Service Oriented Architecture
FloSuite leverages a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), integral to which is the product’s modular architecture and use of Web Service technology throughout.
Microsoft.NET
FloSuite is a 'true' Microsoft.NET application (which has been officially accredited by Microsoft as a .NET Connected product) that has been co-developed with some of the world’s largest legal and professional services organisations. It leverages .NET, SOAP, XML and other emerging standards to provide a powerful, agile and extensible framework.
FloSuite modules
The FloSuite framework product is comprised of four core modules:
- FloDesigner® – modelling environment where business users can graphically define organisation, process and data structures (which automatically produces XML-based process definition files)
- FloServer® – separate workflow/run-time engine controlling execution of processes and retrieval of data
- FloClient® – manages security and user access to application functionality via a Web interface
- FloAdmin – Microsoft Management Console (MMC) plug-in for system configuration and management of access rights
FloSuite module architecture
The diagram below illustrates the modular architecture of the FloSuite framework product.
FloDesigner Overview
FloDesigner is the graphical toolset that allows business analysts to design and capture their process, organisational and data models – without reliance on specialist IT staff.
Microsoft Visio
Its graphical definition model is built on Microsoft Visio, an easy-to-use interface for business analysts and solution developers. Users can define organisation structure, processes, document templates, user interface forms, data schema and systems integrations using drag-and-drop wizard-based tools.
FloDesigner also enables easy design of customised end-user Web forms, again based on Microsoft Visio.
Automatic production of XML code
Unlike other solutions, with FloSuite the intelligent core of the system automatically creates XML-based code behind the scenes while users drag and drop shapes and directional pointers to define properties.
FloDesigner developer tools
There is also a Developer Toolkit to allow software developers to create their own DCCs using a DCC Wizard via an automated DCC registration capability.
FloServer overview
FloServer is the XML-based engine that controls the execution of processes and retrieval of data.
Summary of FloServer key functions
Sample functions:
- Manages user profiles and access rights based on task user profiles, groups, roles and relationships
- Drives legacy system automation processes
- Registers Data Communication Components (DCCs) as data providers and consumers
- Assigns tasks and process actions
- Manages process milestones
- Creates documents and records process actions
FloClient and FloAdmin overview
FloClient overview
FloClient provides user access to the FloServer capabilities. It offers the ability to interact with FloSuite applications via a variety of methods. User Interface delivery options include:
- Standard FloSuite Web client
- Microsoft SharePoint Portal client
- Microsoft Outlook client
- Microsoft Office client
- Exposed Web Services
- Or whatever other methods are convenient for your user profile
FloAdmin overview
Configuration options for FloClient are controlled using FloAdmin, a Microsoft Management Console-based interface for administrators.
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