| When
most people say server what they really mean is web
server. The basic function of a web server to is provide
web pages to a web browser. This can be a relatively
simple process involving a web server program such as
Apache or IIS on a single physical server or it can
be part of a complex cluster of multiple database, application
and web servers on separate physical servers configured
to act as a single unit.
Web
Server Fundamentals
Although
there are many means to implement a web server the fundamental
way a web server provides web pages is by storing the
content of the web page in files on a hard drive. It
provides these files using Hypertext Transfer Protocol
(HTTP) to a user that requests it through his web browser
as a web page.
Many
web servers include other functions such as email, File
Transfer Protocol (FTP), and programs to create web
pages. A web server also acts as the front-end for application
servers and provides access to application programs.
The web server is an integral part of making applications
available via the web.
When
numerous companies have their web sites on a single
web server it is called a virtual web server or virtual
hosting. When the web server has a single company's
web site it is called a dedicated web server or dedicated
hosting. A dedicated web server also can be part of
a cluster to improve throughput and reliability.
Web
Server Hosting
A
web server can be hosted in corporate data centers,
but the trend is to outsource them to hosting companies
for increased reliability, security, 24/7 monitoring,
and lower costs. If possible, find a hosting company
that has a tier 1 data center for increased levels of
redundancy and improved system uptime. |
