Windows Service Application
What is Windows Service?
Microsoft Windows service is an application software which runs in the background. Service applications accept requests from client applications, process those requests, and return information to the client applications. As it runs in the background, it does not require user input interaction. These services can be automatically started when the computer boots, can be paused and restarted, and do not show any user interface. The service can have multiple methods to execute at the background level. So it can be used for different background processing like checking system update, processing routines, validations of data etc.
Why do we need it?
Windows services are needed when an application needs to continuously run without user interaction. Services runs until it is stopped or the computer is turned off. When the system needs to respond 24/7/365, then Windows Services Applications are used. When it is running, it is capable of getting requests from clients and return the response.
What are its limitations?
Service Application does not allow to use visual components. Only non-visual components are allowed in service applications. Besides that every processing in the background can be achieved.
When there is a requirement of huge data communication between client and server, DataSnap will be the right choice as it is more flexible and can be deployed as Windows services and Web Services usiing IIS, Apachy and even standalone server.