A server process (program) fulfills the client request by
performing the task requested. Server programs generally receive
requests from client programs, execute database retrieval and
updates, manage data integrity and dispatch responses to client
requests. Sometimes server programs execute common or complex
business logic. The server-based process "may" run on another
machine on the network. This server could be the host operating
system or network file server; the server is then provided both
file system services and application services. Or in some cases,
another desktop machine provides the application services. The
server process acts as a software engine that manages shared
resources such as databases, printers, communication links, or
high powered-processors. The server process performs the back-
end tasks that are common to similar applications.