'server-activated' originates from the combination of 'server' and 'activated', where 'server' refers to a computer or program that manages access to a centralized resource or service, and 'activated' means to make something active or operative.

The term 'server-activated' evolved from the increasing use of servers in computing, where tasks and processes are initiated by server systems rather than client-side applications.

Initially, it referred to any process initiated by a server, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.