A server is nothing else but a computer with a very large hard disk (10 Giga bytes or more) and a printer connected to it, and perhaps other hardware as well. The software and hardware installed on this machine makes it possible that many users can 'talk' to this machine at the 'same' time. Inside this computer (the server) a so-called network card is installed and from there a cable runs to other computers, also having a network card inside, via which are running messages to and from the server and connected computers. Those computers are called clients. It works exactly like cable TV but than in a two way version. Many TV's are connected to the cable and are receiving CNN or NBC at the same time, by pressing your zapper you can change the program. That simple.
Now contrary to a stand
alone program a client server program is installed on a network server,
which is almost always meant to be used by many users at the same time. It
still is an ordinary program, like any other program you are using. The only
difference is that there are some extra's built in that makes it possible
for many users to read, write and update data stored in a common file (often
called a database). So when a program or application is suitable for a
client server environment there is no need to install the program on other
(client)computers. This is because you can get it from your server and start
it with your computer. You just have to click on the program icon and there
it goes.
In-sourcing means
that we do the software development entirely in our own office. In plain English it means that after you, our client, and
RoInfo have determined what work we can do for you, and RoInfo has all the
information that is needed to create, update, or adapt your program, the
actual work will be done in our own offices. We take care for the infrastructure and the manpower needed to do the job.
When you have a computer program that is installed on a single computer that program can not be used by more than one user at the same time. In other words the program stands on its own or is standing alone with no connections to other computers or users. Even when a computer is connected to a network, the program involved is still a stand alone application because it cannot be used by more than one user at the same time. Though the program can be installed on many more computers in the same building or room, they remain stand alone programs and do not exchange data (the program does not 'talk' or exchange data with another one). See also client server programs.