application server
40 ResultsDictionary
application server
(1) Before the Web, the term referred to a computer in a client/server environment that performed the business logic (the data processing). In a two-tier client/server environment, which is most...
Dictionary
Definition: application server
(1) Before the Web, the term referred to a computer in a client/server environment that performed the business logic (the data processing). In a two-tier client/server environment, which is most common, the user's machine performs the business logic as well as the user interface, and the server provides the database processing. In a three-tier environment, a separate computer (application server) performs the business logic, although some part may still be handled by the user's machine. After the Web exploded in the mid-1990s, application servers became Web based (see definition #2 below). See file server.
Three-Tier Client/Server
An application server in a three-tier client/server environment provides middle tier processing between the user's machine and the database management system (DBMS).
(2) Since the advent of the Web, the term most often refers to software in an intranet/Internet environment that hosts a variety of language systems used to query databases and/or perform general business processing. These scripts and services, such as Active Server Pages (ASPs), Java server pages (JSPs) and Java servlets, typically access a database to retrieve up-to-date data presented to users via their browsers or client applications.
The application server may reside in the same computer as the Web server (HTTP server) or be in a separate computer. In large sites, multiple application servers and multiple Web servers (HTTP servers) are used. Examples of Web application servers include BEA Weblogic Server and IBM's WebSphere Application Server. See Web server.
Application Servers & Web Servers
There is overlap between an application server and a Web server, as both can perform similar tasks. The Web server (HTTP server) can invoke a variety of scripts and services to query databases and perform business processing, and application servers often come with their own HTTP server which delivers Web pages to the browser.
Java EE Application Server
Application servers have become the middleware for the enterprise as they increasingly provide more hooks into legacy applications. This is a Java EE-compliant application server running only Java and using Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs) for the business logic. See EJB.
THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
© 1981-2010 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
Sponsored White Papers, Webcasts & Resources
-
Business Execution: Executive Buyer's Guide
There's a big difference between strategy and execution. Take a look at this white paper to learn how you can take your business strategies into the real world with the help of assets you already...
-
With eye on cloud standard, Apprenda offers free downloadable version of SaaS application server
SaaSGrid Express, announced today, provides free access to a foundation with which to deliver .NET applications as mature SaaS offerings with a competitive cost-of-delivery profile.
-
Disruptive technologies: the top eight that left their mark in software development
Eight technologies that brought more robust application development to the masses
-
Microsoft starts recruiting testers for its 'Dublin' app server
Microsoft is recruiting a set of select testers for its "Dublin" distributed application server, and is preparing for a public beta of the technology that is due out later this year.
-
Microsoft readies new 'Dublin' distributed app server
In conjunction with the rollout of its next-generation .Net Framework 4.0 release, Microsoft is readying a new distributed application server, code-named "Dublin."
-
Microsoft unveils Application Server License Mobility change to ease some virtualization headaches
Microsoft has quietly unveiled its much anticipated licensing change to ease virtualization: Application Server License Mobility. The licensing plan, quietly launched in a licensing brief on...
-
-
N-Tier: Rube Goldberg meets Wintel Scalability
What we call the "N-tier architecture" is really just an uninformed accomodation to Wintel scalability limitations - a kind of Rube Goldberg meets career needs response to achieving SMP via the...
-
Goodbye, Geronimo? IBM says app server is alive and well
Is IBM letting Geronimo and Websphere Community Edition wither on the vine?
-
New Google Patent would use media keywords to trigger social network connections
Published just this morning, a new Google Patent application entitled Social and Interactive Applications for Mass Media would trigger instant connections to user's social networks based on a...
-
Intel Server Platform Capabilities
The domination of Windows 2000 as a server operating system and the rise of Linux in the data center (unifying Unix as a Microsoft alternative) are clearly benefiting one player - Intel. As...
-
The next frontier for app server supersuites: Security
In rolling out Web Logic Enterprise Security (WLES) this week, BEA is bringing its "we're-the-Switzerland-of-application-security" message to enterprises that are wrestling with complex and often...
-
Oracle's grid technology should reopen your one-stop shop question
Oracle agrees that utility computing offers the best promise for keeping a lid on spending, and it's pitching a grid-based software approach. But here's what really distinguishes Oracle's latest...
-
App server vendors come out swinging at JavaOne
Oracle and BEA each are claiming that their development tools will offer the greatest range of programmer access, flexibility, and portability. Whether either vendor can deliver on these promises...
-
Sun Bundles Application and Directory Server With Solaris 9
After more than a year of industry speculation and denials, Sun Microsystems will bundle the Sun ONE Application Server and Sun ONE Directory Server with the Solaris 9 Operating Environment.
-
Could application servers be overkill?
The way Cape Clear CEO Annrai O'Toole tells it, app server vendors like IBM, BEA, Oracle and Microsoft are trying to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge. He says XML-based services don't require full...
-
Will open source force a sea change in IT?
Imagine a world where most software licenses are fee-free. Your careers, your IT strategies, and your vendor relationships would be utterly transformed. Could this come to pass? Solution...
-
IBM's 'on-demand' computing: Smoke and mirrors?
IBM claims that no one else can deliver "on-demand" computing. But once you move beyond the buzzwords, the reality is there are plenty of alternatives that deliver the sort of "on-demand"...
-
BEA thickens the supersuite plot
The company plans to position itself as a Swiss Army knife for business software development. Can BEA lead by integrating middleware and portals with its application servers, and is Borland on...
-
Season of discontent: CMS vendors left out in cold
CMS companies are getting squeezed by large enterprise vendors and the rise of custom solutions. John McGrath says that could be good news for enterprises, if they're willing to do expend some...
-
App servers, Web services: A midyear report card
So far, 2002 has been a year of free software, bribes to developers, and the first Web services tools. What's next? A focus on execution, tighter integration--and maybe great deals, says Hurwitz.
-
BEA joins forces with HP to boost sales
BEA Systems hopes to fend off rivals with the release of new e-business software and a renewed sales partnership with computing giant Hewlett-Packard.
The best of ZDNet, delivered
ZDNet Newsletters
Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox
Vendor Showcase
Facebook Activity
