Microsoft .NET Servers

In Chapter 13 we discussed the Microsoft .NET programming framework that will allow businesses to create applications and systems that work almost anywhere. Remember, a programming framework is a collection of software tools you use to create a complete business solution.

Microsoft .NET developers depend on a vast array of specialized servers to deliver their applications. Although programmers don't simultaneously use every one of the servers below, they will use a particular server or combination of servers depending on what they need their software to do.

• Microsoft Application Center: Developers use this server to deploy and manage highly available and scalable Web applications. With this one server, developers can manage many other .NET servers.
• Microsoft BizTalk Server: Developers use this server to build XML-based business processes across applications and organizations.
• Microsoft Commerce Server: Developers use this server to quickly building scalable B2B and B2C e-commerce solutions. Developers use this server to build business portals.
• Microsoft Content Management Server: Developers use this server to manage content for dynamic e-business websites. This server makes it easy for a business to keep its Website content up to date.
• Microsoft Exchange Server: Developers use this server to enable messaging and collaboration anytime, anywhere. Programmers can deploy applications that will work on computers, PDAs, cell phones, and other Internet appliances with this server.
• Microsoft Host Integration Server: Developers use this server to bridge data and applications on mainframe legacy systems. In other words, business can continue to use its older software applications on the Web.
• Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server: Developers use the ISA Server for SSL-secured, fast Internet connectivity. With the ISA server, business can protect data with firewalls and virtual private networks.
• Microsoft Operations Manager: Developers use this server to deliver enterprise-class solutions for operations management. This server allows managers to easily share information and resources.
• Microsoft Project Server: Developers use this server to provide an extensible technology platform to develop and deploy best practices for project management across an organization. Many times, developers use this software to communicate with their programming team during the software development life cycle.
• Microsoft SharePoint Portal Server: Developers use this server to create Web portals. With this server business can find, share, and publish business information in an efficient and usable manner.
• Microsoft SQL Server: Developers use this powerful database server to store, retrieve, and analyze data.