Patent ID: 7127717

Claim:
A multi-layer server system, comprising: a plurality of servers which are grouped into first layer servers provided for handling to process requests issued from client terminals and second layer servers, a selected one of the first layer servers issuing a data acquisition request to one of the second layer servers when said selected first layer server determining a need for data from said one of the second layer servers; load balancing means for monitoring work statuses of the first layer servers, for selecting said selected first layer server from the first layer servers based on first work statuses of the first layer servers which are monitored when the multi-layer server system receives at least one process request from at least one, client terminal for connecting the client terminal with the selected first layer server, for facilitating selecting another first layer server among the first layer servers to take over processing of said process request based on second work statuses of the first layer servers which are monitored after the data is made available by said one of the second layer servers in response to the data acquisition request, and for connecting the client terminal with the selected another first layer server; shared memory means accessible by the first and second layer servers and for storing process information needed for starting processing of said process request or resuming the processing of said process request after said selected first layer server has stopped the processing of said process request therein; and a system controller for controlling the first layer servers and the load balancing means by instructing the selected another first layer server to resume the processing of said process request thereby switching the processing of said process request among the first layer servers based on the second work statuses of the first layer servers.