three-tier Last modified: Thursday, December 06, 2001
A special type of client/server architecture consisting of three well-defined and separate processes, each running on a different platform: 1. The user interface, which runs on the user's computer (the client). 2. The functional modules that actually process data. This middle tier runs on a server and is often called the application server. 3. A database management system (DBMS) that stores the data required by the middle tier. This tier runs on a second server called the database server. The three-tier design has many advantages over traditional two-tier or single-tier designs, the chief ones being: The added modularity makes it easier to modify or replace one tier without affecting the other tiers. Separating the application functions from the database functions makes it easier to implement load balancing.
Client/Server Software Architectures - An Overview Provides a summary of some common client/server architectures and also summarizes mainframe and file sharing architectures. Links to more detailed descriptions for many of the individual architectures are provided throughout the document Crossware and 3-tier Applications Explains why 3-tier applications are a desirable evolution for client/server development in the enterprise.

Related Terms

application server client/server architecture load balancing middleware TP monitor two-tier

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