If the chosen model is session-managed, a given client has a persistent physical connection to the application server over which context can be managed. If the chosen model is session-free, a given client has no persistent physical connection to an application server for managing context, but a logical connection that associates the client with the application (or Web) service supported by one or more application server resources.

For a complete definition of session models and how they affect the interaction between an application server and a client, see OpenEdge Application Server: Developing application server Applications.