Clarity Baron/Services-Network Infrastructure Design

Network Infrastructure Design

Application Deployment Architectures

Clarity Baron applications can be deployed in three methodologies, which can in turn be deployed in three distinct phases. Each of these architectures is optimised for a centrally managed solution offering high availability of the applications and scalability from one site with one user up to hundreds of sites with thousands of users across multiple geographical locations.

• Model One - Classic Client Server

• Model Two - Thin Client

• Model Three - Browser Deployment

Classic Client Server

In this model all users connect to a UNIX server only, this server or servers resides either within a single site, at a Head Office location or Hosted at an Internet Service Provider. All processes are carried out at the server and relayed to the user in real time.

The user or users access the applications through a GUI (graphical user interface) this client software is installed on single or multiple PC’s throughout a single or multiple sites.

Benefits
• Allows for central control
• Allows for centralised Membership management
• Allows for centralised Booking Management
• Allows for centralised Stock Control
• Central Back up
• Central Real Time Reporting
• Lower Initial Infrastructure cost
• Can utilise existing PCs
• Can be migrated to model two as PCs become obsolete

Draw Backs
• Major Client software updates have to be performed on-site at each PC
• Client device must be a PC

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Thin Client

In this model the client software is installed centrally and deployed via Microsoft Terminal Server. Dependent upon the number of users, this server or servers would be located centrally along side the UNIX server.

This then provides a choice of client device, a PC, or a Network Computer (Graphical Terminal). It also allows for a uniform desktop to be created and managed from a central location giving complete control over what each individual user can access and allowing those users to receive their personal desktop regardless of which location they are logged on at (roaming profiles).

All future software updates would be performed at the server location only, as users logged on they would automatically receive any updates or changes that had been administered.

Benefits
• Allows for central control
• Allows for centralised Membership management
• Allows for centralised Booking Management
• Allows for centralised Stock Control
• Full central control over desktop set-up
• Roaming profiles
• Central Back-up
• Central Real Time Reporting
• Utilises existing PCs
• Choice of thin client (reduces cost of desktop device)
• All future updates at server only (lower cost of management)
• Lower ongoing cost of ownership.

Draw Backs
• Higher initial infrastructure costs

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Browser Deployment

In this model an additional Tarantella server is deployed alongside the UNIX and Terminal servers. This server allows translation of both the process and graphical information into HTML for display within a Web browser.

This allows delivery to any device capable of running a browser including hand held devices and mobile phones.

Benefits
• Allows for central control
• Allows for centralised Membership management
• Allows for centralised Booking Management
• Allows for centralised Stock Control
• Full central control over desktop set-up
• Central Back-up
• Central Real Time Reporting
• Utilises existing PC’s
• Choice of thin client (reduces cost of desktop device)
• All future updates at server only. (Lower cost of management)
• Lower ongoing cost of ownership
• Can be used as part of corporate Intra / Extranet
• Deploy to any browser-enabled device

Draw Backs
• Higher initial infrastructure cost
• Higher initial consultancy and professional service costs
• Higher initial testing costs