Centralized data processing system - Article
CENTRALIZED DATA SYSTEMS

The Features Of Centralized Systems:

Central computer (mainframe) is used ¡V usually a large computer (e.g., IBM System 9000) or a minicomputer (e.g., DEC VAX 7000). In terms of company¡¦s structure, a specialized unit is responsible for the management of such computers while its resources are available to all company¡¦s staff. This unit is usually called computer (computing) center.

Centralized data processing. All data processing operations and calculations are executed by the central computer. The different departments have terminals, linked to the central computer.

Centralized data. Data is stored in a centralized data storage under the control of the central computer.

Centralized control. The system administrator is the only one responsible for the data processing system. The system administrator authorizes user access, supports the normal operation and protection of the system.

Centralized service. Hardware and software are controlled by the computer center staff. Other departments do not have computer specialists.
Example:

Airplane ticket reservation service is a typical example of a centralized system. There is one central computer that serves a lot of ticket sell desks. It keeps up data about all flights and vacancies. All ticked reservation activities are performed in the central computer, while there are terminals only at the sell desks for order input and printing of the results.

Advantages Of Centralized Systems:

The main advantages are:

easy to manage,
less personnel costs,
one computer is enough to support several information systems in the company