Introduction
This overview describes the functional components of a FolderMaestro File Collaboration environment. In this discussion, we identify the primary components of a FolderMaestro File Collaboration installation.
FolderMaestro File Collaboration Architecture
FolderMaestro solutions, also known as "Applets", have local and remote characteristics that form the basis of a distributed application framework. A FolderMaestro installation is composed of 3 primary components:
1. Hub
The Hub is the central component of the FolderMaestro framework. All FolderMaestro solutions are installed, configured and started at the Hub. Applets are comprised of central and distributed components that function in the Hub and FolderMaestro Agents respectively. The Hub requires connectivity to the Broker for all messaging activity.
2. FolderMaestro Agent
The FolderMaestro Agent is a lightweight component that is installed on a networked host that enables it to participate in a FolderMaestro solution. A FolderMaestro Agent invokes the distributed functions of a Applet from messages received through the Broker. Like the Hub, the FolderMaestro Agent connects to the Broker to send and receive messages.
3. Broker
The Broker makes up the central messaging system that supports FolderMaestro applications. The Broker provides the core communication facility that connects the Hub and Agents in a FolderMaestro environment. Applets running at the Hub interact with the participating Agents through the Broker.
Typical deployment where Hub & Broker and all FolderMaestro Agents are on separate networks connected via a VPN. This deployment also has the Hub & Broker running on the same machine.
Advanced deployment where there are 3 distinct networks located at 3 disparate locations connected via the Internet.
Hub is located on network 1, and a Broker is installed on the edge of each network for performance reasons, with multiple agents located on all 3 networks.
