Server software, often referred to as server applications or server-side software, is computer software specifically designed to run on a server and provide services, resources, or functionality to other devices or software clients. Server software plays a crucial role in enabling networked systems, managing resources, and delivering various services across the internet or within an organization’s infrastructure. Here are some common types and examples of server software:
Web Servers:
- Apache HTTP ServerAn open-source web server software widely used for hosting websites and web applications.
- NginxA high-performance, open-source web server and reverse proxy server known for its efficiency and scalability.
- Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS)A web server software developed by Microsoft for hosting websites on Windows servers.
Database Servers:
- MySQLAn open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) commonly used for data storage and retrieval.
- Microsoft SQL ServerA relational database management system developed by Microsoft, often used in enterprise environments.
- Oracle DatabaseA powerful commercial RDBMS known for its scalability and comprehensive features.
File Servers:
- Windows Server: Microsoft’s server operating system includes file server capabilities for sharing files and folders in a Windows network.
- Network-Attached Storage (NAS): Specialized file server devices designed for file storage and sharing in local networks.
Email Servers:
- Microsoft Exchange Server: A widely used email server for managing email communication, calendaring, and collaboration in organizations.
- Postfix: An open-source mail transfer agent (MTA) used for sending and receiving email on Unix-like systems.
Application Servers:
- Java EE Servers (e.g., Apache Tomcat, WildFly): Application servers that execute Java-based web applications and services.
- Microsoft SharePoint: A platform for building and deploying web-based business applications and collaboration tools.
Proxy Servers:
- Squid: An open-source proxy server and web cache designed to improve web performance and security.
- NGINX: Besides web server capabilities, Nginx is often used as a reverse proxy server for load balancing and caching.
DNS Servers:
- BIND: The Berkeley Internet Name Domain is the most widely used DNS server software on the internet, providing domain name resolution services.
FTP Servers:
- FileZilla Server: An open-source FTP server software for transferring files over the File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
Print Servers:
- Windows Print Server: Part of the Windows Server operating system, it manages print queues and facilitates network printing.
Game Servers:
- Minecraft Server: Software for hosting multiplayer Minecraft games.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) Server: Used for hosting online multiplayer matches of the popular game CS:GO.
Content Management Systems (CMS):
- WordPress: A popular CMS that can be installed on a web server to create and manage websites and blogs.
Collaboration Servers:
- Microsoft Teams: Part of Microsoft 365, it combines chat, video conferencing, file storage, and app integration for team collaboration.
- Slack: A popular team collaboration platform known for its messaging and integration features.
Server software enables various computing services and applications to function efficiently and securely, making it a fundamental component of modern IT infrastructure. Organizations select server software based on their specific needs, whether it’s for hosting websites, managing databases, facilitating email communication, or supporting other critical services.
Key terms in plain language
Open a term for a concise explanation of language used on this page.
Cloud Computing
Computing resources—such as applications, servers, storage, or databases—delivered from remote infrastructure and scaled as requirements change.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Cloud-based servers, storage, and networking that customers configure and manage without owning the underlying data-center hardware.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software accessed as an online service instead of being installed and maintained entirely on the customer’s own computers or servers.
Disaster Recovery (DRaaS)
A plan and service for restoring applications, data, and operations after an outage or disruption. DRaaS provides recovery infrastructure through a managed cloud service.
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
The systems and policies that determine who a user is, what resources they may access, and how that access is authenticated and reviewed.
API
An application programming interface is a defined way for software systems to exchange data or request functions from one another.