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New Post has been published on http://www.wdcs-at.org/why-use-an-app-server/

Why Use An App Server?

An app server (application) is a computer device that serves one or both of two purposes. First, it is a software frame to enable the development of an application for use by users on a network. There are no specific requirements or limitations for what the specific application functions happen to be; text development, spreadsheet, database, graphics or audio/video.

Second, it is a server that contains specific applications for users to employ in a network without the need to have the applications loaded on their individual work stations. The best network servers will also allow wireless off or onsite device access via username/password, just as they typically require for inter-network access.

In either purpose, the use of the app server should be effectively invisible to users at their individual network stations. Depending on the resident RAM on each workstation, and security access of specific sensitive data, any work station in the network ought to have open availability of all applications resident on the network simultaneously.

The above factor is a primary advantage of making use of an app server in an enterprise. Even a small business of 100 employees may have 50 or 60 or more work stations, all of which would require all applications loaded on each individual work station for access by each user, which would require massive RAM capabilities for each station. The expense to the network with the latter option is much higher than having an app server to meet the application requirements of each user.

A second advantage is that the application is resident only on the server. Should a glitch with the application occur, IT needs to perform the fix on the one resident copy, not on each station. Or, if one station suffers a glitch, only that station needs repair, not the entire network.

It is a known fact that station-resident application bugs detract from user efficiency because they are spending time either waiting for IT to respond to their fix needs, or will attempt it themselves. Whatever, they are not working on their assigned tasks.

Should a user require a new station either to repair a problem or for an upgrade, there is no need to download everything in the network on the station; just plug into the network and start working.

The above advantages all address the second purpose of an app server, and these advantages are pleasing to both users and IT.IT is necessarily on call to address any user issues, whether they result from applications or app development bugs in the network.

Some argue that an app server is not really needed to help in the development of applications. This may be true, and some among those who make the claim are adamant about the position. However, these types are also usually the ones who maintain that their app development is perfect, never encounters bugs and will function to the end of time.