Web vs. Client-Server

CAMS® Enterprise is a completely Web-based solution. This key distinguishing feature sets it apart from systems using client-server architecture or a mixture of Web and client-server. To appreciate the difference it is important to understand both approaches.

Client-Server-based solutions rely on two computer programs: one on the client computer and one on the server. In a typical scenario the client makes a request for information from the server, which delivers the data to the client — often with much more data than necessary — and the client software processes the data to display just the information requested. It is important that the client and server software applications match — they must be the same 'releases' — otherwise the data may be incorrectly displayed or corrupted.

Web-based solutions like CAMS Enterprise provide access to data through an Internet browser rather than through a locally installed application. Because the server manages the data processing, no client-side applications need to be maintained nor is there any danger from incorrectly displayed or corrupted data. Retrieving information with a Web-based system is quick, and the volume of data traversing a network is reduced.

Why is it important to know this? Academic ERP solutions using client-server-based technologies are more difficult to maintain and limit accessibility. When a software update is released, the IT department not only has to update the server, it also has to make that update on every client computer that accesses the application server. When students or faculty members want to work on the system, they have to access it using a computer that has client software already installed on it.

With the CAMS Enterprise Web-based technology, updates to the software need only to be made on the server and not to each individual computer accessing it. Since Web-based technologies only require an Internet browser, accessing the academic ERP only requires an Internet connection and an account with proper permissions.


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About Our Clients

Three Rivers Systems proudly serves colleges and universities around the globe in all major Carnegie Foundation classifications: Associate’s Colleges; Doctorate-granting Universities; Master’s Colleges and Universities; Baccalaureate Colleges; Special Focus Institutions like law, medical and business schools as well as faith-based institutions and theological seminaries; and Tribal Colleges. From premier institutions like Baylor College of Medicine and Andover Newton Theological School, the nation’s first graduate university, to the prestigious American University of Paris and Sotheby’s Institute of Art, we help our clients manage the entire student lifecycle effectively and efficiently. A full-service provider, we develop and deliver software and all implementation, training, project management and support services.


About Three Rivers Systems, Inc.

Three Rivers Systems Inc. is a privately owned company creating and delivering high-quality ERP solutions exclusively for higher education since 1985. Our Comprehensive Academic Management System, called CAMS®, consistently improves operational efficiencies while saving our clients as much as 75 percent a year in IT expenditures. From our headquarters in St. Louis, our business model is structured to work in tandem with your higher education institution, supporting your efforts to ensure student success and satisfaction; to increase enrollment; to boost revenues; to be more efficient and to manage the entire student lifecycle more effectively.