Release 10.1A: OpenEdge Deployment:
WebClient Applications

Selecting a communication protocol for configuration file downloads

When WebClient downloads the application configuration file from its server, the download uses a communication protocol based on the server’s type. Recall that the application configuration file must reside on an Internet-based server, which can consist of a Web server or a file server. Table 4–1 lists the protocols for each server type.

Table 4–1: Communications protocols for configuration file downloads

Server type	Protocol
Web	HTTP or HTTPS
File	File

If the application configuration file resides on a Web server, downloads can use the HTTP or HTTPS protocol, whichever you prefer. The HTTPS protocol encrypts the download, which increases security. The HTTP protocol does not encrypt the download, but is somewhat faster.

If the application configuration file resides on a file server, downloads use the File protocol.

The URL you enter in the Application Assembler’s Configuration File Locator window tells WebClient which protocol to use.

Note: Progress Software Corporation recommends that for access over the Web, you select a communication protocol that encrypts downloads. For more information, see Chapter 5, " Designing Security."

For more information on URLs and communication protocols, see OpenEdge Application Server: Administration .