What are the benefits of distributed over centralized systems?

Distributed systems offer benefits such as improved performance, scalability, reliability, and resource sharing over centralized systems.

Distributed systems are designed to run on multiple machines, while centralized systems run on a single machine. This fundamental difference leads to several advantages for distributed systems. Firstly, distributed systems can offer improved performance. By dividing tasks among multiple machines, these systems can process data more quickly and efficiently than a single machine could. This is particularly beneficial for tasks that require significant computational power or for handling large volumes of data.

For a deeper understanding of the comparison between centralized and distributed systems, refer to the section on Centralised vs Distributed Systems.

Secondly, distributed systems are highly scalable. As the workload increases, additional machines can be added to the system to maintain performance levels. This is in contrast to centralized systems, where upgrading the single machine's hardware is the only option for increasing capacity, which can be costly and disruptive.

Reliability is another key advantage of distributed systems. In a centralized system, if the single machine fails, the entire system goes down. However, in a distributed system, if one machine fails, the system can continue to operate by redistributing the tasks among the remaining machines. This redundancy makes distributed systems more robust and less vulnerable to failures.

For more on network structures that support distributed systems, see our notes on Types of Networks and Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer.

Lastly, distributed systems allow for resource sharing. Resources such as storage, processing power, and data can be shared across the network, making it possible for users to access and use these resources from any machine in the system. This can lead to more efficient use of resources and can also facilitate collaboration. For additional insights, explore the Pros and Cons of Wireless Networks.

IB Computer Science Tutor Summary: Distributed systems, unlike centralised ones, run on multiple machines, leading to better performance, scalability, and reliability. They can process data faster, handle more tasks by adding machines, and keep working even if one machine fails. Additionally, distributed systems allow users to share resources like storage and processing power, making them more efficient and collaborative.