INTRODUCTION TO ASYCUDA++ Ó UNCTAD - SITE (V1.15) 1.9 The Client Server approach The  Client  Server  approach  is  designed  to  have  processing  functionality  at  both  the  Client  PC (local)  and  at  the  remote  Central  Processing  Unit  (CPU).  This  ensures  fast  response  to  query commands  and  integrity  of  data  where  database  updates  are  necessary,  and  every  computer  on the network performs the task for which it is best suited. Whilst many systems are designed on a Client Server model, the ASYCUDA++ system embraces the concept at its most fundamental level. Advantages Ease of use Many  users  are  already  familiar  with  the  DOS  environment.  The  availability  of  DOS  machines  to run applications external to ASYCUDA++ is an additional bonus and the possibility for linking data across several networks gives additional flexibility. Availability of "off the shelf" software The  software  being  used  within  ASYCUDA++  is  all  generally  available  and  well  documented. Upgrades are well supported and tested.  As these applications often use a standard approach to their  data  presentation,  function  keys  and  report  facilities  the  user  becomes  quickly  familiar  with what is also presented in the ASYCUDA++ screens. Excellent connectivity UNIX and DOS/Windows â machines have an excellent history of connectivity. They work under a multitude of network protocols which can coexist with no problems therefore the possibility of using the same machines to run different communications based applications is both practical and easy. Groundwork for multimedia technology With modern communication and business requirements based around the high-speed modem, the Wide  Area  Network  (WAN),  professional  desktop  publishing  and  graphical  rather  than  written presentation, the PC compatible machine is a necessity in every office. Graphical User Interface (GUI) As  the  PC  has  it’s  own  memory  and  processor,  it  can  provide  the  user  with  a  far  more  powerful graphical  user  interface  than  the  traditional  dumb  terminal  screen  painter.  Again,  because  it  is independent  of  the  server  processor  for  much  of  the  time,  this  does  not  adversely  effect  other system users. Access to large databases This is the main advantage that the Client Server has over the traditional File Server approach. By using  the  Client  PC  workstation  for  the  maximum  manipulation  of  substantial  amounts  of  data,  it makes the Client Server particularly suited to the ASYCUDA++ software. Where  data  must  be  manipulated  in  a  complex  manner  it  is  down  loaded  to  the  Client  and  is processed   there.   This   ensures   that   the   other   Client   PCs   using   the   server   are   not   affected adversely. Fast database processing response times As a consequence of this lesser reliance on the server, the server itself can rapidly respond to each Client   PC,   as   the   majority   of   people   connected   will   normally   be   working   on   transaction   and reference tables on their Client machines. Using the Server – Client system the server is capable of hosting significantly higher numbers of Client connections than would be possible if it was serving dumb terminals.