Multi-client capability

Multi-client capability describes an IT infrastructure that can serve different customers or clients on the same server or software system without the parties involved being able to view the data and information of the others.

Multi-client capability automatically means that personalized data can be logically separated and managed in a database. Separate processing does not only affect the storage of data. Legislation also requires that processing, such as database transactions or general data record postings, be handled separately. Nevertheless, companies may have the same work steps or processes, i.e. storage and simultaneous processing of data, carried out by the same IT infrastructure. Important: If this is the case, all access authorizations and configuration settings must be defined independently for each client.

In a multi-client capable system, a distinction is made between client-dependent (see above) and cross-client data and objects. The latter are only responsible for the general system configurations.

Multi-client capability of hardware and software – advantages

  • High security: There are three key components that define the level of isolation between multiple clients in a data center: Access rules, application development, and data access and protection.
  • Cost-effectiveness: The costs for software development and maintenance are shared between the clients.
  • Service security and faster updates: With multi-client capability, the provider only has to carry out updates once. This contrasts with classic IT outsourcing, where the entire infrastructure is rented exclusively by the customer – each customer therefore has their own software instance and may have access to the application code. However, these instances do not describe multi-client capability.

Further information on software systems can be found under Multi-client capability.

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