These older architectures were neither compatible with each other, nor were they able to embrace the new GUI applications already in wide existence elsewhere in industry. The diagram below illustrates the key differences between today s client-server and the new Network Computing architecture. The base SCT Banner code is designed this way. This leads to applications often being designed for and dedicated to very restricted, special-use communities, with limited external access and dedicated client devices.
Network computing offers a common infrastructure, open to all, allowing universal worldwide access.
The new SCT Banner-Web applications are designed for this architecture, as are Oracle Financials that will eventually replace the older MSA Financials. Put simply, any client can talk to any server, anywhere in the world. This is also especially important where GW is reaching out for new students worldwide as they too will be allowed, with the right authentication, to access GW from their own country and reach any service within the campus directly from their own personal PC or MAC device. Process workflow, e-mail and electronic commerce will all be integrated into the middle tier, further enhancing the benefits of Network Computing architecture. GW s vision needs all of these features to be successful.