PointToCloud®
Overview
PointToCloud® represents the Ilesfay® file management and distribution architecture. This architecture defines a cloud-based distribution system that enables timely delivery of unstructured data without the need for traditional leased line, point-to-point network connectivity. In doing so, the architecture enables location-independent network participation, streamlined implementation, and nearly immediate benefit from being a participant in the PointToCloud network.
Background
Historically, data distribution architectures have relied on a complex series of dedicated (e.g., leased line) network connections to effectively transmit files to all locations in a system. Here, a ‘system’ could be made up of applications such as Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or functions such as Backup/Restore and Synchronization.
Frustratingly, any system that relies on discrete point-to-point communication capabilities will become increasingly complex and costly as the number of locations participating in the system rises. Current challenges:
Long Lead Times
For application related systems, connecting a new location typically requires several weeks of lead-time.
Originator Overload
Discrete site-to-site networks means that each originator must participate in the distribution of data to each target location. This unfairly penalizes the file origination location with tremendous file copy/transmission overhead.
Administrative Complexity
Maintaining dedicated infrastructure to support specific application usage means that administration, tuning, and maintenance are complex but frustratingly critical to system reliability.
Benefits
Reduces Administrative
Overhead Complex administration of premise-based network infrastructure is no longer required.
Rapidly Connect New Locations
No special hardware or complex software is necessary.
Substantially Reduce Costs
Traditional bricks & mortar networking topology components can be eliminated.
Features
In decomposing the requirements for effective data transmission and replication, Ilesfay engineers quickly became frustrated with the costs and administrative overhead necessary to maintain dedicated point-to-point networks.
Considering the growth of data and the ever increasing ability for knowledge workers to create more data, relying on traditional brick-and-mortar networking methods seemed wasteful and unimaginative. Equally concerned by complications, costs, and future expansion, Ilesfay defined the PointToCloud architecture to eliminate complexity, provide seemingly infinite scale, and dramatically reduce the cost per network participant.
Consistent Connectivity
All participating locations are connected to the PointToCloud architecture via a standard Internet connection.
Central Workbench
New locations can be added by authorizing the participant from a single administrative console.
Location Independence
Participation in the PointToCloud architecture is not limited by location of the network participant. Global reach and rapid global delivery are native to the architecture.
