Dictionary.net

1. A designer's or developer's suite ofsoftware that helps programmers isolate the businesslogic in their programs from the platform-related code.Application servers can handle all of the applicationlogic and connectivity found in client-serverapplications. Many application servers also offerfeatures such as transaction management, clustering andfailover, and load balancing; nearly all offer ODBCsupport.Application servers range from small footprint,web-based processors for intelligent appliances or remoteembedded devices, to complete environments for assembling,deploying, and maintaining scalable multi-tierapplications across an enterprise.2. Production programs run on a mid-sizedcomputer that handle all application operations betweenbrowser-based computers and an organisation's back-endbusiness applications or databases. The applicationserver works as a translator, allowing, for example, acustomer with a browser to search an online retailer'sdatabase for pricing information.3. The device on which application serversoftware runs. Application Service Providers offercommercial access to such devices.Citrix Application Serving White Paper(http://citrix.com/press/corpinfo/application_serving_wp_0700.pdf).Application Server Sites, a list maintained by Vayda & Herzum(http://componentfactory.org/links/appl.htm).The Application Server Zone at DevX, (http://appserver-zone.com/default.asp).TechMetrix Research's Application Server Directory, (http://techmetrix.com/trendmarkers/techmetrixasd.php3).