The Certa Platform is based on a state-of-the-art Services-Oriented Architecture (SOA). This standards-based architecture features a flexible infrastructure and processing environment that includes three tiers enabling a highly scalable and secure environment. Through this unique architecture, utilities and cable & broadband operators have access to an unprecedented level of high-quality information and robust applications that help transform operations.
The Certa Platform architecture features high performance, scalability,
flexibility, fault tolerance, extensibility, and stability, along with
highly configurable applications and services.
Database Tier
The database tier, composed of open industry-standard relational databases, is where persistent data related to the data model, meta model, configurations, and applications is stored logically to enable fast access. Data is managed by application servers and can be accessed via database access protocols such as SQL. Even then, access is limited to a secure version of the data to ensure integrity of the real-time operational source data.
Application Server Tier
The application server tier – easily accessed via open APIs – is comprised of services, containers, objects, and components that manage all business process logic and infrastructure services. In keeping with the SOA-enabled architecture, functionality is implemented in discrete, reusable components. The application server tier offers multi-platform support for operating systems – such as UNIX™, Sun® Solaris™, and 32- and 64-bit Microsoft® Windows® – and hardware, including Intel®-based and Sun Microsystem servers.
Client Tier
CertaLogic offers intuitive, easy-to-use Web, desktop, and mobile clients developed using the latest industry-standard technologies. Because communication between clients and the application servers is enabled through application services, interactions are seamless. Due to the flexibility of the architecture, organizations can use multiple client types to access the same functionality. This openness allows CertaLogic and its customers to create customized user interfaces – either to access a specific module or a subset of functionality within a module – and also allows CertaLogic to adapt rapidly to take advantage of advances in user interface technologies.
Advantages of CertaLogic’s System Architecture
The unique structure of CertaLogic’s system architecture provides utilities and cable & broadband operators with a number of competitive advantages, including the following:
Scalability
CertaLogic’s system architecture is designed to optimize processing power and bandwidth, while taking advantage of whatever database the customer chooses to use. This unique architecture enables organizations to run a streamlined, heterogeneous operating environment and call upon CertaLogic’s architecture for on-demand scalability, such as through the addition of additional application servers or processing power.
Flexibility
Many software solutions force organizations to lock into a specific vendor hardware platform. With CertaLogic, utilities and cable & broadband operators can run a heterogeneous hardware environment and are free to add any additional systems they require to meet their business needs.
Stability
The system architecture is based on fourth-generation software, developed using the latest industry quality standards. This optimized code leverages industry best practices and open standards and undergoes extensive lab and ramp-up testing before going into production.
Extensibility and Openness
At its core, the architecture extends the functionality of the Certa Platform via the comprehensive suite of Certa products. The SOA-based environment can be extended at all tiers via APIs provided by CertaLogic. Due to the architecture’s openness, customers and systems integrators can customize existing applications or develop customer specific solutions that leverage the platform.
High Performance
CertaLogic has the flexibility and expertise to use whatever programming language is optimal for the specific task at hand, enabling development of high-performance applications. In addition, CertaLogic’s architecture enables efficient communications between platform and clients and includes intelligent data cache to ensure rapid access to large volumes of data.
Fault Tolerance and High Availability
The system architecture features built-in redundancy, so even if an
application server fails, another takes over and ensures continuity of the
running application. Each application server also includes fault tolerant
characteristics to help it recover from communications interruptions. And
because the connection between the application server and client is handled
through application services instead of being hard
coded, the application remains available
even in the event of a failure.
With support for mission-critical applications, high latency networks,
vertical and horizontal scalability, and optimal performance accessing large
volumes of data, CertaLogic’s system architecture supports the critical
operations of any size utility or cable and broadband
operator.
