System Architecture
Q-Pulse is a Windows-based "N-tier" application that has been built on the Microsoft .NET Framework. This utilises Microsoft SQL Server database technology, integrates with Microsoft Active Directory (AD), and offers the option of ClickOnce deployment.
N-Tier
Using an N-tier approach allows for easier maintenance
and support. This is due to the fact it is easier to change and upgrade
a single specific component than to make changes in a traditional client
/ server application. Therefore, the impact of application change on the
QPulse development cycle is minimised and that upgrades are brought to market
in a shorter period of time.
More importantly, however, the N-tier approach offers the greatest flexibility
in distribution. This is because the tiers can reside anywhere from a single
desktop to servers and clients around the world. This enables Q-Pulse to
scale easily from the desktop or local area network to the enterprise or
web application level.
.NET Framework
The .NET Framework is the Microsoft development environment that allows different programming languages & libraries to work together seamlessly. This creates Windows-based applications that are easier to build, manage, deploy, and integrate with other networked systems.
SQL Server
Q-Pulse is based on the Microsoft SQL Server database. SQL Server is a robust, scaleable, relational database management system that offers a variety of administrative tools to ease the burdens of database development, maintenance and administration. Q-Pulse is available in various database options from the embedded Microsoft SQL Server options MSDE and Express Edition to a full enterprise solution on Microsoft’s SQL Server.
Q-Pulse using the Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE) or Express Edition is ideal for use in the standalone or local area network environment, where there is traditionally a lower transaction level and limited user base. Importantly, MSDE and Express Edition are embedded within Q-Pulse, meaning that it does not require any proprietary license purchase.
Q-Pulse using full SQL Server is appropriate for enterprise environments where there are a large number of users, significant transaction level and increased demands on database scaleability across a wide area network.
Active Directory
Windows Active Directory service is the integrated, distributed directory
service that is included with the Windows 2003 Server and Windows 2000 Server.
Q Pulse allows you to import user accounts and user groups held in Active
Directory. This means that there is no duplication of your network administration
efforts and that resources will be freed to address other IT project priorities.
In addition, Q-Pulse provides the optional ability to authenticate with
user passwords held in Active Directory. For the network administrator,
this reduces the number of passwords used on the network. For Q-Pulse users,
this means that they only need to sign into the network to be able to access
the Q-Pulse system.
ClickOnce Deployment
In deploying client installations and upgrades, Q-Pulse now also offers an alternative to Windows Installer that takes advantage of Microsoft's .NET 3.5 Framework.
ClickOnce is a deployment technology that allows you to deploy self-updating Windows-based applications that can be installed and run with minimal user interaction.
By installing Q-Pulse onto the server, the application can then be copied automatically to clients. With the release of a new version, updates to the server installation will ensure that the latest version will be installed when a client next connects.
By being able to deploy Q-Pulse more quickly and easily throughout the organisation, the option for ClickOnce deployment reduces IT commitment to deployment beyond initial system installation and removes the need for administrator permissions to install applications.
In addition, ClickOnce deployment ensures that your Q-Pulse configuration can be easily and effectively replicated throughout the organisation, improving software control within the organisation, and increases the ease with which deployed applications can be updated to provide seamless upgrade deployment.
