Traditional accounting systems utilize a flat or relational database, which preclude creating reports based on ad-hoc queries. With today's quest for information, and critical time constraints, accounting professionals require the ability to easily drill down through the accounting data for answers. The computer system has multiple duties, with the host computer acting as traffic agent for file management, access, printing, and communication, while the workstation actually runs the program and does the number crunching locally. An accounting system is the perfect product to run in a client-server environment. It requires large databases, which must be maintained in a central location, while many users are able to run multiple programs aimed at entering or retrieving information.
Most programs can run in a simple form of client-server relationship.
However, products that are written to exploit this unique computing environment are capable of providing the end-user with complex information at the drop of a keystroke. In the traditional accounting packages and the new breed client-server systems, users will find many similarities, both basic and advanced. Robustness means that the computer system is powerfully built, suited to endurance, and marked by richness and fullness. Functionality refers to that designed for or adapted to a particular function or use. At this low price, certain functionality and robustness are sacrificed by the vendors for a larger percentage of market share.