Generic application server and method of operation therefor

A method in a computer system for servicing requests from multiple client computers, the method comprising:

• receiving a request from a client computer to perform a multi-state function;
• performing a first task, by a first work handler invoked by a first thread in a ready state, wherein the first task is associated with a first state of the multi-state function, and performing the first task includes issuing an asynchronous request for data;
• placing the first thread back in the ready state;
• receiving the data specified in the asynchronous request;
• and
• performing a second task, by a second work handler invoked by a second thread in the ready state, wherein the second task is associated with a second state of the multi-state function, and the second task performs an operation on the data.

A method in a computer system for servicing requests from multiple client computers, the method comprising:

• monitoring a quantity of work being performed by the computer system;
• determining whether the quantity has exceeded an upper limit;
• and
• if the quantity has exceeded the upper limit but has not dropped below a lower limit, not accepting new requests into the computer system.