In a three-tier client/server environment, an intermediate server is added to the traditional client/server architecture. This intermediate server establishes and maintains the server connections and communications for the client applications. An intermediate server also adds its own processing capabilities to improve client/server environment performance. As client applications send and retrieve information to and from the server, processing can be off-loaded to the intermediate server when needed to ensure a fast and efficient environment. A three-tier client/server architecture also provides flexibility not readily available in a traditional client/server environment. The inclusion of an intermediate server eliminates the need for each client application to be configured for the different server applications currently available; all direct communication and connections are handled between the server and intermediate server, rather than between the client and server.

A three-tier client/server environment adds an intermediate server to the traditional client/server environment. This adds processing power, provides greater flexibility, and reduces client configuration settings.

In your system, the Application Server program fulfills the role of the intermediate server. The client applications make connections and communicate with the back-end database engine through the Application Server. This scenario enables many of the database-specific settings and communications procedures to be handled from one source on the Application Server. This scenario also allows the Application Server to handle the licensing for the system by providing a specific number of user sessions for each client application. Further, the Application Server’s role as the intermediary between the client applications and the database allows it to be configured to provide automated upgrading of client applications when they attempt to connect to the database. In addition, because the Application Server has its own processing capabilities, it can assist the client applications in storing and retrieving information on the back end database.

The Application Server program serves as the intermediate server and handles system licensing, database settings, automated upgrading, and communications between the client applications and the database server.