5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Application Server | Drawbacks & Benefits of Application Server

What is Application Server ?

An Application Server is a type of computer environment where computers can develop and run web applications instead of installing them locally. It is most often preferred when there are lots of clients computers needing to install applications individually. If it is done individually it can take very long time.

What are the types of Application Server ?

Application servers are integrated with both server hardware components and operating system (It is a part of the network). There are 3 main types of application servers, those are the Active Application Server, Web Information Server and Component Server. Currently application servers are of different types including, Java, PHP, JRun, Oracle OC4J and .NET Framework. 

What is the use of Application Server ?

For the real time application usage, application servers deliver high amount of processing power and memory unit. But no matter how beneficial application servers are, they are not without pitfalls. By analyzing both pros and cons of application server, the businesses can ensure that this will be an asset for their workings.

 
In this article, I will be concentrating on 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Application Server | Drawbacks & Benefits of Application Server. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using application servers.
 
Let's get started,

 

Advantages of Application Server

 
1. Performance
 
Performance of heavy usage applications can be overall increased by using application servers. Their network traffic is limited and it relies upon the client server network.
 
 
2. Security
 
As data is centralized, the service provider has been granted access to all the portions making the data more secure. Additionally, there is a layer of security known as firewall present in between the web server and app server.
 
 
3. Configuration
 
Whether it can be installing a copy of configuration or changes to the application, all can be done centrally. There is no need for configurations individually for each system. Thus, paving the way for saving time.
 
 
4. Data Integrity
 
Application servers provide data integrity by following a more centralized approach. A single server manages to provide updates and upgrades centralizing business logic. This means that users no longer need to follow the old method of accessing data or controlling applications.
 
 
5. Transaction Support
 
Transaction support in essence means that the updates given to the resources using a set of activities. All the coding related stuffs are taken care by the servers making the user benefited from low cost and time. 

 

 

Disadvantages of Application Server

 
1. Cost
 
An Application server generally requires more expenses, especially for the setup process. And for managing the server too needs additional cost since there is an increase in security and reduced need in resources.
 
 
2. Network Delay
 
Whenever an application server is implemented it creates unnecessary coarse interfaces when it is working behind a firewall. This can result in network delay.
 
 
3. Coding
 
Apart from cost, there must be some extra coding needed to maintain the application server. These application servers require talking to both web server and remote machines.
 
 
4. Logging
 
Application servers ends up getting one or more calls if there are production issues. Even if the production issues are resolved, it is difficult to recollect all the web server messages.
 
 
5. Bandwidth Usage
 
Always the user tends to run the application server above the network. This can overall increase the network bandwidth usage.