System Architecture

ER&S is a client/server application. There are four copies of the database, one in each of Ultimo (DC!) and Parramatta (DR1) Data Centres and two in Burbank (DOCBUILD103 & DOCBUILD203). Changes made to one database are replicated to each of the other three. The database contains all data for both ERS and SMM. Some data is shared between the ERS and SMM applications. Data is also stored for the Cost Monitor (CSG) application and Production Control Centre - Heritage.

Red arrows – client-server traffic (port 3050)

Blue arrows – replication traffic (port 11965)

Emergency Repairs & Service (ER&S) receives, allocates, audits and account processes approximately 2000 jobs per month on a 24hr x 7day basis, to a total annual value of $12million. The TJS | CSG is contracted for Schools Maintenance and Management (SMM) across approximately 360 of the 2200 schools in NSW.

Firebird SQL Database Server is utilised for data storage and delivery via 3 client applications (ERS.exe, CM.exe and SMM.exe). Client applications, database management, replication and SMS Messenger NT services are managed by Meta Computing Solutions Pty Ltd. External access is required for out of hours and on-site operator service.

Replication is carried out via Zebeedee encryption and compression proxy service running on each server. This service listens on port 11965.

All applications are permitted to send email via port 25 to TJSCSG-SMM1 (i.e port 25 is permitted under policy control). The smarthost set as the SMTP relay server is mail.memta.co.au and allows high traffic levels from TJSCSG-SMM1. This permission is granted by authentication. TJSCSG-SMM1 is the main SMTP relay for the farm. All desktop users, TJSCSG-AD1 and SQL.TJS.LOCAL use SMM1 as their relay.

The ERS.EXE, CM.EXE and SMM.EXE applications have both been granted access (by policy) to port 25 for authenticated SMTP traffic to TJSCSG-SMM1. Access is also granted via IP mask range .

The ERS application processes AP and AR. Both AP and AR processing involves regular uploads to TEMPLA for subcontractor payment.

SMS Messenger service is running on TJSCSG-SMM1. This service polls 4 email addresses (attended.ers@tjscsg.com.au, completed.ers@tjscsg.com.au, beforephotos.ers@tjscsg.com.au and afterphotos.ers@tjscsg.com.au). Actions are taken by the service according to email content. These email addresses are linked to fixed mobile phone numbers. Contractors utilise this service to declare the state of job progress and for system query. Response emails are broadcast from the service to contractors via SMS and MessageMedia Pty Ltd. Purchase Order approvals are also carried out by SMS protocol as a standard adjunct to desktop audits.

Databases are backed up nightly on rotation to the same hard disk. Replication in 5 minute intervals results in constant backup state of all data across system.

Replication and SMS Messenger services also broadcast heartbeat email messages on 24 hour and 6 hour intervals respectively.

Failure to achieve replication cycle due to error results in distress email alert.