Managing Systems and Workgroups: A Guide for HP-UX System Administrators

Planning a Workgroup
Choosing a File-Sharing Model
Chapter 2 59
Client-Server Model
Client-server is an umbrella term we are using to refer to workgroups
that share resources other than the root file system; that is, the
workstations run HP-UX from their own local disks, but depend on an
NFS server for non-“system” files and applications, and may also have
common arrangements for printing, backups and user-access.
• “Advantages” on page 59
• “Disadvantages” on page 59
• “Summary” on page 60
Advantages • Flexibility:
— Can easily redistribute resources in response to changing needs
and conditions and the results of trial-and-error.
• Robustness:
— Failure of one system or component will not necessarily affect
everyone.
— Data and other resources can often be switched quickly from a
failed system to a working one, minimizing downtime.
• Performance:
— By assigning roles such as file server, application server and
client, you should be able to deploy your hardware and software
resources for the best possible performance.
• Shared responsibility:
— Depending on your users, you may be able to turn over to them
most of the work of administering their own workstations,
reducing your workload in the long run.
Disadvantages • Complexity:
— Matrix of operating-system versions, application versions and
peripherals may be unwieldy.
— The more widely distributed the data, the harder it is to back up