JP2002312312A - Application service method using network constitution of logical hierarchical structure and application server system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To dispense with labor of installment, operation and management of an application server for a user and to enable the user to always comfortably use an application software corresponding to an enhancement of a through put of a network. SOLUTION: A local server 12 is provided on an environment of LAN 10 of the user and is connected to a center server 15 of a data center by a wide area network 1. A local application registration management part 22 judges whether or not a requirement from the user is for an application which can be provided and a pass-on function part 23 for passing-on the requirement to the center server when the requirement is for the application which cannot be provided are provided on the local server 12. If the requirement is for the application which can be provided, the local server 12 provides the application to the user. The local server 12 is remotely managed by the center server 15.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an application service method and an application server system in which application software on a server can be executed from a client terminal of each end user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As the use of personal computers in a company progresses, the cost and labor required to install application software (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an application) on personal computers of individual end users, and licensing of installed applications. The labor required for management, version management, support, maintenance, etc. has increased. With the sophistication of each application software, the hardware requirements imposed on personal computers are becoming stricter. There is also the fact that new hardware must be introduced for each user every two years. As a result, the management cost of the computer system as a whole has rapidly increased. When an application is individually installed in each personal computer, there is a problem that it is difficult to cope with abrupt bug correction of the application.

Therefore, a server connected to each end user by a LAN (local area network) is prepared, application software is stored in the server, and each user accesses the server via the LAN to execute a desired application. A form that executes on the server has attracted attention. Such a server is called an application server, and providing an application software execution environment to a user by the application server is called an application service. Assuming that an application is executed on an application server, a personal computer used by a user does not need to have much hardware performance as long as it has a function of connecting to a LAN. A personal computer shipped a year ago can be used, and a thin client that is simpler in hardware than the personal computer, that is, a so-called net terminal or X terminal can be used. In the following description, a personal computer or a net terminal used for connection to an application server is simply called a (user) terminal or a client terminal.

[0004] Software executed on an application server is roughly classified into a web-based application and a server-based application. Web-based application (web application)
Uses http (hyper text transfer protocol), one of the technical standards on the Internet,
Assuming that the user uses the Internet browser (browsing) software on the terminal, the server performs some processing based on the user's input on the browser, and attempts to display the result obtained by the processing on the browser. Things. A typical web application is
It is composed of a web screen and an applet. On the other hand, a server-based application executes an application on a server like an X application for an X terminal, whereas information on a user's keystroke input or mouse click input on the terminal is transmitted to the server, and the screen is displayed. The information of transition and screen drawing is transmitted to the terminal, and only the input / output part of the application software can be performed on a terminal different from the server. Even application software that is difficult to realize as a web application due to points on the screen drawing, such as CAD (computer-aided design) software that is difficult to realize as a web application, can be a server-based application. In any case, data (document data, drawing data, files, and the like) generated as a result of executing the application on the application server is stored on the application server side.

[0005] Furthermore, outsourcing the installation of the application server itself to an organization outside the company has also been performed. Install the application server,
A company that specializes in providing application services is called an ASP (Application Service Provider).
The Internet or a dedicated line is used for the connection between the AN and the ASP.

Here, the advantages and disadvantages of providing an application server on an in-house LAN and entrusting it to an ASP will be considered. When an application server is installed on an in-house LAN, the user can use the application software comfortably using the high data transfer rate of the LAN, but needs to manage the application server by himself and is a user with little expertise. Had problems with server installation, operation and management. On the other hand, when ASP is used, application server installation / operation /
Although it is possible to outsource management to an expert, it is difficult to secure a high data transfer speed because the transfer speed of the connection with the ASP is limited, and the response is poor in using the application, which is practical. Often not.

[0007]

In the end, the current application service can reduce the total computer system management cost by using this service, but requires advanced technology for server setting and management. This made it difficult for small users to introduce. Also, some server-based applications have a large amount of data transfer between a client (terminal) and a server, and depending on the network bandwidth (bandwidth) to be used, there are cases where it is difficult to actually use it. Was. Furthermore, since the trend of information technology (IT) is changing rapidly and available computing speed, storage capacity, and network speed (bandwidth) of computers are increasing every day, application servers installed once are
It could become obsolete within days (years or months).

An object of the present invention is to provide a logically hierarchical network structure in view of the above-mentioned situation, thereby eliminating the need for installation, operation, and management for the user, and An object of the present invention is to provide an application service method and an application server system that can always use application software comfortably according to an improvement in computer and network throughput.

[0009]

An application service method according to the present invention is an application service method for providing an application service to a user,
A local server that connects to the center server via the network and provides a part of the application provided by the center server is installed in the user's LAN environment. When the user accesses the local server, the local server receives the user's request. Determining that if the request is for an application that the local server can provide, the local server provides the user with the application corresponding to the request, and if the request is for an application that cannot be provided by the local server, the local server The request is passed on to the center server, and when the request is passed on,
If the pass-on request is a request for an application that can be provided by the center server, the application corresponding to the request is provided to the user.

According to the present invention, by providing a network configuration having a logical hierarchical structure to an application service, the user does not need to perform installation, operation and management, and can improve the computer and network throughput. In this way, the application software can always be used comfortably.

Specifically, a local server is installed on a customer's LAN, and the local server is connected to a center server provided in a data center such as an ASP via a wide area network such as the Internet. Both the local server and the center server are application servers when viewed from the end user, but in order to make the user unaware of which server to access, the user first accesses the local server, When the user requests application software that is not on the local server, the local server passes the request on to the center server and makes the application software on the center server available to the user. Furthermore, the center server itself can also function as a local server of a higher-level center server, and when a user requests an application that the center server cannot provide,
The request can be passed on to the upper-level center server, and the application requested by the user can be executed on the upper-level center server. The upper center server is also connected to the wide area network.

In such a configuration, the local server typically has its application provided by the center server controlled, and has local application storage means for storing the application and a local server registered with the local server. Local application registration management means for managing an application in question and determining whether the request from the user is for an application that can be provided by the local server, and executing and executing the application in the local application storage means in response to the request from the user. And / or pass-on function means for passing on the request to the center server when the request from the user is a request for an application that cannot be provided by the local server. , And a. The center server typically manages a center application storing means for storing the application, and manages the application registered in the center server, and determines whether the pass-on request is for an application that can be provided by the center server. The center application registration management means for determining, the center execution means for executing the application in the center application storage means in response to the pass-on request and / or delivering to the user, the remote maintenance of the local server, and the local server providing Remote maintenance execution means for controlling an application that can be used.

As described above, in the present invention, even though each server is physically connected to the same wide area network, it has a logical structure of a local server → center server → upper center server →. Thus, each server is connected. In the present invention, by adopting the application providing method based on such a hierarchical structure, the user does not need to be aware of the place (site) where each application to be used is actually provided.
All these applications can be used transparently via the local server. Note that only the relationship between the center server and the local server is a hierarchical structure. When an application other than the application to be provided is requested, the center server passes on the request to another application server connected to the wide area network, and It may be configured to accept a pass-on from another center server and execute the requested application.

The local server functions as a cache server for holding (usually non-permanently) a copy of the application software in the center server and as a gateway to the center server. The function (management module) registers individual end users, configures local servers, and installs and updates applications as needed. The local server is the operator of the center server (AS
P and the like, the application and network-related settings are provided to the user in a set-up state, and installed on the user site. Therefore, the user of the local server does not require any special labor or skill for operation and management of the local server, and the management cost of computer system resources can be greatly reduced.

The type of application to be deployed on the local server depends on the expected usage, the performance of hardware that can be used for the server, and the bandwidth of a wide area network connecting the local server and the center server. However, if the wide area network connecting the local server and the center server is a network such as the current Internet that cannot secure such a large bandwidth (the current LAN bandwidth is at least 10 Mbps), applications with a high load on the wide area network should be executed on the local server, and applications with a low load on the wide area network should be executed on the center server (or upper center server). To do Ri, is prevented that the response of the application is limited by the data transfer speed in the wide area network. A VPN (virtual private network) is set in the wide area network, and communication between the local server and the center server, communication between the center server and a higher-level center server, and the like are performed via the VPN. It may be. By using a VPN, information leakage is prevented and security is enhanced.

[0016] Incidentally, with the development of IT-related technology in the future,
In cases where the effective data transfer rate is improved due to an increase in the bandwidth of a wide area network, etc., it is easy to shift to a more secure service by gradually shifting the applications provided by the local server to the center server. And In other words, it becomes possible to integrate the application services step by step and perform centralized management.

After all, when the above configuration is adopted,
In the past, when using application services via the Internet, available applications were restricted due to the limitation of the data transfer speed of the network.However, a local server that acts as a gateway for the center server and performs some of the functions of the center server is provided. Applications can be used without restrictions. In addition, since the local server can be remotely maintained from the center server side, the time required for system setting, management, license management, etc. can be reduced compared to the case where a conventional application server is provided on the local side, and outsourcing is performed safely. This makes it possible to use applications stably.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an application server system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Wide area network 1 such as the Internet
Is provided. The service user 2 as a customer of the application service includes a LAN 10 and a LAN 10
End user terminals 11 accommodated in the
0 and the local server 1
2 and a firewall 13 arranged between the wide area network 1. The LAN 10, each end user terminal 11, the local server 12, and the file server 13 are typically provided in a single building such as a single office of the service user 2. As the end user terminal 11, a personal computer, various Internet terminals, an X terminal using an X window system, or the like can be used.

The ASP has a data center 3. The data center 3 has a firewall 14 connected to the wide area network 1 and a center server 1 connected to the wide area network 1 via the firewall 14.
5 are provided. Typically, data center 3
A firewall 14 and a center server 15 are provided in a single building. The system also includes:
An upper data center 4 provided by the same ASP as the one that operates the data center 3 or another ASP is provided. The upper data center 4 is provided with a firewall 16 connected to the wide area network 1 and a center server 17 connected to the wide area network 1 via the firewall 16.

Here, the local server 12 is to be remotely maintained by the center server 15, and can be roughly classified into a function of providing an application service to an end user accommodated in the LAN 10 and a function of providing the application server with the application service. The account and billing management of modules and data is executed on behalf of the center server 15 and billing information is transferred to the center server 1.
5 and a function to pass on the request to the center server when an end user requests the provision of an application service not provided by the local server 12. However, the function of providing the application in the local server 12 is within the range of providing the application to the user by the center server 15.

The center server 15 can be broadly divided into an application service function, a function for remotely maintaining the local server 12, and a function for executing account / charging management of modules and data provided by the application service and totalizing charging information. When an application service not provided by the center server 15 is requested, the request is passed to a higher-level service server 17 (pass-on function) or transferred to another application server, and the result is sent to the inquiry source. Reply function (proxy server function).

The upper center server 17 has the same configuration as the center server 15. However, when the upper-level center server 17 is provided, the upper-level center server 17 has a function of performing remote maintenance of the center server 15 as necessary.
It has a function of performing account / charge management on behalf of the upper-level center server 17 and reporting the charge information to the center server 17.

In this application service system, the center server 15 authenticates the user and sets information on the application that can be used by the user [local server use management settings for each user (what functions are delegated to the local server). Or settings)
And all the management of data files created by the user. By storing the user data in the center server 15, the end user can access the center server 15 by a dial-up connection even when passing through a local server different from the one normally used, or in a mobile environment. Even in the case of direct access, the same application / same data as in normal times can be continuously used.

On the other hand, the local server 12 temporarily performs part of the authentication processing and management processing of the center server 15 as described above. That is, the local server 1
2 has a function of temporarily (with an expiration date) acting on behalf of functions of the center server 15 such as "user authentication" and "application use authority". Which function of the center server 15, which application is to be substituted for the local server 12, and the expiration date are determined by the bandwidth of the connection between the local server 12 and the center server 15, the operating status of the local server 12, and the application settings The center server 15 is automatically determined in accordance with the situation. In addition, a new application can be installed or upgraded on the local server 12 by the remote maintenance function of the center server 15 according to the connection bandwidth.

When a user accesses the center server 15 via the local server 12, the local server 12
Stores the accessed user data temporarily (with expiration date). When the user data / user file is updated by the application provided to the user by the local server 12, the difference information is sent to the center server 15, and the user data / user file of the center server 15 is automatically updated. It has become. Thus, even when the user accesses the center server 15 via another local server or directly, the data consistency reflecting the user's work up to that time is maintained. In addition, since the local server 12 temporarily stores the user data / user file, a high-speed response can be expected when the same user accesses next time within the time limit.

The applications provided by the center server 15 (and the local server 12) to the user include:
Typically, it is both a web application and a server-based application. In addition, each server 12, 1
5 preferably has a virus check function for applications installed therein and user data stored therein.

In the above description, the local server 12 and the center server 15 are connected by the wide area network 1 such as the Internet. However, this connection does not necessarily have to be a constant connection. When not always connected, the local server 12
Each time the connection is made, the changed portion of the user data is transmitted to the center server 15 side and the local server 12
Information (and expiration information)
Etc. are to be updated. Thus, even if the connection is not always on, the center server 15 can update the user's right to use the application at any time. In addition, for an application that the local server 12 acts on behalf of, even when the local server 12 is not connected to the center server 15, the user uses the application according to the settings of the local server 12 and the setting conditions for each user. can do.
In addition, for such an application, not the bandwidth of the wide area network 1 but the wider LAN 1
A bandwidth of 0 can be used.

Next, the internal configuration of the local server 12 and the center server 15 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, for convenience of explanation, the firewall 13,
14 and 16 are omitted. FIG. 2 also shows how a user request is transmitted from the end user terminal 11 to the local server 12, from the local server 12 to the center server 15, and from the center server 15 to the upper-level center server 17. I have.

The local server 12 includes a web server function unit 21, an application registration management unit 22, a pass-on function unit 23, and a web application storage unit 24.
Server-based application distribution function unit 25,
Sign-on management unit 26, server-based application storage unit 27, charge management agent unit 28, control unit 29
, A user data storage unit 30, and a data transmission / reception unit 31. Here, the web application storage unit 24 and the server base application storage unit 27
Corresponds to a local application storage unit, the application registration management unit 22 corresponds to a local application registration management unit, the web server function unit 21 and the server base application distribution function unit 25 correspond to a local execution unit, and the pass-on function unit 23 The user data storage unit 30 corresponds to the local user data storage unit, the data transmission / reception unit 31 corresponds to the data transmission / reception unit, and the charging management agent unit 28 corresponds to the charging management agent unit.

The web server function unit 21 serves as an interface to the end user terminal 11, functions as a web server, and executes a web application.

The application registration management section 22 manages the applications installed in the local server 12 and performs new registration and update of the applications in accordance with instructions from the center server 15. The expiration date of the execution right of the application in the local server 12 is also determined by the application registration management unit 2.
Set to 2. Application registration management unit 2
2 distributes requests from the user input via the web server function unit 21 according to the types of the web application and the server-based application.

When the application registration management unit 22 determines that the request from the user is for an application that does not exist in the local server 12, the pass-on function unit 23 sends the request from the user to the center server 15. Pass on. The web application storage unit 24 stores the web application, and causes the web server function unit 21 to execute the web application in response to a request distributed by the application registration management unit 22.

The server-based application distribution function unit 25 executes a server-based application in response to a request distributed by the application registration management unit 22. At this time, the server application is delivered to the end user terminal 11 (client environment) so that the input / output function of the server base application is executed on the end user terminal 11. The server base application storage unit 27 stores a server base application.

The sign-on management unit 26 performs user authentication so that the user can use each application by so-called single sign-on when using each server-based application. In the case of a web-based application, it is general that the web server itself performs user authentication so that user authentication for each application can be omitted. Has its own user authentication mechanism. Therefore, simply distributing the server-based application to the end user terminal 11 requires the user to perform user authentication in a different procedure for each application, which complicates the use of the application. Therefore, here, by providing the sign-on management unit 26, single sign-on as seen from the end user is realized.

The charge management agent 28 is a local server 1
2 to perform the user registration management, collect the accounting information according to the application usage record for each user, and transmit the collected accounting information to the center server 15 side. The control unit 29 controls the entire local server 12 and monitors the status. The user data storage unit 30 temporarily stores user data / user files associated with the execution of the web application and the server-based application. The data transmission / reception unit 31 transmits the difference information to the center server 15 when the user data / user file stored in the user data storage unit 30 is updated, and transmits the difference information when the user data / user file is needed. Is received from the center server 15.

On the other hand, the center server 15 includes a web server function unit 51 and an application registration management unit 52.
A pass-on function unit 53, a web application storage unit 54, a server-based application distribution function unit 55, a sign-on management unit 56, a server-based application storage unit 57, a billing management unit 58, and a control unit 5.
9, a user data storage unit 60, and a data transmission / reception unit 61
And a remote maintenance execution unit 62. Here, the web application storage unit 54 and the server base application storage unit 57 correspond to the center application storage unit, the application registration management unit 52 corresponds to the center application registration management unit, and the web server function unit 51 and the server base application distribution function. The unit 55 corresponds to the center execution unit, the remote maintenance execution unit 62 corresponds to the remote maintenance execution unit, the pass-on function unit 53 corresponds to the center pass-on function unit, and the user data storage unit 60
Corresponds to a center user data storage unit, and the charging management unit 58 corresponds to a charging management unit.

When a user request is passed on from the local server 12, the web server function unit 51 functions as a web server in response to the pass-on request and executes a web application. The application registration management unit 52 manages the applications installed in the center server 52, and further distributes requests from the user input via the web server function unit 51 according to the types of the web application and the server base application. .

When the application registration management unit 52 determines that the request from the user is for an application that does not exist in the center server 15, the pass-on function unit 53 transmits the request from the user to the upper center server 17. Pass on (or forward the request to another application server). The web application storage unit 54 stores the web application, and causes the web server function unit 51 to execute the web application in response to a request distributed by the application registration management unit 52.

The server-based application distribution function unit 55 executes a server-based application in response to a request distributed by the application registration management unit 52. At this time, the input / output function of the server-based application is executed by the end user terminal 11 that is the source of the request that has been passed on.
The server application to the end user terminal 11
To deliver to. The sign-on management unit 56 performs user management so that a user can use each application by so-called single sign-on when using each server-based application. The server base application storage unit 57 stores a server base application.

The billing management unit 58 performs billing management for each user according to the billing information transmitted from the local server 12 and the actual use of the application for each user in the center server 15. The control unit 59 controls the center server 15 as a whole.

The user data storage section 60 stores all user data / user files created by the user for each user. In this case, not only the user data / user file associated with the execution of the application on the center server 15 is stored in the user data storage unit 60, but the execution of the application provided to the user on the local server 12 under the control is performed. Is also stored. As described above, when the user data / user file is updated in the subordinate local server 12, the difference information is sent to the center server 15, so that the user data storage unit is stored in accordance with the difference information. The user data / user file in 60 is also updated. The data transmitting / receiving unit 61 receives the difference information of the user data / user file from the local server 12 and transmits the user data / user file to the local server 12 based on a request from the local server 12.

The remote maintenance execution section 62 executes remote maintenance of the local server 12 under the control of the center server 15. Specifically, a new application is installed on the local server 12, an application is updated, and an expiration date for the application installed on the local server 12 is set.

Here, the configuration of the center server 15 has been described, but the configuration of the upper center server 17 is the same as that of the center server 15.

Next, the operation of the application server system will be described.

First, an ASP (installer of the service center 3) installs the local server 12 in the environment of the customer's LAN 10 in response to a request of the customer (service user 2). In the local server 12, some applications (or application modules) have been set up in advance by the ASP, and a network environment has been set. Then, the local server 12 is connected to the wide area network 1. The connection between the customer (service user 2) and the wide area network 1 is based on ISD
Various lines such as N (Integrated Services Digital Network) line, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), and high-speed digital line (dedicated line) can be used.
2 (and firewall 13) is set up in advance so that it can be used simply by connecting to these lines.

By connecting the local server 12 in this manner, the application executed on the local server 12 can be used from the end user terminal 11 and the time during which the local server 12 is connected to the wide area network 1 can be used. In the band, the user can also use the application in the center server 15. In this case, the user directly accesses the local server 12 only,
When an application that is not provided is requested, the request is automatically passed on to the center server 15 by the pass-on function unit 23 of the local server 12. Similarly, when the application related to the pass-on request is not provided by the center server 15, the request is passed to the upper-level center server 17 by the pass-on function unit 53 of the center server 15 or another application is executed. Will be forwarded to the server. Therefore, as an end user,
If only the address of the local server 12 is known, the applications provided by the center server 15 and the higher-order center server 17 can be used. Even if the configuration or the address system is changed in the wide area network 1 or the center server 15 (or the upper center server 17) is moved, the user can operate the center server 15 and the upper center without knowing the change. An application provided by the server 17 can be used. Note that the request from the end user terminal 11 can include the address of the end user terminal 11, and if the request includes the address of the end user terminal 11, the center server 15 The response from the (or upper center server 17) can be returned directly to the end user terminal 11 without passing through the local server 12.

When the user accesses the local server 12 using the end user terminal 11, it is preferable to use the web browser function (internet browser function) of the end user terminal 11 first. By doing so, the local server 12 as a web server
(The web server function unit 21), where the user is authenticated and the web application can be executed. In addition, the result of the user authentication performed by the web server function unit 21 is also used for the user authentication performed by the sign-on management unit 26. Therefore, the user performs single sign-on (actually, the web server It can be used by sign-on at the function unit 21). The applications that can be used by the users are managed by the charging management unit 58 of the center server 15, and which applications can be used by the users are transmitted to the application registration management units 22 and 52 by a command from the charging management unit 58. Is set.

When the user uses the web application or the server-based application of the local server 12, the charge management agent unit 28 of the local server 12 performs charge integration according to the usage record, and outputs the charge information (use log) to the center. It is transmitted to the server 15 periodically. When the user uses the web application or the server-based application of the center server 15, the charge management unit 28 of the center server 15 performs charge integration according to the usage record. In any case, the charge management unit 28 of the center server 15 finally calculates the charge amount for each user, and performs the billing and settlement.

When the user uses the web application or the server base application of the local server 12, the user data / user file in the user data storage unit 30 of the local server 12 is updated. Is the data transmission / reception unit 31
Is sent to the center server 15. As a result, the user data / user file in the user data storage unit 60 of the center server 15 is also updated. When the user uses the web application or the server-based application of the center server 15, the user data / user file in the user data storage unit 60 of the center server 15 is of course updated.

Further, the center server 15 periodically collects the operation status of the local server 12 (including error reports, etc.) (actually, the local server 12 periodically notifies the center server 15). If necessary, the remote maintenance execution unit 62 of the center server 15 automatically or with the intervention of an operator,
Execute remote maintenance of the local server 12. Similarly, when the throughput of the wide area network 1 changes, for example, the remote maintenance execution unit 62 transfers execution of a specific application from the center server 15 to the local server 12 automatically or by intervention of an operator. And vice versa.

As described above, in this application server system, installation, operation, and management are not required for the user, and the application software is always comfortably provided in accordance with the improvement in the throughput of the computer or the network. Can be used.

As described above, the local server 12 and the center server 15 have relatively similar internal configurations, and the center server 15 also has a similar structure to the higher-order center server 17 as that of the local server 12. Processing will be executed. Upper center server 17
A higher-level center server can be provided. FIG. 3 shows that each of these servers is provided in the same network (or a plurality of interconnected networks having a flat configuration) in terms of network configuration, but logically has a hierarchical structure. Will do. FIG. 3 shows an example of such a hierarchical structure between servers. A plurality of local servers 12 are housed in one of the center servers 15 and such a center server 15
Are housed in the upper center server 17, and so on, in a pyramid-type hierarchical structure. In such a hierarchical structure, the higher the center server, the smaller the network load itself but the application that requires a higher degree of computation, and the less frequently used, the less frequently it is not economical to install it on many servers. Run the application.

In the above description, the center server 1
Data Center 3 including AS 5 is established by ASP.
Although the P arranges the local server 12 in the customer's LAN environment, the operation mode of each server in this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, in a company having a plurality of departments, the information system department of the company may install, operate, and manage the center server 15, and the local server 12 may be deployed in each department in the company. In this case, for an application that is not provided by the center server 15, an application server operated by an external company may be set as the upper center server 17, and a request from a user may be passed on to the upper center server 17. In addition,
The management of users in the company and the accounting management (including counting by department) are performed by the center server 15, and only the accounting management for applications provided by the upper center server 17 is performed by the upper center server 17.

In the present invention, the local server 12, the center server 15, and the upper-level center server 17 can be realized as dedicated hardware components, but generally, a general-purpose hardware (however, required for each server). This can be realized by causing a computer system to execute a program for exhibiting the functions of these servers. Such a general-purpose computer system typically includes a central processing unit (CPU), a hard disk device for storing programs and data, a main memory, input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a CRT and the like. A display device, a reading device that reads a recording medium such as a magnetic tape or a CD-ROM, and a communication interface for performing communication with the outside (the LAN 10 or the wide area network 1).
It is composed of Hard disk drive, main memory,
The input device, the display device, the reading device, and the communication interface are all connected to the central processing unit. Then, a program for realizing each server is read into a computer by a recording medium such as a magnetic tape or a CD-ROM. That is, the recording medium storing the program is mounted on a reading device, the program is read from the recording medium, stored in the hard disk device, and the central processing unit executes the program stored in the hard disk device, so that the computer system becomes a local computer system. It will function as one of the server 12, the center server 15, and the higher-order center server 17. The center server 15 and the upper-level center server 17 have extremely high required processing capabilities. Therefore, instead of using a single CPU, the center server 15 and the higher-level center server 17 may be configured to have a plurality of CPUs or may be a logical combination of a plurality of servers. Preferably, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which one server is used.

[0056]

As described above, the present invention has a logical hierarchical structure having at least a local server and a center server that remotely manages the local server and stores user data and files. By providing a pass-on function for the center server and distributing applications between the local server and the center server according to the network environment, hardware conditions, etc., the user side can restrict the network transfer speed, etc. There is an effect that it is possible to use the application without receiving the application, and it is possible to save labor such as installation and management of the application server and license management. As a result, the system itself can be outsourced, and the total system management cost can be reduced. Also, generally, on the center server side operated by a specialized ASP,
By performing data backup, security management, account management, and the like, it is possible to safely protect user data and use healthy applications.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an application server system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a local server and a center server.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a logical hierarchical structure between servers.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Wide area network 2 Service user 3, 4 Data center 10 LAN 11 End user terminal 12 Local server 13, 14, 16 Firewall 15 Center server 21, 51 Web server function part 22, 52 Application registration management part 23, 53 Pass-on function part 24, 54 Web application storage unit 25, 55 Server-based application distribution function unit 26, 56 Sign-on management unit 25, 55 Server-based application storage unit 28 Charge management agent unit 29, 59 Control unit 30, 60 User data storage unit 31, 61 data transmission / reception unit 58 charging management unit 62 remote maintenance execution unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B075 KK03 KK04 KK07 KK13 KK24 KK33 ND23 ND35 UU40 5B085 AA08 AC04 BG07

Claims (14)

[Claims] An application service method for providing an application service to a user, comprising: a local server connected to a center server via a network to provide a part of an application provided by the center server to a user's LAN environment. When a user accesses the local server, the local server determines the request of the user,
If the request is a request for an application that can be provided by the local server, the local server provides the user with an application corresponding to the request, and the request is a request for an application that cannot be provided by the local server. Means that the local server passes the request on to the center server, and the center server, when the request is passed on, if the passed on request is a request for an application that the center server can provide, Providing an application corresponding to the above to the user. 2. The center server, when the request is passed on, if the passed-on request is a request for an application that cannot be provided by the center server, passes the request on to a higher-level center server;
The application service method according to claim 1. 3. A local server transmits difference information relating to updating of user data relating to an application provided by the local server to a center server, and the center server transmits user data in the center server based on the difference information. The application service method according to claim 1, wherein the user data is updated and the user data is stored. 4. A local server transmits billing information on an application provided by the local server to a center server, and the center server bills the application provided by the local server and the application provided by the center server. The application service method according to claim 1, wherein the application service method performs management and user management. 5. An application service method for providing an application service to a user, wherein in the first server, a user request is passed on from a second server located below the first server via a network. If the request passed on is a request for an application that can be provided by the first server, the first server provides an application corresponding to the request to the user. Service method. 6. The first server, when a user request is passed on, if the passed on request is a request for an application that cannot be provided by the first server, the first server transmits the request to the first server. 6. The application service method according to claim 5, wherein a pass-on is made to a third server positioned higher than the third server. 7. An application server system for providing an application service to a user, comprising a local server connected to the user via a first network and connected to a center server via a second network. The local server manages local application storage means for storing an application, and an application registered in the local server, and determines whether a request from a user is for an application that the local server can provide. A local application registration management unit that executes the application in the local application storage unit in response to a request from the user and / or a local execution unit that distributes the application to the user; Pass-on function means for passing on the request to a center server when the request is a request for an application that cannot be provided by the local server. Server system. 8. An application server system for providing an application service to a user, wherein the local server connects to the user via a first network, and the local server connects to the user via a second network. A local server, wherein the local server manages an application registered in the local server, and a request from a user for an application that can be provided by the local server. A local application registration management means for determining whether or not the application is executed, and a local execution means for executing an application in the local application storage means in response to a request from the user and / or delivering the application to the user. And when the request from the user is a request for an application that the local server cannot provide, a pass-on function unit that passes the request on to a center server. The center server stores center applications. And a center application registration management means for managing applications registered in the center server and determining whether the pass-on request is for an application that can be provided by the center server, and responding to the pass-on request. Executing the application in the center application storage unit and / or delivering the application to a user, performing remote maintenance of the local server,
An application server system comprising: a remote maintenance execution unit that controls an application provided by the local server. 9. The center server according to claim 8, wherein the center server further comprises a center pass-on function unit that passes on the request to an upper-level center server when the pass-on request is a request for an application that cannot be provided by the center server. Application server system as described. 10. A local user data storage means for temporarily storing user data relating to an application provided by the local server, and a data transmitting / receiving means for transmitting difference information relating to updating of the user data to a center server. The center server has a center user data storage unit for holding user data of each user, and executes the application in the center server and stores the user in the center user data storage unit based on the difference information. The application server system according to claim 8, wherein data is updated. 11. The local server includes a billing management agent that counts billing information relating to an application provided by the local server and transmits the billing information to a center server.
The application server system according to claim 8, wherein the center server includes a charge management unit that performs charge management and user management for an application provided by the local server and an application provided by the center server. 12. An application server system for providing an application service to a user, comprising: a center server to which a lower-level server is connected via a network, wherein the center server includes: a center application storage unit for storing an application; A center application registration management means for managing applications registered in the center server and determining whether a request passed on from the lower server is for an application that can be provided by the center server; and A center executing means for executing and / or distributing an application in the center application storing means to a user in accordance with the following; executing remote maintenance of the lower order server; Control which applications the server can provide,
An application server system comprising: a remote maintenance execution unit; and a center pass-on function unit that passes on the request to an upper-level center server when the pass-on request is a request for an application that cannot be provided. 13. A local application storage means for storing an application, a local application registration management means for managing the registered applications and determining whether or not a request from a user is for an application that can be provided; A local execution unit that executes and / or distributes an application in the local application storage unit in response to a request from the user; and when the request from the user is a request for the application that cannot be provided, ranks the request higher. Pass-on function means to pass on to the server of the program. 14. A center application storage means for storing an application in a computer, a center application registration management means for managing the registered applications and determining whether a pass-on request is for the application that can be provided. A center executing means for executing an application in the center application storing means in response to the pass-on request and / or delivering the application to a user; executing a remote maintenance of a lower-order server to control an application which the lower-order server can provide; A program to function as a remote maintenance execution means.