Separation of data and presentation for the next generation Internet using the four-tier architecture

As the Internet is fast becoming a network of variety types of content accessed by a multitude of devices as well as the personal computer, software and systems design is beginning to once again change dramatically. We explore the state of content and architecture on the Internet, where it is today and where it is going. Subsequently, we introduce the concept of the presentation server and its role as the fourth-tier in a scalable, reliable, and flexible back-end solution for the Internet. We discuss data, audio, and visuals as the content of a given system on the Internet. We also discuss the capabilities required from the next generation clients to this content. Furthermore, we discuss the four-tier architecture, the role of the presentation server within this four-tier architecture, and the responsibilities of a presentation server. Finally, we look at the benefits of the four-tier architecture, some specific implementation possibilities, and how it fits within the Internet as we know it today.