Server based computing

As the central system, the server provides the applications for the connected clients.

Server-based computing (SBC) offers in a client-server system the central provision of application programs on one (or more) powerful servers.

SBC also allows undersized or outdated PCs or specialized thin clients , applications such as Internet Explorer or typical office applications ( Word , Excel ) to run instead of in their own in the main memory of a central application server . Client PCs are converted into terminals that are only used for entering data (via keyboard and mouse) and sending them to a terminal server . This carries out the actual processing in order to send the resulting screen output back to the client PC.

Another use of SBC is to keep computationally intensive applications such as simulations or calculations available on a central server installation . These applications can then be used from remote locations without the need for complex on-site installation. In some cases, however, special communication mechanisms are necessary due to the applications, for example if high demands are placed on interactive graphics or large input or output data streams have to be processed.

The operating principle of the SBC is very similar to that of the host terminal system .