Application server
1.
<software> A designer's or developer's suite of software that helps programmers isolate the business logic in their programs from the platform-related code. Application servers can handle all of the application logic and connectivity found in client-server applications.
Many application servers also offer features such as transaction management, clustering and failover, and load balancing; nearly all offer ODBC support.
Application servers range from small footprint, web-based processors for intelligent appliances or remote embedded devices, to complete environments for assembling, deploying, and maintaining scalable {multi-tier} applications across an enterprise.
2.
<software> Production programs run on a mid-sized computer that handle all application operations between browser-based computers and an organisation's back-end business applications or databases.
The application server works as a translator, allowing, for example, a customer with a browser to search an online retailer's database for pricing information.
3.
<hardware> The device on which application server software runs.
Application Service Providers offer commercial access to such devices.
Citrix Application Serving White Paper (http://www.citrix.com/press/corpinfo/application_serving_wp_0700.pdf).
Application Server Sites, a list maintained by Vayda & Herzum (http://www.componentfactory.org/links/appl.htm).
The Application Server Zone at DevX, (http://www.appserver-zone.com/default.asp).
TechMetrix Research's Application Server Directory, (http://www.techmetrix.com/trendmarkers/techmetrixasd.php3)}.
