In a client-server network, what is a key function of the server?

In a client-server network, the server primarily serves as a centralized resource that stores and manages data. This function is crucial because the server is designed to handle requests from multiple clients, providing access to shared resources such as databases, files, and applications. By storing and managing data centrally, the server ensures that all clients can access consistent information and that the data is securely maintained.

The server's ability to manage data includes not only storage but also the organization and retrieval of that data in response to client requests. This centralized management helps streamline operations, improves data integrity, and enhances collaboration among users within the network. Additionally, the server often incorporates backup and security measures to protect the data against loss or unauthorized access.

While web pages can be served by the server, this is just one aspect of its broader role in managing data resources for multiple clients simultaneously. The server does not typically manage individual client devices or perform individual computations as these tasks are usually handled by the clients themselves. Thus, data storage and management are fundamentally essential functions that highlight the server's role in a client-server architecture.