Reply to their answer

 200 words

Mainframe servers use a physically large system that controls all the applications, data storage and processing, and it uses this one system to run the processor speed and function. Access for the end user is usually at a terminal that pulls all these functions from the server itself. Security for the server consists of multi factor authentication, admin authorization, data encryption, and privilege control.

Client servers use multiple smaller servers. The computer can store their own data and access options and use their own processor power. The use of multiple servers, like web servers, data storage servers, and application servers, allow for minimal damage if one of the server becomes compromised. The rest of the servers can still function. Each client system can have security measures depending on access level, like anti-malware and multi factor authorization.

Each server system can be have a security advantage depending on how they are used. Manufacturing will get more use of a mainframe for things like work orders and inventory. But Client servers would be more ideal for web access and third arty ordering.

Both systems can be used to control the necessary processes within the company. But actual use will depend on the amount of personnel, how many operations are needed to be processed. A smaller company can use client servers more efficiently, but a large corporation that controls thousands of people may get more use and protection from a mainframe system.

Reply to their answer

200 words

Mainframe security:

• No vulnerable endpoints/simplified architecture
• IBM mainframe has pervasive encryption
• Multifactor authentication is available
• External security managers add security layers

Client/server security:

• More lucrative target – modern technology
• Needs secure network connections
• Shared resource centers are maintained
• Communications run from server to client andback through a switch

I believe the mainframe is more secure than the client/server because all data is housed internally. It is much harder to hack into a mainframe due to the type of technology and the lack of endpoints. Client/server environments run over the network, which often has security vulnerabilities that must be plugged and maintained in order to have continuous security. The mainframe and client/server could coexist if desired. The benefit of the mainframe is that it’s internal. The client/server is external and often uses cloud computing, which may or may not be a shared community resource. If client/server are desirable from an ease of use perspective, with the servers having little to no downtime and be accessible from any client device, they could run the most frequently used applications and store data for a limited time, transferring that data to a mainframe within a given time frame. The mainframe could then run more secure applications and gather the most secure.