Our experienced team of software engineers has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about some of the technical details of our CRM platform. This FAQ is geared towards IT professionals, CIOs and anyone with a passion for technology.
What is the overall architecture of your product/service?
Our platform is built on the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) and meant to integrate with various external sources for student data and content via XML.
Is it hosted by you or deployed on server(s) on the client's network?
We host our clients on data centres located in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Montreal, Quebec in Canada, as well as Austin, Texas in the US.
Where does your product store its data?
Each client instance has its own MySQL database for data storage. We run redundant Master-Slave database servers to ensure that data is always protected and available. The redundant Master-Slave setup means the data is backed up in real time. We also run daily, incremental back-ups, along with a full weekly back-up to ensure no loss of data.
By what method(s) is this data accessible outside the application itself (e.g., flat-file export, APIs, direct database connectivity, etc.).
We can export several file formats or create APIs for access. This is done on a client-by-client basis, based on their specific requirements.
By what method(s) may data be imported into the system (manually and/or automatically)?
We prefer to setup automatic and secure XML/SOAP web-based integrations for all incoming and outgoing data flow. This includes content for student portals such as blogs, video feeds, documents, student data flowing from SIS systems, and other relevant data sources. We also have tools for flat-file-based imports and scheduled SFTP-based data out/inboxes.
How secure is the system?
Our data centres are state-of-the-art facilities accessible only by necessary Azorus employees. They have multiple redundancies using rsync to ensure no loss of data, security and backup capabilities. We have a highly configurable iptables-based firewall, and have 24/7, 365 monitoring of essential systems and hardware in place.
What is the implementation process like?
With a hosted system, initial account implementation is much simpler compared to one residing on your own servers, and requires minimal involvement from the client’s IT department. We have also developed flexibility within our platform which allows us to more easily integrate with common sources, such as an existing SIS, ERP or various department specific databases (i.e. Raiser’s Edge).
We hope this FAQ has been helpful; if you have a question that is not answered on the list above, please feel free to send us an e-mail at info@azorus.com.
