Architecture and Technology

The TixOS thin-client architecture enables us to provide the application either over the Internet as a hosted service or, larger organisations, can host the solution within their own private area network. The hardware required to run TixOS at the site level is standard entry level PC's. The TixOS ticketing platform is based on the following widely accepted IT standards:

TixOS is a 3rd generation box office and customer relationship management application designed with the following principles:

Layered development architecture

TixOS uses a core kernel to offer the basic server services (connection, security, database access…) and the various modules call on this kernel to carry out their functions through an API. Thus, the implementation of new modules does not have an impact on the existing services. Further, specific requirements and functionality needed for use of TixOS in new countries or ticketing markets are easily implemented into the product by modification of the relevant application layer.

Reliability

• Offline mode: Thin-client applications are vulnerable to both the loss of communications and crash of the server. TixOS has specific functionality at both the client and server end designed to allow the sites to continue operating with minimal impact in either of these events.
  
• Central backups and administration: the centralised design greatly reduces the need for site level systems administration and allows a single backup to secure the data of all the sites
  
• Short recovery times: In the event of breakdown of a PC on site, the TixOS client and security certificate can be installed on a new PC or reformatted hard drive in a matter of minutes without the need to send a technician to the site.
  
• Simple and inexpensive maintenance: the TixOS architecture allows a high level of maintenance and support at dramatically reduced cost
  
• Automatic updates: the client programs are very simple (thin) and are updated automatically as required on connection.
  

Authentication & Encryption

• Authentication: the system (and/or person) that connects to the server requires authentication (login/password) in order to prevent unknown clients from accessing resources
  
• Authorisation: once authenticated the client has a limited access to the system's functionality depending on specific user rights
  
• Confidentiality: all the communication between the client applications and the server is enciphered
  
• System Protection: the TixOS servers underlying operating systems are constantly updated to protect venues from threats and vulnerabilities as they are discovered.

Openness of DB and application

TixOS allows users with appropiate rights to query the database in read-only mode via industry-standard SQL commands.
Adding/deleting/modifying of database records is only allowed through the TixOS API and are systematically logged
Admin user can create and use own copies of databases (size restrictions apply if using the hosted TixOS service)
Kernel filtering and security is used for core functionality

Reporting

Multiplatform and non-proprietary technology

• Server: ISO C++ and multiplatform low level layer (most UNIX's, Win 32, Mac OS X, etc.)
  
• Client applications: Pure Java

The use of non-proprietary technology allows us to future-proof the TixOS solution by ensuring both the availability of components and the absence of future upgrade costs.

Scalability

The TixOS architecture is inherently scalable through its design.

Should you require further technical information on TixOS and its capacity to meet your particular requirements please contact us.