Technical Architecture (xen-IP Range)

Technology
The Xensis products are written in Visual Basic interfacing via ADO to a Microsoft SQL Server (or SQL Server Express) database. Full use is made of server-side processing using database stored procedures so that the products run efficiently in true client-server mode. Reports are written using Business Objects Crystal Reports.

Database Technology
Xensis only use leading database products from Microsoft - they have to fit within the overall architecture and offer security, scalability and resilience.

What database should I use? - there are a number of SQL Server versions that the Xensis products can run against. The same product functionality is delivered against all the versions. The decision on which database version to pick will depend on a number of factors:

• do you currently have an in-house database strategy that recommends one version over another
• do you already license a database product and have an agreement with a supplier
• what IT expertise do you have against a certain technology, if none, then what is available locally
• what is the most cost effective for your number of users
• do you want to integrate the IP system with other systems, in which case choosing the same database technology might be an advantage
• what growth plans do you have

What are the merits of each database version? Xensis do not recommend one product over another - we like to give the customer choice.

SQL Server Express is a scaled down version of SQL Server. It has a simple, small sized installation and is issued licence free when used with the Xensis products. It will support small networked work groups up to 5 users on any Microsoft Windows platform from Windows XP onwards. It is totally compatible with SQL Server allowing seamless upgrades as the number of users increase. SQL Server Express will work on a standalone PC, peer-to-peer network, and client-server network. Management of the database does not require any specialist database administration skills and the supplied Database Utilities (xen-DBU) can be used to perform all routine database operations such as backups, password resets, etc.

SQL Server is bundled with other Microsoft products which may avoid the need for some businesses to separately purchase the database licences. Xensis do not issue SQL Server licences as part of their product and these would have to be licensed separately.

Security
The comprehensive security provided by all of these databases is used to control access to the data. Third-party tools may be used for user reporting, however, access is password protected and limited to read-only.

Scalability
By using the power of enterprise-strength databases, the products will easily scale from a single user up to a major corporate enterprise. The products are proven up to 100k records across multiple international locations when used with full versions of SQL Server.

Resilience
The roll-back and roll-forward facilities integrated in SQL Server mean that any server failure will only entail the loss of any uncommitted transactions at the time of failure.

Technology Flexibility
Only suitable technologies from leading software suppliers are offered to customers. The database version most suitable for the customers requirements can be matched to the interface. The gives the customer the flexibility to upgrade database technology as their requirements change but without impacting their business operation.

Clients
An executable file along with DLLs are supplied for the client. The client can be Windows XP or later. Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat are used for the creation of the legal documents.

Servers
SQL Server Express and SQL Server databases run on Microsoft Windows platforms.

Client -Server
Full use is made of server-side processing using database stored procedures so that the products run in true client-server mode. Database stored procedures are programs that reside in the database on the server and carry out tasks automatically to manipulate database information without having to interact with the client. Some competitors claim to provide client-server systems - however under investigation they do not use the server to provide database processing - all of the processing is done on the client thereby loading the network.

Document Store
The Registry or 'Document Store' runs on any Windows compatible file system, and is compatible with imaging (scanning) technology.

Internet
xen-Web is the Internet browser data viewer for all data in a xen-IP database.  This product runs entirely within a standard Internet browser with no client software installation being required.  A Web Server supporting Active Server Pages is required to host the system which can then deliver data to clients via a company Intranet or the Internet.