Client/server computing has arisen because of a change in business needs. Businesses today necessitate integrated, flexible, responsive and far-reaching applications to support the complete range of business processes. Client/server describes the relationship between two computer programs in which one program, the client, makes a service request from another program, the server, which fulfills the request. Although programs within a single computer can use the client/server, it is a more important concept in a network. In network scenario, the client/server model provides a suitable & convenient way to interconnect programs that are distributed efficiently across different locations.

Client/server is a computational architecture that involves client processes requesting service from server processes. It is the logical extension of modular programming. For example, database management system servers running on platforms especially designed and configured to perform queries, or file servers running on platforms with special elements for managing files.

Traditional applications architectures have been based on function. Today, to meet the needs of the business application architecture should reflect the complete range of business requirements, which is provided by Client/server applications. The development and implementation of client/server computing is more complex, more difficult and more expensive than traditional, single process applications. The only answer to the question "why build client/server applications?" is "because the business demands the increased benefits’’.

Some problems that are addressed by client/server concept:
	Earlier applications were developed to model vertical applications
	They do not work in isolation
	It is not based on a centralized control model
	It is not implemented as monolithic system

Few benefits of client/server applications
	Based on network management, and not vertical management
	Client/Server Applications also eliminate costly Web cross-platform compatibility issues.
	More customer focused
	Faster development as programmers can create those applications faster and cheaper using multiple window widgets such as trees, menus, and tabs, all of which have poor support under HTML.
	Gives vendor independence
	More integrated & built in sync with business requirements
	Offers multiple access to multiple teams
	Easy access to information across locations, offices, etc