Phase III - Environment Preparation
Client/Server applications represent a new level of power and functionality previously only available on mainframe computers. Greater functionality also means a higher degree of interaction between the hardware and software systems that make up today's information technology,

Smooth running applications are only the most visible part of a well-run computerized information system. Client/server applications interact intimately with not only the network operating system but also with database engines and other programs loaded in server memory.

This high level of interaction increases the importance of fully understanding the configuration of the current computing environment before beginning client/server implementations.

This is best accomplished by performing a systematic review of the hardware, software and operating system components, then documenting the findings. Before implementing client/server applications, deficiencies identified in the system review should be, rectified. This approach minimizes problems both during implementation and after.