WebConnect, the framework on which ACEweb is built, produces applications that can run in two different modes: one using file-based messaging and the other as a COM (Component Object Model) server. In both cases, the wc.dll applet acts as the intermediary between the web server and ACEweb. However, the two modes differ widely in the mechanisms for passing information:
- File Base Messaging (File Mode - in File mode, the predefined Temp directory is used as a “drop zone” in which temporary files are written by both applications. WC.dll leaves information about incoming web hits, while ACEweb outputs its generated HTML pages. Both executables are continually polling the zone for relevant files left by the other.
- COM (Component Object Model) Server - in COM mode, the wc.dll actually launches one or more instances of ACEweb and the relevant information is passed back and forth as data in memory.
Because File Mode is easier to set up, it’s often used for the initial installation. However, we recommend running COM in production situations if at all possible*. Among the advantages:
- COM applications offer better performance because communication occurs via strings passed in memory, no disk operations are involved.The amount of performance improvement can be significant, depending on both your server specs, the level of traffic and other factors.
- COM applications are easier to maintain. You can control many COM operations via a remote browser from the Web Connection Server Maintenance page.
- In COM Mode, ACEweb is started automatically (on demand) after a server reboot.Furthermore if it crashes or gets hung up, the wc.dll can automatically kill the hung process and start a new one without taking down the whole site.
- In COM Mode, you can upgrade ACEweb without shutting down the system.
To set up ACEweb in File Mode, follow the instructions on the File Mode Setup page.
To set up ACEweb in COM Mode, follow the instructions on the COM Mode Setup page.
*Some network security structures may preclude the use of COM mode. Check with your network security personnel before setting up ACEweb in COM Mode.
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