>>I gather the "important executive" didn't say what he believed was the next technology for handling large amounts of data which may also be distributed around the world?

>>He may be confusing "networked on a LAN" development with "Client/Server", and believe that internet/web applications will replace LAN based applications. However someone needs to take him aside and explain gently that client/server data handling will remain for the foreseeable future no matter what front end the user has.

> OK I'm an IT exec that needs some education. I thought, until I read this thread that I understood what the true meaning of client/server was. According to my definition using a browser based front end has very little to do with whether or not an app is client/server - its rather like comparing Visual Basic to say a hard drive?
>For the education of us all please explain why Browser based apps can not be C/S

Sam;

I feel Barbara is correct in her assessment of this issue. There may be a problem with terms being used. Client/Server is not dependent upon the front end, except as a user interface. Even a browser may be used for this purpose. The concept of client/server is to obtain a data set of desired data, based upon user requirements. However, my experience is that complex web based applications have limitations that desk top applications do not. In other words, desk top applications are better suited for complex business applications. For less demanding applications, browser based solutions may be suitable.

IT management makes decisions and developers deal with reality. Too bad there is no interest in reality based upon experience as opposed to what the salesman said, or what the media stated. Management should take the time to research corporate needs. Such needs differ with each organization just as each application may have different needs and requirements. One tool or approach to a complex software development subject does not mean an automatic solution.

I remember reading a report that about 70% of all client/server projects have failed and were a financial disaster. That was two years ago and I wonder what the number is today?

Tom