proxy server

View image A proxy server controls the access of authorised users to data and allows the operation of the system to be isolated from control by external users. Proxy servers are often also internet servers. This application receives requests from users, verifies them, accesses the required data and communicates the requested information back to the users. External users cannot run programs on the protected system but rely on the proxy server to access data for them. Instructions to the protected system itself are limited to specific types of requests, the effects of which can be controlled. Proxy servers can provide data for both external and internal users. External users cannot access the main system directly whilst the internal users can be provided with controlled access to external systems, such as the internet.