Etelos SaaS Application PlatformMove your existing technology to the cloud for Web-based distribution
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How does the SaaS Application Platform work?
The platform manages the process of taking existing technology and packaging it up and distributing it via a Web-based storefront or marketplace. The illustration below shows a high-level process diagram of the process.
SaaS Syndication Platform:
The SaaS Syndication Platform, used by distribution marketplaces, takes in SaaS applications that are configured for syndication within the Partner App Admin Service. The SaaS syndication platform is a tool used by developers to to configure the syndicated app for their marketplace.
Dev VEs:
Developer Virtual Environments (VE) is a method of partitioning a physical server computer into multiple servers such that each has the appearance and capabilities of running on its own dedicated machine. Each virtual environment can run its own full-fledged operating system, and each server can be independently rebooted. VEs can be used to host applications or be customized as developer kits. VEs supported include Django™, Ruby on Rails™, Mono™ Project, Apache Tomcat™. JBoss™ or LAMP.
SaaS App:
A web app that is stored a Marketplace app repository. SaaS Apps can be configured within VEs and customized to meet the apps specific needs.
Support:
Support tools are used for managing and supporting a marketplace or SaaS App. Forums, trouble tickets, marketplace and provisioning transaction reports are part of the tool sets.
Marketing:
An admin tool for setting up a store listing to be included in application listing, or a catalog of applications. Store listings include purchase information, demos, blogs, forums, support pages and other information that aid in selling of Web apps.
Billing:
Admin tools for setting up pricing for a web app. Billing units of purchase including subscription time frames (i.e. monthly), numbers of users, unit measures, license keys, etc.
Licensing:
Licensing admin tools and APIs are used for configuring license enforcement. Enforcement can be passive, requiring no application changes or active, API-based rules, used to setup complex licensing rules.
Provisioning:
Administration tools for configuring the methods of provisioning an application. Apps can be provisioned to Etelos hosting or 3rd party. Other 'provisioning' methods include downloads or key generation.
Packaging:
Tools for package the app for provisioning. Apps can be packaged as whole apps, best for new application installations or major upgrades, or mini-apps, sub-sets of apps that are best for patches or minor updates.
Syndication Provisioning:
Syndication Provisioning is used by app developers to be packaged up for distribution across multiple marketplaces.
Marketplace 1,2:
Distributor marketplaces that contain syndicated applications
Web App Distribution Platform:
The Web application catalog, store listings, carts and other user functions are part of the Web App Distribution Platform.
Web App Support Platform:
The user-side of the the trouble ticket system. User-facing tools include ticket submission, status and user forums. Also included are tools for managing installed apps.
Provisioning Platform:
The provisioning platform manages the distribution of apps to hosting platforms. Also managed is the distribution of updates to hosted apps.
Hosting Platform:
Apps are deployed to specialized hosting infrastructure that match their requirements and service level. Apps can be hosted with Etelos, Etelos Partners, or in outside facilities, ie. your own co-location facility.
The Account Framework is a virtual framework for storing multiple apps for an account. Users, billing, support and other management functions are consolidated for easy management. The account framework also maintains metadata properties that can be used in the services framework.
App:
The hosted app instance that is installed within an application framework.
Services:
The Services Framework allows apps to create additional functionality using metadata such as application synchronization and collaboration with web services, etc. This is engineered to support growing partner needs for cross app collaboration.
Partner App Admin Service:
Tools for partners to submit an app to a Marketplace or syndication. This is a Web interface for configuring applications parameters to be used in the sales and provisioning process.
Developer Support Platform:
Application development tools, including web-based app editors, WebDAV support, DB and language support tools and version control tools.
In the illustration above, the SaaS Application Platform begins the process with packaging up the solution in the appropriate developer environment. Then the solution moves through the process of packaging and enabling automated provisioning, billing, marketing and support. The end result is a Web interface where users can go to try -- then buy -- the application online. The app is provisioned and installed into an account framework that enables additional value added services solutions and support around the core application.
