One of the key distinguishing features of CAMS Enterprise™ is that it is a completely web-based solution, rather than using a 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 applications are matched releases, otherwise the data may be incorrectly displayed or corrupted.
Web-based solutions like CAMS Enterprise™ provide access to your data through an Internet browser rather than through a locally installed application. Because the server manages the data processing, there is no client-side application to maintain and no danger of incorrectly displayed or corrupt data. Retrieving information with a web-based system is quick, and the volume of data traversing your network is reduced.
Why is it important to know this? Academic ERP solutions that utilize client/server-based technologies are more difficult to maintain and limit accessibility. When a software update is released, the IT department will not only have to update the server, they will also have to make that update on every client computer that accesses the application server. When a student and or faculty member wants to work on the system, they will have to access the system using a computer that has client software already installed on it.
With the Web-based technology that CAMS Enterprise™ utilizes, updates to the software only need 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.
See also...
Total Integration
Pure Microsoft technology
Predictable cost of ownership (ROI)