Server-centric

Server-centric describes an architecture or approach where the primary focus, control, and processing power reside on a central server or a network of servers. This model emphasizes the role of the server in managing data, applications, and user interactions, with client devices acting primarily as interfaces for accessing the centralized resources. The efficiency, security, and scalability of the server infrastructure are thus critical aspects. The server-centric design prioritizes centralized management and control over distributed processing at the client end.

Server-centric meaning with examples

• In a server-centric gaming platform, all game logic, physics calculations, and player data are managed on the server. Client devices, such as PCs or consoles, send user input and receive rendered output, minimizing the processing burden on individual machines. This architecture ensures fair play and prevents cheating, but requires a robust network connection for optimal performance. The player experience is therefore heavily dependent on the server's capabilities and performance.
• Traditional cloud computing often utilizes a server-centric model. Applications and data reside on remote servers, accessible through the internet. Users interact with these applications via web browsers or client programs, which send requests to the server and display the results. This model offers scalability and cost-effectiveness, but requires continuous internet access, and security depends on the safeguards in place at the data center which stores the server.
• Within a server-centric business application, such as a customer relationship management (CRM) system, all client data, application logic, and user accounts are centrally managed. Employees access the system through thin clients, such as web browsers, which send and receive information from the central server. This approach facilitates data consistency and simplified administration, offering control over the data to the enterprise.
• Consider a server-centric virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). Users access their desktop environment remotely from a server, which hosts the operating system, applications, and data. Client devices act as display and input devices, sending user actions to the server and receiving the rendered screen output. This model allows for centralized management, improved security, and simplified hardware management, as the processing is not completed on the local machine.