Technical Information
System Architecture
Please see the diagram here for an overview.
Components
There are four main components of Atlas.
- Data Storage
- Application Server
- COM interface
- Client interfaces
- GUI Client
- Browser-based
- ERP Templates
- Organization interfaces
Persistent storage of data is in a database. This database can be almost any ODBC compliant database.
Coordination of client activity and interaction with the database is handled through the application server. The application server runs on any Windows NT or later server and installs as a service.
All communication with the application server is handled through a COM interface. The COM interface runs on any client operating system currently supported by Microsoft. Organizations can develop interfaces with existing systems through this interface if necessary. This COM library exposes all Atlas functionality.
All clients interact with the COM interface for consistent application of rules and a high level of control.
The GUI interface supports frequent users with a quick, easy to use interface. It has no installation requirement and runs on any currently supported Microsoft client operating system. GUI users can be local or remote.
The browser-based client supports a subset of tasks for the occasional user or user outside the client organization (i.e. travel agencies)
ERP templates are available for several popular ERP systems to allow easy interaction with ERP systems.
It is likely that organizations have other systems with travel related information. Atlas allows easy integration with other systems to allow real-time data access and reduced redundancy yet providing consistent control and rule enforcement.
Customization
Organization preferences and rules are handled through a rich scripting tool. The script is based on VBScript and allows many many opportunities for customization.
Security
Information security is a primary concern. Access to the system is controlled through an organization's existing domain security; there are no additional passwords to create and remember. Within Atlas, multiple levels of user groups can be defined to allow each information element to be hidden, read only, or editable.
Installation
Installation is trivial. For the client components, most organization place these components (the interface DLL and client executable) on a network share. Users access the system by running the executable from the share. This allows for easy updates.
System Requirements
- Database Server
- Oracle 7.3+
- MS SQL Server 6.5+
- (and others)
- Application Server
- Windows 2000+
- Database connectivity
- Client
- Windows 2000+
