What is iPlanet

A Web server is a program that uses HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to serve the files that form Web pages to users, in response to their requests, which are forwarded by their computers' HTTP clients. Dedicated computers and appliances may be referred to as Web servers as well.

The process is an example of the client/server model. All computers that host Web sites must have Web server programs. Leading Web servers include Apache (the most widely-installed Web server), Microsoft's Internet Information Server (IIS) and nginx (pronouncedengine X) from NGNIX. Other Web servers include Novell's NetWare server, Google Web Server (GWS) and IBM's family of Domino servers.

Web servers often come as part of a larger package of Internet- and intranet-related programs for serving email, downloading requests for File Transfer Protocol (FTP) files, and building and publishing Web pages. Considerations in choosing a Web server include how well it works with the operating system and other servers, its ability to handle server-side programming, security characteristics, and  the particular publishing, search engine and site building tools that come with it.

iPlanet is Sun Microsystem's solution for a Web server and related programs intended to allow an enterprise to take advantage of the Internet. A joint venture with Netscape Communications, the iPlanet suite competes with similar offerings from Microsoft (and its Internet Information Server - IIS) and Apache, which provides the most widely-installed Web server.

iPlanet includes e-commerce services, portalservices, communication services, Web and application services,integration services, and user management services. Commerce services provide enterprises with the ability to deploy secure selling, and bill presentment and payment. Portal services allow enterprises to authenticate employees, suppliers, and customers who wish to access applications, content, and data on a customized portal using a browser and a dial-up Internet connection. Communication services enable Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telephone companies, and enterprises to provide messaging, calendar, and e-mail services using a single phone number.

Web and application services provide users access to applications, databases, and Web pages. iPlanet is aligned with Sun Microsystems' Sun Open Net Environment (ONE), its vision of services on demand using Web-based applications. iPlanet also allows companies to communicate with each other using Extensible Markup Language (XML), XSL Transformations (XSLT), HTTP, Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP).