Devices

Java software runs in many places, on many kinds of computers and devices. On servers, the distributed nature of Java technology is ideal for implementing two-tier, three-tier, and n-tier architectures. Java technology integrates well with existing "legacy" computing systems, and without platform lock-in. Here's how Java technology works on a server:

	Java software1 is stored on the network or local disk.
	The Java virtual machine* on the server first does stringent security checks, and then runs the software.
	The server's operating system provides machine-specific support for many of the actual operations and interactions.
	Result: A "servlet" or other Java program running on the server and interacting with other systems on the network. The Java virtual machine serves as consistent platform on different kinds of computers and operating systems, so that the same Java server software runs on UNIX® servers, mainframes, mid-range computers, and PC and Mac servers. Deploying Java technology on the server helps you prevent 'lock-in' to a single architecture.

Back to: How the Java Platform Works

¹In some instances, software components may be distributed among different servers and back-end systems. Another example of server-side Java software: Compact components called "servlets" can plug into a Web server such as the Java Web Server and deliver Web services.

For a more detailed technical description of the workings of the Java platform, see The Java Language Environment - A White Paper.

*As used on this web site, the terms "Java virtual machine" or "JVM" mean a virtual machine for the Java platform.