Most server processing is driven by client interaction. However, some tasks are best performed asynchronously; for example, maintaining copies of cached data retrieved from a slower source, updating search indexes on a regular schedule, or performing lengthy calculations. EAServer provides two vehicles to support asynchronous processing:
Use service components for processing that must run continuously for the life of the server process, or must be performed once each time the server is started. Service components run in a thread that is started when the server starts. See Chapter 4, “Creating Service Components,” in EAServer Automated Configuration Tools.
The EAServer thread manager allows you to run threads at any time. Threads started by the thread manager execute independently of the client or component that starts them, and can be configured to run once, or periodically at regular intervals. See Chapter 5, “Using the Thread Manager,” in EAServer Automated Configuration Tools.
