What are the cost differences between centralized and distributed systems?

What are the cost differences between centralized and distributed systems?

Centralized systems typically have lower initial costs due to fewer servers, but can incur higher maintenance costs. Distributed systems may have higher upfront costs but can offer better scalability and redundancy.

Can you explain why maintenance costs are higher for centralized systems?

Certainly! Centralized systems require a single point of maintenance, which can lead to higher costs if that system fails. Additionally, as the system grows, the complexity of maintaining it increases, leading to more expensive upkeep.

What about the scalability of distributed systems?

Distributed systems are generally more scalable because you can add more nodes to the network without significant downtime. This allows for better handling of increased loads and user demands.

Are there any hidden costs in distributed systems?

Yes, distributed systems can have hidden costs such as network latency, data synchronization challenges, and the need for more complex management tools.