In this valuable guide, client/server guru David Linthicum shows developers how to use cutting-edge development tools and techniques to build real-life business applications. The book provides step-by-step procedures for creating these applications, explains how to select the software and hardware that's right for your projects, and even provides guidelines on estimating project costs. This unique book covers client/server and network architectures, types of middleware, and development tools so you can determine the right approach to building a client/server or intranet system. Linthicum assesses dozens of tools by type, features, and specialization and provides detailed, step-by-step guidelines for creating the perfect solution. You'll learn how to form and test your final system and find expert tips every developer and application architect needs to work more effectively.