Centralized Systems

  Centralized Systems

Ø  In centralized system, one or more terminals are connected to a single processor. Note that terminal is the combination of mouse, keyboard, and screen.

Ø  In-library there is one processor attached to different terminals and library users can search any book from the terminal (mouse, keyboard, and screen).

Ø  In centralized system all the terminals are controlled by a single processor (CPU) and any command can be fulfilled by a single processor and this type of network is called centralized network.

Ø  Thus, a simple computer houses all the data (Centralized database) of an organization and user have access to these data via terminal.

Ø  Advantages:

1)     All operations and management of system are now under auspices (it is done with their support and approval.) and control of single department.

2)     Cost less to purchase and maintain a large centralized system than smaller decentralized systems.

3)     Data redundancy and inconsistencies are reduced.

4)     It promotes and ease data sharing among users.

Ø  Disadvantages:

1)     Single point of failure

2)     Centralized environment does not always satisfactorily meet or address the computing needs of individual department or users. Since the system is shared by all departments and users, response time are not always adequate.