. According to the author, the client-servers architecture offers work-group autonomy without losing enterprise integration and information integrity. It produces a base for incremental growth and is a vital element of CIM, the complete on-line integration of all functional areas of a manufacturing company. The authors show how through client-server based CIM a product can be managed and tracked through every phase of its life-cycle and how client-servers are a means to introduce low-cost, highly flexible, easy to program CIM solutions, which run on heterogeneous computer platforms.