This list, courtesy of 

serverwatch.com, categorizes the many different types of servers used in the marketplace today. Click on the
server category you'd like to know more about, and you will be taken directly to a serverwatch.com page that provides additional
information and resources.
Server A term often used synonymously with operating system, a platform is the underlying hardware or software for a
Platforms system and is thus the engine that drives the server.
Application Sometimes referred to as a type of middleware, application servers occupy a large chunk of computing territory
Servers between database servers and the end user, and they often connect the two.
Audio/Video Audio/Video servers bring multimedia capabilities to Web sites by enabling them to broadcast streaming multimedia
Servers content.
Chat servers enable a large number of users to exchange information in an environment similar to
Chat Servers Internet newsgroups that offer real-timediscussion capabilities.
A fax server is an ideal solution for organizations looking to reduce incoming and outgoing telephone resources but
Fax Servers that need to fax actual documents.
One of the oldest of the Internet services, File Transfer Protocol makes it possible to move one or more files securely
FTP Servers between computers while providing file security and organization as well as transfer control.
Groupware A groupware server is software designed to enable users to collaborate, regardless of location, via the Internet or a
Servers corporateintranet and to work together in a virtual atmosphere.
An option for those seeking real-time discussion capabilities, Internet Relay Chat consists of various separate
IRC Servers networks (or "nets") of servers that allow users to connect to each other via an IRC network.
List servers offer a way to better manage mailing lists, whether they be interactive discussions open to the public or
List Servers one-way lists that deliver announcements, newsletters, or advertising.
Almost as ubiquitous and crucial as Web servers, mail servers move and store mail over corporate networks
Mail Servers (via LANs and WANs) and across the Internet.
News servers act as a distribution and delivery source for the thousands of public news groups currently accessible
News Servers over theUSENET news network.
Proxy servers sit between a client program (typically a Web browser) and an external server (typically another server
Proxy Servers on the Web) to filter requests, improve performance, and share connections.
A Telnet server enables users to log on to a host computer and perform tasks as if they're working on the remote
Telnet Servers computer itself.
At its core, a Web server serves static content to a Web browser by loading a file from a disk and serving it across the
network to a user's Web browser. This entire exchange is mediated by the browser and server talking to each other
Web Servers using HTTP. Also read ServerWatch's Web Server Basics article.

A Server is a computer or device on a network that manages network resources. For example, a file
server is a computer and storage device dedicated to storing files Any user on the network can store
files on the server. A print server is a computer that manages one or more printers and a network
server is a computer that manages network traffic.

Servers are often dedicated, meaning that they perform no other tasks besides their server tasks. On
multiprocessing operatingsystems however, a single computer can execute several programs at once.
A server in this case could refer to the program that is managing resources rather than the entire
computer.

What is Server Platform?

Server types:

Application Servers
Sometimes referred to as a type of middleware, application servers occupy a large chunk of
computing territory between database servers and the end user, and they often connect the two.

Middleware is a software that connects two otherwise separate applications For example, there are a
number of middleware products that link a database system to a Web server This allows users to
request data from the database using forms displayed on a Web browser and it enables the
Web server to return dynamic Web pages based on the user's requests and profile.
The term middleware is used to describe separate products that serve as the glue between two
applications. It is, therefore, distinct from import and export features that may be built into one of the
applications. Middleware is sometimes called plumbing because it connects two sides of an application
and passes data between them. Common middleware categories include:

* TP monitors
* DCE environments
* RPC systems
* Object Request Brokers (ORBs)
* Database access systems
* Message Passing

Audio/Video Servers
Audio/Video servers bring multimedia capabilities to Web sites by enabling them to broadcast
streaming multimedia content. Streaming is a technique for transferring data such that it can be
processed as a steady and continuous stream. Streaming technologies are becoming increasingly
important with the growth of the Internet because most users do not have fast enough access to
download large multimedia files quickly. With streaming, the client browser or plug-in can starts
displaying the data before the entire file has been transmitted.

For streaming to work, the client side receiving the data must be able to collect the data and send it
as a steady stream to the application that is processing the data and converting it to sound or
pictures. This means that if the streaming client receives the data more quickly than required, it needs
to save the excess data in a buffer If the data doesn't come quickly enough, however, the
presentation of the data will not be smooth.

There are a number of competing streaming technologies emerging. For audio data on the Internet,
the de facto standard is Progressive Network's RealAudio.

Chat Servers
Chat servers enable a large number of users to exchange information in an environment similar to
Internet newsgroups that offer real-time discussion capabilities. Real time means occurring
immediately. The term is used to describe a number of different computer features. For example, real-
time operating systems are systems that respond to input immediately. They are used for such tasks
as navigation, in which the computer must react to a steady flow of new information without
interruption. Most general-purpose operating systems are not real-time because they can take a few
seconds, or even minutes, to react.

Real time can also refer to events simulated by a computer at the same speed that they would occur
in real life. In graphics animation, for example, a real-time program would display objects moving
across the screen at the same speed that they would actually move.

Fax Servers
A fax server is an ideal solution for organizations looking to reduce incoming and outgoing telephone
resources but that need to fax actual documents.

FTP Servers
One of the oldest of the Internet services, File Transfer Protocol makes it possible to move one or
more files securely between computers while providing file security and organization as well as
transfer control.

Groupware Servers
A GroupWare server is software designed to enable users to collaborate, regardless of location, via the
Internet or a corporate Intranet and to work together in a virtual atmosphere.

IRC Servers
An option for those seeking real-time capabilities, Internet Relay Chat consists of various separate
networks (or "nets") of servers that allow users to connect to each other via an IRC network.

List Servers
List servers offer a way to better manage mailing lists, whether they are interactive discussions open
to the public or one-way lists that deliver announcements, newsletters, or advertising.

Mail Servers
Almost as ubiquitous and crucial as Web servers, mail servers move and store mail over corporate
networks via LANs and WANs and across the Internet.

News Servers
News servers act as a distribution and delivery source for the thousands of public news groups
currently accessible over the USENET news network. USENET is a worldwide bulletin board system
that can be accessed through the Internet or through many online services The USENET contains
more than 14,000 forums called newsgroups that cover every imaginable interest group. It is used
daily by millions of people around the world.

Proxy Servers
Proxy servers sit between a client program typically a Web browser and an external server (typically
another server on the Web) to filter requests, improve performance, and share connections.

Telnet Servers
A Telnet server enables users to log on to a host computer and perform tasks as if they're working on
the remote computer itself.

Web Servers
At its core, a Web server serves static content to a Web browser by loading a file from a disk and
serving it across the network to a user's Web browser. The browser and server talking to each other
using HTTP mediate this entire exchange.

The history of servers moves parallel to the history of computer networks. The computer networks allow multi systems to
communicate with each other at the same time and its evolution was expected to assign some computers with some
serving role where all other computers that are in direct interaction with the human users, perform as clients. Servers
have grown along with the development and growth of networks. To do the job of serving, servers and associated
software are manufactured
 
The origin of server is to serve - technically means that the specific computer is serving all those computers that are
present in its network. It facilitates them by making queue of the printing command of several computers at a time and
also acts like a file server for those applications that are accessed by the online terminals.

Today the role of server is similar to that of microcomputers of the past which are now substituted. For this role many
servers are appointed but this allocation does not limit the role of a server as many other roles can be assigned to the
server simultaneously. For instance we can take the example of a small office where a desktop computer can serve all
other computers present within the office while simultaneously serving as a workstation for some employee. 

Typically servers are of four types: FTP servers, proxy servers, online game servers and web servers. Server networking
model or client is used by many systems together with email services and web sites. Peer to peer networking, a
substitute model, makes all computers to work like servers and clients simultaneously. You can better understand a
server by these examples. Name servers gives information about internet host names, FTP servers keep hold on FTP
sites and provide files to does users who request for it, mail servers are responsible for delivering e-mails, web servers
are bound to send web pages where list servers are programmed to administrate mailing lists.

Servers are physically like other computers where their hardware configuration is specifically optimized to make them
most appropriate for their role. In many servers the hardware installed is alike the hardware of any other normal
computer but the software run in the server is far more different form the software that are installed in other computers. 
Additional processing, storage capacity and memory are commonly configured in the network servers to improve its
capacity to handle clients – other computers on the network
The underlying hardware or software for a system that drives the server is called a server platform. Instead of operating
system, the term server platform is used.
 

 Application Servers

Application servers have lion’s share in computer territory between database servers and the end user, where servers
are often connected to the two. They are often referred as middleware Middleware is that software which establishes a
connection between two separate applications that are otherwise apart. A number of middleware products can link a
database system to a Web server. It enables users to request data from database by the help of those forms that are
displayed on Web browser and based on the users’ profile and request, allowing the Web server to return dynamic Web
pages. 

 List Servers

To improve the management of mailing lists list servers are used despite of what is there type. Whether they are
interactive debates open to the public or one-way lists that deliver newsletters, announcements or advertising. 

 Chat Servers

This server enables a number of people to share information in the environment of an internet newsgroup that offer real
time discussion capabilities. It is used to refer to a number of different features of computer. To immediately respond to
the input real-time operating systems are used. 

 IRC Servers

Internet Relay Chat is comprised of various independent networks of servers that allow users to connect to each other
via an IRC network. It is an option for those who are seeking real time competence. 

 Fax Servers

Those organizations that want to reduce the incoming and outgoing telephone resources; a fax server is an ideal
solution. However, there is a need to fax the actual document. 

 Groupware Servers

It is software that is designed to make the users able to work together, regardless of their location, through Internet or a
corporate Intranet and to work together in a virtual environment. 

 Mail Servers
Mail server is as important as web server s and mail servers to send and store mails on the corporate networks through
LANs and WANs and across the internet. 

 Telnet Servers

By the help of it users log on to a host computer and perform work as if they are working on isolated computer. 

 News Servers

They work as source of distribution and delivery for hundreds of available public news groups accessible over the
USENET news network. USENET is global bulletin board system that can be approached via internet or via a variety of
online services 

 Proxy Servers

These servers work in-between a client programme (commonly a Web browser) and an external server (another server
on web) to filter requests, improve performance, and share connections.
 
The role played by the server in a network is very significant. An out of order server can halt the interconnectivity of all
computers on its network. The rise in the usage of internet in homes and office users along with the increase in
corporate computer networks are responsible for boosting the development of server. Servers are used in today’s
computers and we do not know what will be there developed form and of course what will be the choice of the upcoming
generation. Let us wait and see how will be these serving computers molded in near future

Server operating systems

Some popular operating systems for servers — such as FreeBSD, Solaris and Linux — are derived from or are

similar to UNIX. UNIX was originally a minicomputer operating system, and as servers gradually replaced

traditional minicomputers, UNIX was a logical and efficient choice of operating system. Many of these derived

operating systems are free in bothsenses, and popular.

Server-oriented operating systems tend to have certain features in common that make them more suitable for the

server environment, such as

 GUI not available or optional

 ability to reconfigure and update both hardware and software to some extent without restart,

 advanced backup facilities to permit regular and frequent online backups of critical data,

 transparent data transfer between different volumes or devices,

 flexible and advanced networking capabilities,

 automation capabilities such as daemons in UNIX and services in Windows, and

 tight system security, with advanced user, resource, data, and memory protection.

Server-oriented operating systems can, in many cases, interact with hardware sensors to detect conditions such

as overheating, processor and disk failure, and consequently alert an operator or take remedial measures itself.

Because servers must supply a restricted range of services to perhaps many users while a desktop computer

must carry out a wide range of functions required by its user, the requirements of an operating system for a server
are different from those of a desktop machine. While it is possible for an operating system to make a machine

both provide services and respond quickly to the requirements of a user, it is usual to use different operating

systems on servers and desktop machines. Some operating systems are supplied in both server and desktop

versions with similar user interface.

The desktop versions of the Windows and Mac OS X operating systems are deployed on a minority of servers, as

are some proprietary mainframe operating systems, such as z/OS. The dominant operating systems among

servers are UNIX-based or open source kernel distributions, such as Linux (the kernel).[citation needed]

The rise of the microprocessor-based server was facilitated by the development of Unix to run on

the x86 microprocessor architecture. The Microsoft Windows family of operating systems also runs on x86

hardware, and since Windows NT have been available in versions suitable for server use.

While the role of server and desktop operating systems remains distinct, improvements in the reliability of both

hardware and operating systems have blurred the distinction between the two classes. Today, many desktop and

server operating systems share similar code bases, differing mostly in configuration. The shift towards web

applications and middleware platforms has also lessened the demand for specialist application servers.

[edit]Servers on the Internet

Almost the entire structure of the Internet is based upon a client–server model. High-level root nameservers, DNS

servers, and routers direct the traffic on the internet. There are millions of servers connected to the Internet,

running continuously throughout the world.

 World Wide Web

 Domain Name System

 e-mail

 FTP file transfer

 chat and instant messaging

 voice communication

 streaming audio and video

 Online gaming

 Database servers

Virtually every action taken by an ordinary Internet user requires one or more interactions with one or more

servers.

There are also technologies that operate on an inter-server level. Other services do not use dedicated servers; for

example peer-to-peer file sharing, some implementations of telephony(e.g. Skype), and supplying television

programs to several users (e.g. Kontiki, SlingBox).

Application Servers 
Sometimes referred to as a type of middleware, application servers occupy a large
chunk of computing territory between database servers and the end user, and they
often connect the two. 

Middleware is a software that connects two otherwise separate applications For

The term middleware is used to describe separate products that serve as the glue
between two applications. It is, therefore, distinct from import and export features that
may be built into one of the applications. Middleware is sometimes called plumbing
because it connects two sides of an application and passes data between them.
Common middleware categories include: 

    * TP monitors 
    * DCE environments 
    * RPC systems 
    * Object Request Brokers (ORBs) 
    * Database access systems 
    * Message Passing 

Audio/Video Servers 
Audio/Video servers bring multimedia capabilities to Web sites by enabling them to
broadcast streaming multimedia content. Streaming is a technique for transferring
data such that it can be processed as a steady and continuous stream. Streaming
technologies are becoming increasingly important with the growth of the Internet
because most users do not have fast enough access to download large multimedia
files quickly. With streaming, the client browser or plug-in can starts displaying the
data before the entire file has been transmitted. 

For streaming to work, the client side receiving the data must be able to collect the
data and send it as a steady stream to the application that is processing the data and
converting it to sound or pictures. This means that if the streaming client receives the
data more quickly than required, it needs to save the excess data in a buffer If the data
doesn't come quickly enough, however, the presentation of the data will not be
smooth. 

There are a number of competing streaming technologies emerging. For audio data on
the Internet, the de facto standard is Progressive Network's RealAudio. 

Chat Servers 
Chat servers enable a large number of users to exchange information in an
environment similar to Internet newsgroups that offer real-time discussion
capabilities. Real time means occurring immediately. The term is used to describe a
number of different computer features. For example, real-time operating systems are
systems that respond to input immediately. They are used for such tasks as
navigation, in which the computer must react to a steady flow of new information
without interruption. Most general-purpose operating systems are not real-time
because they can take a few seconds, or even minutes, to react. 

Real time can also refer to events simulated by a computer at the same speed that
they would occur in real life. In graphics animation, for example, a real-time program
would display objects moving across the screen at the same speed that they would
actually move. 

Fax Servers 
A fax server is an ideal solution for organizations looking to reduce incoming and
outgoing telephone resources but that need to fax actual documents. 

FTP Servers 
One of the oldest of the Internet services, File Transfer Protocol makes it possible to
move one or more files securely between computers while providing file security and
organization as well as transfer control. 

Groupware Servers 
A GroupWare server is software designed to enable users to collaborate, regardless of
location, via the Internet or a corporate Intranet and to work together in a virtual
atmosphere. 

IRC Servers 
An option for those seeking real-time capabilities, Internet Relay Chat consists of
various separate networks (or "nets") of servers that allow users to connect to each
other via an IRC network. 

List Servers 
List servers offer a way to better manage mailing lists, whether they are interactive
discussions open to the public or one-way lists that deliver announcements,
newsletters, or advertising. 
Mail Servers 
Almost as ubiquitous and crucial as Web servers, mail servers move and store mail
over corporate networks via LANs and WANs and across the Internet. 

News Servers 
News servers act as a distribution and delivery source for the thousands of public
news groups currently accessible over the USENET news network. USENET is a
worldwide bulletin board system that can be accessed through the Internet or through
many online services The USENET contains more than 14,000 forums called
newsgroups that cover every imaginable interest group. It is used daily by millions of
people around the world. 

Proxy Servers 
Proxy servers sit between a client program typically a Web browser and an external
server (typically another server on the Web) to filter requests, improve performance,
and share connections. 

Telnet Servers 
A Telnet server enables users to log on to a host computer and perform tasks as if
they're working on the remote computer itself. 

Web Servers 
At its core, a Web server serves static content to a Web browser by loading a file from
a disk and serving it across the network to a user's Web browser. The browser and
server talking to each other using HTTP mediate this entire exchange.