Application Server

Application Servers allow users to log onto the server and use its resources to run their applications. Therefore, instead of running applications such Microsoft Word, Excel Arrow or Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) etc. on their own computer, they run them on the Application Server.

If you require specialised software for a number of staff within your business, then an Application Server will help you to decrease your IT costs. Think of the amount of time required to install a single copy of software on each of your staff's computers. Then think of the extra time spent when you have to install an update or upgrade on each computer. Using an Application Server, you only need to install one copy of the software. Obviously, you still need a license for each user; however, you only need to update one copy of the software for all users.

An often-overlooked benefit of using an Application Server is the quick and cheap home office setup for your employees. They can perform their work from home using minimal capital investment - just a cheap PC running Windows and either dialup or broadband internet. The common software platform to run Windows applications is Windows Terminal Services. In runs on top of Microsoft's server class Operating Systems, and allows for efficient scaling up to hundreds of staff.

For more information, please visit the Microsoft Terminal Services website.