proxy

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Also called a "proxy," it is a computer system or router that breaks the connection between sender and receiver. Functioning as a relay between client and server, proxy servers help prevent an attacker from invading a private network and are one of several tools used to build a firewall.

The word proxy means "to act on behalf of another," and a proxy server acts on behalf of the user. All requests from clients to the Internet go to the proxy server first. The proxy evaluates the request, and if allowed, re-establishes it on the outbound side to the Internet. Likewise, responses from the Internet go to the proxy server to be evaluated. The proxy then relays the message to the client. Both client and server think they are communicating with one another, but, in fact, are dealing only with the proxy.

Address Translation and Caching

The proxy server is a dual-homed host with two network interfaces and two IP addresses. The IP address on the outbound side of the proxy is the one the Internet sees, and the address of the machine making the request is hidden to the outside world. Proxies are often used in conjunction with network address translation (NAT), which hides all the IP addresses of the client machines on the internal network. Proxy servers may also cache Web pages, so that the next request for that same page can be obtained much faster locally. See NAT and proxy cache.

Other Proxies

Anonymous proxy servers let users surf the Web and keep their IP address private (see anonymous proxy). Although not specifically called a proxy, Internet e-mail (SMTP) is a similar concept because it forwards mail. Messages are not sent directly from client to client without going through the mail server. Likewise, the Internet's Usenet news system (NNTP) forwards messages to neighboring servers. See firewall.

Application Level and Circuit Level

Proxy servers are available for common Internet services; for example, an HTTP proxy is used for Web access; an FTP proxy is used for file transfers. Such proxies are called "application-level" proxies or "application-level gateways," because they are dedicated to a particular application and protocol and are aware of the content of the packets being sent. A generic proxy, called a "circuit-level" proxy, supports multiple applications. For example, SOCKS is IP-based circuit-level proxy server software that supports TCP and UDP applications (see SOCKS).

Forward and Reverse Proxies

In this definition, the proxy servers are used to hide the details of the clients from the servers and are thus known as "forward proxies." However, they can also reside at the Web site to hide the details of the servers from the clients (see reverse proxy).

A Proxy Server in a LAN

In this LAN server illustration, the proxy server sits between two routers in what is known as a "demilitarized zone." See DMZ.

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A person who represents another, particularly in some meeting.
Also, the document giving to another the authority to represent.


Example: Abel could not be at the cooperative apartment association’s annual meeting, so he cast his vote by proxy.

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1. power of attorney by which the holder of stock transfers the voting rights to another party. Sometimes proxy fights erupt with outside groups competing in the solicitation of proxies that would give them voting control.


2. short for proxy statement, a written document that the SEC requires to be provided to shareholders before they vote by proxy on corporate matters. It typically contains proposed members of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, INSIDE DIRECTORS ' salaries, and any resolutions of minority stockholders and of management.

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This entry contains information applicable to United States law only.

A representative; an agent; a document appointing a representative.

A proxy is a person who is designated by another to represent that individual at a meet

ing or before a public body. It also refers to the written authorization allowing one person to act on behalf of another.

In corporate law, a proxy is the authority to vote stock. This authority is generally provided by the charter and bylaws of a corporation or by a state statute. If authority is not provided, a stockholder cannot vote by proxy. The record owner of the stock whose name is registered on the corporate books is the only individual who can delegate the right to vote. In the absence of an express requirement, no particular form is necessary for a proxy. It must, however, be evidenced by a sufficient written grant of authority. A proxy is not invalid if minor errors or omissions appear on the document.

Generally any power that a stockholder possesses at a corporate meeting can be delegated to a proxy. An ordinary proxy can vote on regular corporate business, such as the amendment of the bylaws. The proxy is not authorized to vote, however, on extraordinary corporate business, such as a merger, unless given special authority to do so. When a proxy acts within the scope of her authority, under agency principles, the stockholder is bound as if she acted in person.

A proxy can be revoked at any time, unless it is coupled with an interest or made expressly irrevocable. The sale of a stockholder's shares automatically revokes any proxies previously given to vote those shares. A proxy can also be revoked when the stockholder gives a subsequent proxy or attends the meeting in person. A stockholder can act as a proxy for another shareholder, but it is not necessary for a proxy to be a stockholder.

A person authorized to act for another, or the written authorization to act for another.

Shareholders in corporations may designate proxies to represent them at stockholders' meetings and vote their shares.

1. An agent legally authorized to act on behalf of another party. Shareholders not attending a company's annual meeting may choose to vote their shares by proxy by allowing someone else to cast votes on their behalf.

2. A formal power of attorney document that may be signed by a shareholder to authorize another shareholder, a representative of the shareholder or the company's management, to vote on behalf of the shareholder at the annual meeting. Proxy statements must be filed with regulatory authorities (the Securities and Exchange Commission in the U.S.) on an annual basis prior to the company's annual meeting. Proxy documents are meant to provide shareholders with the information necessary to make informed votes on issues important to the company's performance. A proxy is known to offer shareholders and prospective investors tremendous insight into a company's governance as well as a glance at the way that a company's management operates.

Investopedia Says:
1. Management often encourages shareholders to vote by proxy so that ownership interests are fully represented even if shareholders are unable to attend the company's annual meetings in person.

2. The proxy discloses important information about issues to be discussed at an annual meeting, lists the qualifications of management and board members, serves as a ballot for elections to the board of directors, lists the largest shareholders of a company's stock and provides detailed information about executive compensation.  

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IN BRIEF: A person who is given the power to act for another in voting.

I selected a proxy to vote for me at the meeting because I was unable to attend.

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For a list of words related to proxy, see:

• Elections and Campaigns - proxy: authority, esp. of deputy, to act for another
• Customs, Formalities, and Practices - proxy: authority to act for another; document granting such authority

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See words rhyming with "proxy."

  See crossword solutions for the clue Proxy.

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Dansk (Danish)
n. - fuldmagt, stedfortræder

Nederlands (Dutch)
volmacht, gevolmachtigde

Français (French)
n. - mandataire, (gén, Pol, Fin) procuration

Deutsch (German)
n. - Bevollmächtigter, Vollmacht

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - πληρεξουσιότητα, πληρεξούσιο(ς), αντιπρόσωπος

Italiano (Italian)
mandatario, mandato

Português (Portuguese)
n. - procuração (f), representante

Русский (Russian)
доверенное лицо, доверенность, полномочие

Español (Spanish)
n. - apoderado, representante, poder, autorización

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - fullmakt, prokura, ställföreträdare, ombud

中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
代理人, 取代物, 代理权, 代理委托书

中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 代理人, 取代物, 代理權, 代理委託書

한국어 (Korean)
n. - 대리(권), 대리인

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - 代理, 委任状, 代理人, 代理権
adj. - 代理の

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) وكاله, نيابه, تفويض‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮שליח, נציג, בא-כוח, הרשאה, ייפוי כוח‬

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