This book investigates the technical requirements and architectural challenges involved in migrating legacy mainframe and minicomputer systems to modern PC-based client-server environments using dBASE. Martin L. Rinehart provides a comprehensive framework for programmers tasked with managing the transition of data systems. The text addresses the specific complexities of upsizing and downsizing, offering practical strategies for maintaining system integrity during infrastructure shifts. By focusing on the programmer's perspective, the author bridges the gap between traditional centralized computing and distributed network models.

Experts recognize this text as a specialized resource for developers navigating the shift toward distributed computing in the 1990s. Readers frequently note the practical focus on dBASE-specific implementation, making it a useful reference for those maintaining legacy database infrastructure.