Server software
Server software
(also server-side software, server operating system)
Server software definition
Server software is the software designed to manage, run, and operate a computer server. It simplifies data storage, communications, applications, and other functionalities for connected clients or end users.
Server software typically operates in tandem with hardware to respond to requests from client devices. It listens for, processes, and responds to incoming network requests. Server software serves data, applications, or other resources and handles tasks like load balancing, security protocols, database management, and user authentication.
See also: software-defined infrastructure, embedded software
Server software advantages
- Administrators can manage resources, applications, and data all in one place.
- Scaling is easy because the software is designed to handle a large number of simultaneous requests efficiently.
- Advanced features for data protection, user authentication, and threat mitigation make it safe to use.
- Server software often has backup, redundancy, and recovery features, making it extremely reliable.
Server software disadvantages
- Requires specialized knowledge to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot.
- There are free server software options, but solutions for businesses can be expensive.
- Server software will need a lot of hardware in high-traffic environments.