Server-to-server (S2S)

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What Does S2S Mean?

S2S is the acronym for server-to-server. Understanding the S2S meaning is essential for anyone working with modern web applications and cloud infrastructure.  It’s a shorthand term commonly used in technical documentation, developer conversation, and software architecture discussions.

S2S Meaning Explained

The S2S meaning refers to a communication model where servers connect and exchange data, communicating directly with each other. It is the same as server-to-server communication.  

  • Server-to-Server communication between applications

  • Direct backend connections that bypass the client layer

  • Automated data exchange between different systems

To wrap up, S2S is a direct conversation between backends. There’s no embedded SDKs cluttering your app, no client-side dependencies to manage.

How S2S Works: The Essentials

In mobile apps, S2S eliminates the requirement for app publishers to embed a measurement SDK into their apps prior to publishing. Instead of having an attribution SDK collect data firsthand from within your app, you send app events directly to a mobile measurement partner (MMP) like Tenjin, but from your own servers.

Traditional mobile attribution relies on SDKs integrated into your app code. However, S2S flips this model since your backend infrastructure handles all the communication with Tenjin. It’s more direct. It’s faster too.

The Mobile S2S Flow

When a user interacts with your app, here's what happens with S2S:

1. User action

A user installs your app or completes an in-app event

2. Your server captures

Your backend logs this event with all relevant parameters

3. Direct server communication

Your server sends the event data directly to your MMP's server via API

4. Attribution matching

The MMP's attribution engine matches the event back to the original ad click or impression

5. Campaign Insights

Performance data flows into your dashboard for analysis.

No SDK required. No app-level integration. Pure server-to-server communication with callbacks.

Considering S2S for your mobile app?

  • Evaluate your backend infrastructure, team capabilities, and measurement requirements to determine if server-side tracking aligns with your technical strategy and business goals.

  • Get in touch with us for more information, documentation, and any questions: support@tenjin.com.

  • Please note that this feature is only available with any all-inclusive paid plan.