What is a dispatcher?
A dispatcher is a process associated with Oracle shared server. There must be a minimum of one dispatcher process configured for each network protocol to which a user is connected. The job of a dispatcher process is to send user requests to a pool of Oracle server processes. After an Oracle server process has executed a request, the process sends the result back to the dispatcher that had sent the request. The dispatcher consequently sends the result to the user process.
A dispatcher is someone who handles the flow of information, people, and equipment from a centralized headquarters. Some of the most well-known dispatchers are the emergency dispatchers who answer the phone when someone calls for the police, the fire department, or medical assistance. Dispatch work is quite varied, often requiring a very flexible schedule and the ability to tolerate strange shift hours, because dispatch centers need to be able to respond 24 hours a day. One of the key roles of a dispatcher is in the management of people and equipment. Dispatchers have to determine who and what to send where, and when. They must organize schedules, be knowledgeable about how long jobs are going to take, and keep track of people who are out working in the field. Dispatchers also keep track of a great deal of information, and communicate information as needed as part of their duties. Emergency dispatchers handle requests for emergency assistance. In some cities, dispatch for all emergency
