Servers in the SAS Intelligence Platform

Overview of Servers

The SAS Intelligence Platform provides access to SAS functionality through the following specialized servers:

the SAS Metadata Server, which writes metadata objects to, and reads metadata objects from, SAS Metadata Repositories. These metadata objects contain information about all of the components of your system, such as users, groups, data libraries, servers, and user-created products such as reports, cubes, and information maps.
SAS Workspace Servers, which provide access to SAS software features such as the SAS language, SAS libraries, the server file system, results content, and formatting services.

A program called the SAS object spawner runs on a workspace server's host machine. The spawner listens for incoming client requests and launches server instances as needed.
SAS Pooled Workspace Servers, which are configured to use server-side pooling. In this configuration, which is new with SAS 9.2, the SAS object spawner maintains a collection of workspace server processes that are available for clients. This server configuration is intended for use by query and reporting tools such as SAS Information Map Studio, SAS Web Report Studio, and the SAS Information Delivery Portal.
SAS Stored Process Servers, which fulfill client requests to execute SAS Stored Processes. Stored processes are SAS programs that are stored on a server and can be executed as required by requesting applications. SAS Stored Process Servers are configured to be load balanced across three server processes.

The SAS object spawner runs on a stored process server's host machine, listens for incoming client requests, and launches server instances as needed.
SAS OLAP Servers, which provide access to cubes. Cubes are logical sets of data that are organized and structured in a hierarchical multidimensional arrangement. Cubes are queried by using the multidimensional expression (MDX) language.
the SAS Table Server, which is included in some SAS Intelligence Platform software offerings. This server stores records to support the enhanced auditing capabilities that SAS Shared Services provides for the SAS BI Dashboard and for other products and solutions.
SAS/CONNECT servers, which provide computing resources on remote machines where SAS Integration Technologies is not installed.
batch servers, which enable you to execute code in batch mode. There are three types of batch servers: DATA step batch servers, Java batch servers, and generic batch servers. The DATA step server enables you to run SAS DATA steps and procedures in batch mode. The Java server enables you to schedule the execution of Java code, such as the code that creates a SAS Marketing Automation marketing campaign. The generic server supports the execution of any other type of code.
the SAS Content Server, which is part of the middle tier architecture. This server stores digital content (such as documents, reports, and images) that is created and used by SAS Web applications. For more information, see SAS Content Server.

Note: In the SAS Intelligence Platform, the term server refers to a program or programs that wait for and fulfill requests from client programs for data or services. The term server does not necessarily refer to a specific computer, since a single computer can host one or more servers of various types. [cautionend]

Note: For accessing specialized data sources, the SAS Intelligence Platform can also include one or more data servers. These might include the SAS Scalable Performance Data (SPD) Server and third-party database management system (DBMS) products. The SAS OLAP Server also provides some data server functionality. For information about data servers, see Data in the SAS Intelligence Platform. [cautionend]

The following sections describe these concepts:

the central role of the SAS Metadata Server in the management of the SAS Intelligence Platform
the organizational principles that are used to manage SAS server resources, including server objects, logical servers, and application servers
the use of load balancing (for stored process servers and workspace servers) and workspace pooling (for workspace servers)
the facilities and capabilities that are provided for server logging and monitoring

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