FETL MobileWorkerArchitecture

FETL MobileWorkerArchitecture provides a unique solution to the demands of disconnected mobile workers that need access to Enterprise information whilst undertaking offsite engagements in internet-free areas. Particularly designed for FETL EnergyForensics system, the architecture enables connectivity for different groups of power users:

• Energy Managers working in offices, remotely or collecting energy data onsite
• Energy Bureaus or Finance Managers working in offices or remotely (tele-working)
• Automated Systems - Building Management Systems (BMS), Wireless Sub-Meters that need to upload data asynchronously through wireless or low speed network connections

Access to the business application and data is therefore provided remotely and onsite. The latest trend in centralised, web-delivered applications (Yahoo! Mail, GMail, Salesforce.com, Social Networking) can suffer when offline. FETL MobileWorkerArchitecture solves this user hurdle with a single leap.

Advantages and Benefits

The key advantages and benefits of the FETL MobileWorker Architecture include:

• Location independent - usage does not depend on internet connectivity
• Performance - not constrained by internet speed
• Server scalability/cost - adding additional users does not necessarily slow down the system, as processing is carried out locally and centrally
• Multi-platform support - the virtual machine avoids the need to compile the application for multiple targets
• Time to market - extensive web connection programming on the "client" and "server" are reduced - so time can be focussed in the business logic and efficiencies of bi-directional synchronisation
• Recovery - loss of local application copy (corruption) can be easily rebuilt by resynchronising data

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Architectural Considerations

In addition to solving the online/offline disconnection issues, the architecture also focusses on delivering applications that meet the mantras of Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) and Do not Repeat Yourself (DRY) along with a multi-platform target. The key elements of the solution include:

• Locally downloadable and installable application that can be updated (GUI, business logic, connectivity)
• Local encrypted or protected database that can be synchronised with master database
• Automatic "conflict" resolution between local and master database
• Cross platform application operation using a standard virtual machine
• Simple user interface, limiting mouse clicks, emphasising short cuts for optimum and productive user efficiency
• Secure network synchronisation to prevent snooping

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Developed as an inclusive component of FETL EnergyForensics - contact us for more specific technical information and whitepapers.