Netscape Enterprise Server 3.0 enables server-side scripting, but makes development difficult by requiring the use of JavaScript and manually compiling of pages after any change. 4.0 lets Web developers use their choice of scripting language and component language to easily create applications that run on the server with automatic management. HTML and HTTP do not by themselves provide a way to access databases or carry information about users from page to page. Server-side scripting accesses programs on the server that provide this necessary functionality behind the scenes to deliver Web applications and customized HTML for each user. Separating content from presentation for easier design and data management.
Server scripting allows the use of templates for creating HTML documents on the fly.
Information can be managed in the most appropriate manner, and does not have to be stored in HTML pages that must be changed by hand whenever the data changes. Server-side scripting enables group development of sites and improved productivity. Programmers, HTML authors , designers and content developers can more easily work together. The result is displayed using an HTML template. While Netscape Enterprise Server 3.0 supports server-side scripting, its closed architecture and design limitations make development difficult.