What is the term that windows uses to describe their client/server networking model?
The basic model of client/server networking is the distributed network architecture or DNA. And this is defined as a PHYSICAL "arrangement of networked computers that are located on scattered devices and are capable of working independently or working jointly to a degree". This is also the most complicated and the most expensive network management model to attend and operate for network users.
This is just a suggestion for you to explore but there are alternatives to having a PHYSICAL server based DNA network and your business does NOT have to pay the full price of server hardware, PC hardware, operating system licensing and application licensing and monthly IT support. Service providers such as www.hsp-central.net that take care of virtual cloud networking and virtual storage solutions will have excellent cost savings and proper security for you and your business. The most front-end concern will be performance for your user’s access. A LAN is MUCH MUCH faster than a WAN like the Internet. So you must first test a virtual network solution to ensure your Internet connection is fast enough to ensure good performance. FYI, this is a cloud networking solution so you will also benefit to avoid PC purchasing and support with the provider’s cloud desktop service. This way your users can logon to a cloud desktop that resides on the same cloud LAN and then performance to access file content will be excellent. And you can also save on desktop/application licensing as well. Such virtual service providers as www.hsp-central.net have been offering such virtual cloud network solutions for the past 10 years so their experience will suit most small businesses quite well. And this will help you to not run and IT business within your business, just focus on your business.
