 The database structure is designed to reduce administration costs |
| Services are categorised into a completely customisable "Taxonomy" structure. A single service can be placed in multiple taxonomy locations, with any of its description fields modified for that location. That is, a single service may have a different description for each place it appears in the taxonomy (each description providing more detail relating to its qualification for that position in the taxonomy). SmartDirectory Server 1.0 fully maintains the relationship between such entries by storing related entries in an inheritance tree. This means that changing an entry's field will change any corresponding fields in a derived entry. |
| Speed and reliability |
| The core database store is built around a proven and highly optimised indexing system. In tests with Index Server and Query Engine on the same PIII 650MHz/256MB NT-based machine (least optimal configuration) the system could handle well over 1,000 requests a minute. |
| Flexibility in deployment |
| You can opt to host SmartDirectory Server on one or many machines. The system structure consists of an Indexing Server and a Query Engine which may reside on multiple machines. |
| Multiplatform deployment |
| SmartDirectory Server is available for Windows NT, Linux, and Solaris platforms. The system can be deployed on other platforms, but these are not supported. |
| Flexible querying system |
| Standard taxonomy browsing is supported, but keyword-based queries can be issued on the entire directory or specific branches of the taxonomy. Boolean operators on single keywords and strings (e.g., '+hand -"car tax" dog') are supported. Having obtained all matching records, a relevance subsystem categorises the result set to display the most relevant records first. The parameters of the relevance subsystem may be configured on-the-fly to customise what is considered to be the most relevant entry. SmartDirectory Server 1.0 also supports "pluggable" filters which allow you to customise the query subsystem to filter results based on your criteria. |
| XML-based architecture allows rapid customisation for multiple user agents |
| The Query Engine formats results in XML. However SmartDirectory Server also supports style sheet processing of the XML before its results are returned. The use of multiple style sheets is supported, which means you can easily make your directory available to multiple user agents. |
| Peace of mind |
| The database can be backed up without interrupting service to your end users. It can also be dumped as an XML document and merged with another database stored as an XML document, again without interruption to service. |
| Secure maintenance interface |
Maintenance commands can be run remotely through standard or secure HTTP connections with password authentication.
 |
| Comprehensive directory management interface |
| SmartDirectory Server includes a directory management tool based on a web browser interface. With the SmartPhone Emulator as a preview tool, it is the only integrated editor/browser platform available. As you would expect, this edit facility supports concurrent, live modifications to the directory. Access to the Directory Management system can be limited to specific machines, or you can allow general password-protected access over HTTPS. |
