You can run HTTP Server in any of three modes, with each offering advantages for handling Web-based workloads:

Stand-alone server

This mode is typically used for HTTP Server-only implementations (simple Web sites). Its main role is to provide a limited exposure to the Internet.

Scalable server

This mode is typically used for interactive Web sites, where the traffic volume increases or declines dynamically. It is intended for a more sophisticated environment, in which servlets and JSPs are invoked.

Multiple servers

This mode uses a combination of stand-alone and scalable servers to improve scalability and security throughout the system. For example, a stand-alone server could be used as a gateway to scalable servers, and the gateway could verify the user authentication of all requests, and reroute requests to the other servers.