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Architecture

The Xtendis architecture is focussed on integration, scalability and integrity. As a result, Xtendis can easily be linked to other systems. Besides, Xtendis can be used for applications varying from several to thousands of concurrent users. Finally, the architecture guarantees the long term safe storage of millions of documents from various sources and formats.

Thanks to its sophisticated architecture, Xtendis can meet all conceivable wishes and requirements that might be imposed on a company-wide digital archive, for example:

  • Extensive integration.
  • Scalable to suit any organisation's size, functionality and users.
  • Structured, sustainable and manageable architecture.

Extensive integration

Xtendis has an extremely open architecture which is realised through:

    • The application of so-called source drivers which enable documents from any system to be stored automatically in Xtendis.
    • The use of XML to exchange data between Xtendis and other
      applications. Files and metadata can be presented to Xtendis in XML. In return Xtendis can also generate XML output to initiate external processes (for example: to generate reports, or distribute documents to clients). 
    • The availability of various APIs (SOAP, Web services and COM) for advanced integration with other applications. These interfaces enable Xtendis or parts of Xtendis to be called from other applications, creating a seamless integration of systems for the user, for example the bookkeeping and the digital archive appear as one system. 
    • The option of calling Xtendis via a Windows client or an Internet browser. Both versions can be used interchangeably.
    • The use of standard database management systems such as Microsoft SQL server, Oracle or other OLE DB compliant database servers. This enables integration at database level with existing databases. And this means, for example, that dossiers can be created within Xtendis using data stored in another database, for example client's details.

In recent years Xtendis has been interfaced to hundreds of systems, which has lead to the development of a large number of standard interfaces.

Scalable to suit any organisation's size, functionality and users

Xtendis is extremely scalable. All functions can be performed on a single computer or can be spread over a number of servers. This means that Xtendis can be expanded for use by an unlimited number of users and documents, without influencing the performance. The advanced scripting technology support means that Xtendis can be configured in the best possible way for each application.

Structured, sustainable and manageable architecture

The security and manageability of large digital archives is guaranteed in Xtendis by the Xtendis Storage Server. This server process enables standard storage volumes in any type of storage system to be used, from a simple hard disk to advanced SAN and NAS systems. The Storage Server archives the documents and retrieves them when requested by a user. Xtendis can be configured so that the Storage Server appears to be the only 'user' who actually has access to the storage media, in addition to the system administrator, of course. This means that user errors cannot result in damaged documents or damage to storage media.