An alternate server system for continued network operation in the event of a network server failure. The alternate server system integrates a number of main servers with a backup server and a number of workstations. The backup server periodically takes snapshots of selected application data sets on the main server. In the event of a main server failure, the backup server gives users of the workstations the option to continue running applications on the backup server using the selected backup data. When the main server is returned to operation, the alternate server system discontinues execution of applications on the backup server, updates modified data, and restarts the applications on the main server.