What is a Client-Server Application?

In the world of software architecture, client-server applications have long been the backbone of enterprise computing. Whether you're managing data entry in healthcare systems, processing orders in a retail point-of-sale solution, or handling customer records in financial services, chances are you’ve used a client-server application. But what exactly are they—and why are so many Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) finding it difficult to modernize them?

Understanding Client-Server Applications

At its core, a client-server application is a software model that divides tasks between two components:

• The client: typically a desktop application installed on a user's computer that interacts with the user and sends requests to the server.
• The server: a backend machine that processes those requests, accesses databases or performs computation, and sends results back to the client.

Think of it like a restaurant. The client is the customer placing an order, and the server is the kitchen preparing and delivering the food. This separation allows for more efficient computing, especially in environments where many users need access to shared data and processes.

Examples of traditional client-server applications include medical records software, legacy ERP systems, and custom-built Windows apps using frameworks like Delphi or Visual Basic.

The Modernization Challenge

While client-server applications have served businesses well for decades, they face increasing pressure in today's cloud-centric world. Here are a few of the main hurdles ISVs encounter when trying to modernize them:

• Desktop Dependency: These applications are often tied to Windows-based desktops, making remote access difficult without VPNs or third-party solutions.
• Scalability Limits: Scaling traditional client-server apps for hundreds or thousands of users can require significant infrastructure investments.
• Security Risks: With data often transferred between endpoints and servers in legacy protocols, these applications can pose security challenges.
• Migration Complexity: Rewriting a mature client-server app into a cloud-native architecture is not only expensive—it can take years and risk breaking what already works.

For many ISVs, completely rearchitecting their application is not feasible due to time, cost, or customer disruption. That’s where ISVHost with GO-Global comes in.

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How ISVHost + GO-Global Simplifies Client-Server Application Hosting

ISVHost w/GO-Global understands the needs of ISVs. That's why they've built a lightweight, high-performance solution that allows Windows-based client-server applications to be delivered over the web—without rewriting a single line of code.

Here’s how the ISVHost + GO-Global solution empowers ISVs:

✔ Instant Web Access

GO-Global enables your existing desktop application to run in a browser, letting your users access it from anywhere—on any device—without installing the app locally.

✔ Predictable, Flat-Rate Hosting

Unlike other solutions that charge based on usage, require complex licensing tiers, or have long term commitments, ISVHost offers a simple, flat-rate pricing model: just $30 per named user, per month. There are no surprise overage fees or fluctuating costs—just one straightforward price that makes budgeting easy for ISVs and their customers. This pricing includes hosting, application delivery with GO-Global, maintenance, security and support—everything you need to move your client-server application to the cloud without the financial guesswork.

✔ Secure and Centralized

Your application and data stay on ISVHost’s secure infrastructure, reducing endpoint vulnerabilities and simplifying compliance with industry regulations.

✔ No Code Rewrite

You don’t need to refactor or rebuild your application for the web. GO-Global virtualizes your app, allowing you to extend its lifespan while you plan for long-term modernization—on your own timeline.

✔ Built for ISVs

Our hosting environment is purpose-built for software vendors. Whether you're supporting 50 users or 25,000, ISVHost scales with you and provides the white-glove support your customers expect.

A Smarter Path to Modernization

Client-server applications aren’t going away anytime soon—but that doesn’t mean your customers have to be stuck in the past. With ISVHost and GO-Global, you can bring your application to the cloud today, without the cost and complexity of rewriting.

Let your development team focus on future innovation, while we take care of hosting and delivery.

Ready to modernize your client-server app the easy way?
Contact ISVHost today for a free demo or pricing consultation.

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