IT & MCIS

DEFINITION OF STANDARD:
An Application Server is a server on a LAN that performs data processing. In a two-tier client/server environment, the application server does the database processing (DBMS), and the client machine performs the business logic. In a three-tier client/server environment, an independent application server performs the business logic. An application server can also be used to contain applications (software) shared by network clients. In this case, it functions as a remote disk drive for storing applications.

A Database Server is a computer on a LAN dedicated to database storage and retrieval. The database server is usually a critical component in a client/server environment. It holds the database management system (DBMS) and the databases. Upon requests from the client machines, it searches the database for selected records and passes them back over the network. A database server and file server may be one in the same, but database servers are typically dedicated to database use only.

RATIONALE: Application and database servers are used to provide specific services that generally should not be provided by typical multi-function servers. These services often include large-scale, high-volume, and/or mission-critical computing tasks, such as transaction processing or database support. Application and database servers are usually significantly more reliable and dependable than smaller, multi-function servers, and are able to minimize support costs by supporting large numbers of users, or clients, on a single hardware configuration.

PUBLICATION DATE: 5/10/99
REVIEW DATE: 5/24/04
REVIEW CYCLE: 6 months
RESPONSIBLE CONTACT:
Contact the Information Technology Customer Service Center at 257-1300 or send email to helpdesk@uky.edu.

Application servers and database servers can vary in size from small workgroup servers to powerful enterprise servers. Enterprise servers are generally used to provide services for applications or databases shared by several departments, or to a large number of users in a single department. The following table contains guidelines for determining the relative size of an application or database server:

Recommended Standard(s):
Must be able to run one of the Windows Server 2003 operating system family members.

Recommended Product(s):
DELL PowerEdge Servers

Justification:
The DELL PowerEdge Servers have all proven themselves capable of supporting a wide range of diverse computing workloads. These platforms span the computing spectrum and are upgradeable from small departmental servers to massive enterprise servers, which perform mission critical computing for thousands of users. One platform greatly reduces maintenance costs.

Technical Considerations:
High-end servers are recommended for mission critical services. Fault tolerant, hot swappable and redundant components should be utilized when application requirements call for high availability.