Sterling Gentran:Server Components

This topic defines the Sterling Gentran:Server® terminology used in this manual. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this terminology before proceeding further.

Communication Controller

A communication controller regulates communication between Sterling Gentran:Server and the organizations (value-added networks (VANs) or trading partners) with whom data is exchanged. Through the Sterling Gentran:Server file interface, the communication controller can support leased or dialed connections, as well as interaction with third-party communications packages.

After a communications session is complete, all communication post processing is executed on the communication controller. Post processing includes updating the communication status for outbound data, splitting inbound data into component documents, control number checking, and compliance checking.

Note: The communication controller may be any machine in the Sterling Gentran:Server system that is capable of sending and receiving EC data using a modem or other communications device, and on which the communications components of the Sterling Gentran:Server system are installed.

Database

The database is the relational database that Sterling Gentran:Server uses to store system data. This database enables multiple users to access the same data. The other components of the product interact with this database using ODBC (Open Database Connectivity), which allows for different database management systems on the database controller.

Note: See the IBM® Sterling Gentran:Server for Microsoft Windows Quick Start Guide to determine which database management systems have been certified for use with Sterling Gentran:Server.

Sterling Gentran:Server Executive

The Sterling Gentran:Server Executive is the service that controls the execution of communication and translation functions on a defined server. The Sterling Gentran:Server Executive is installed on the primary Sterling Gentran:Server system controller and all secondary controllers in a Sterling Gentran:Server system. On the primary system controller, Sterling Gentran:Server Executive also centrally regulates system-critical information.

Sterling Gentran:Server Poller

The Sterling Gentran:Server Poller is the Sterling Gentran:Server Executive component that polls at set intervals for the existence of specified files.

Sterling Gentran:Server Scheduler

The Sterling Gentran:Server Scheduler is the Sterling Gentran:Server Executive component that checks all timed events at set intervals for scheduled events.

Notification

The Notification subsystem enables you to be pro-actively notified when an error occurs by setting up notification parameters. You can specify notification parameters that prompt the system to either send an alert to user interface clients running the Notification program or call a specified digital pager when a specified audit message is written to the Audit Log.

Primary System Controller

The primary system controller controls the management and dispatching of processing requests within the Sterling Gentran:Server system, manages the audit functionality, and controls all other system components.

Process Controller

The process controller regulates the management and dispatching of processing requests within the system to allow the system translation load to be distributed for fast and efficient throughput.

Note: The process controller may be any machine in the Sterling Gentran:Server system on which the process control components are installed.

You can deploy additional controllers (secondary controllers) across the Windows network to allow the processing load to be distributed for fast and efficient throughput. The secondary controller can be either or both of the following

  • process controller
  • communication controller

System Configuration Program

The System Configuration program enables you to modify system-wide configuration parameters, including the following:

  • system data store folders
  • security mode
  • client notification parameters
  • audit parameters
  • controller settings
  • ODBC data source used by the system
  • maximum number of audit entries allowed in the system
  • splitter entries
  • users profiles
  • stop and start the Sterling Gentran:Server Executive Service

System Data Store

The system data store serves as the repository of all shared Sterling Gentran:Server data. The system data store may reside on any machine that is a file server to the machines in the Sterling Gentran:Server system. There is only one system data store in the Sterling Gentran:Server system, but the associated folders and files may be distributed across multiple machines (in a distributed system environment).

Note: The machines where the system data store resides must be accessible by all machines in the Sterling Gentran:Server system.

User Interface

The user interface client is any machine in the Sterling Gentran:Server system other than the primary system controller or secondary controller. The user interface clients provide the functions that are necessary to monitor and control the system.