3 Client/Server vs. Distributed Services

Traditional POS systems rely on a server located on property to manage the system, configuration, and back office applications. With a server available to perform the heavy lifting, POS workstations required only enough resources to run the POS client application and lightweight system level tasks.

Figure 3-1 Traditional Client/Server Model

Simphony supports using a single device to host shared services. In some cases, this choice provides advantages over the distributed model described below. A device’s resource requirements increase as it hosts more shared services.

Simphony also supports spreading shared services across multiple devices, such as the Oracle MICROS Workstation 610. By using the hardware’s computing power, it is possible to eliminate the need for an extra device to run the shared services.

Figure 3-2 Distributed Model