Friday, October 4, 2013

Application Server and its Function

An application server acts like a mediator between the front end (user) and the back end (databases). Application server is a software program designed to serve clients connected to it. It processes the request and send services to them by applying business logic and accessing databases. Generally clients request for a business logic to use it and perform business operations. It uses different types of protocols to communicate with the client like HTTP, etc.

Application servers are capable of maintaining their own resources. They allow scalability and able to manage heavy workloads. Application server may also contain a web server. So, it can be said that an application server is a superset of web servers. 

The most important feature of application server is that it is very secure and security measures applied to the application server secures all other systems of the business because of its centralized behavior.

Application server can be installed in an organization in three ways
  • Application server can be integrated with the web server.
  • It can be plugged in whenever required as plug and play model.
  • Installed independently if affordable by the businesses.
Functions of application server:
Centralized
Application server is a centralized system. This means, all the computers connected to it can be controlled by application server. Any changes or upgrades to all the systems is made by using application server. Changes or upgrades done to the server automatically changes or upgrades all other systems. Providing security to the application server secures all other systems.

Supports website
Application servers when installed in an organization look after the website and maintain it.

Provides e-commerce application
An application server can manage and support the e-commerce of a business. E-commerce is used in businesses for selling and buying the products of a business through electronic devices like computers, mobile phones, etc.

Integration of code and data
As said before, application server is a mediator between user and the server. Any requests received by the application server from the client is processed by applying the procedural functions or code by accessing the data and then the service is delivered to the user.

Performance management
Application server follows typical client/server model. Hence, the transactions between the client and the server are quick and accurate. Application server is responsible for the performance of the network or group of computers connected to it. It manages the resources and databases and handles heavy workload so performance of the server is high.

Application servers provide many important features like security, scalability, increases the performance, handles heavy workload, etc. So, installing application server in any organization is helpful.

Related Links:
site monitoring

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