Intelligent terminal

Intelligent Terminal

An Intelligent Terminal is a type of computer terminal that possesses its own computing power for specific tasks, in contrast to a dumb terminal, which relies entirely on the central computer (mainframe or server) for processing activities. Intelligent terminals can perform a variety of functions independently, such as basic data processing and storage, without needing to communicate with a central computer for every operation. This capability allows for reduced network traffic and can lead to improvements in efficiency and performance in computing environments.

Overview

The concept of the intelligent terminal emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as microprocessors became more powerful and affordable. This development enabled the creation of terminals that could handle complex tasks such as text editing, simple calculations, and local database manipulations on their own. Intelligent terminals were a significant step forward in the evolution of user interfaces for computer systems, providing users with more flexibility and faster response times for certain tasks.

Functionality

Intelligent terminals are equipped with their own CPU, memory, and sometimes storage capabilities, allowing them to execute applications and temporarily store data. They can operate in both online and offline modes, interacting with the central computer when necessary but also capable of functioning independently for certain tasks. This autonomy can be particularly useful in environments where constant communication with the server is impractical due to bandwidth limitations or reliability issues.

Applications

Intelligent terminals found their applications in various fields, including:

• Point of Sale (POS) systems, where they manage transactions, inventory control, and customer data locally.
• Industrial control systems, where they monitor and control machinery and processes.
• Banking terminals, such as ATMs, which handle transactions and inquiries independently while periodically syncing with the bank's central systems.
• Airline reservation systems, where they provide real-time booking and flight information services.

Advantages

The use of intelligent terminals offers several advantages:

• Reduced network traffic, as not all operations require communication with the central computer.
• Improved response times for users, since many tasks can be processed locally.
• Enhanced reliability, as they can continue to operate to some extent even if the connection to the central computer is lost.
• Flexibility in deployment, especially in environments where network connectivity is limited or expensive.

Challenges

Despite their benefits, intelligent terminals also present certain challenges:

• Increased complexity in system design and maintenance, as each terminal is essentially a standalone computer that needs to be configured and updated.
• Higher initial costs compared to dumb terminals, due to the additional computing hardware.
• Potential for data inconsistency, especially in systems where the same data is processed and stored both locally and centrally.

Current Relevance

With the advent of cloud computing and the proliferation of smart devices, the distinction between intelligent terminals and other computing devices has blurred. Many modern devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, function as intelligent terminals in that they can perform a wide range of tasks independently while also connecting to central servers for additional services and data synchronization.

See Also

• Computer terminal
• Dumb terminal
• Microprocessor
• Cloud computing
• Point of Sale