EASE architecture

Apperian’s EASE (Enterprise App Services Environment) is designed to be highly scalable, and runs as a cloud-based service. Commonly downloaded files are situated on a content delivery network to ensure fast delivery at peak demand times.

EASE Components

EASE

The EASE Server is a hosted SaaS configuration. Enterprise accounts can authenticate based on a “white list” invitation system, or can be integrated with Microsoft Active Directory authentication via LDAP. The EASE Server ensures that a large number of simultaneous users can download and update apps quickly.

AppRamp or Custom App Catalog

AppRamp or the App Catalog enables users to see all apps that they are authorized to access. Users can view detailed information for each app, including screen shots and related media such as PDF files and videos. Users can search for apps, see a listing of all rich media, and manage pending updates.

EASE SDK

The SDK provides a number of libraries that help enterprises create mobile apps. This includes APIs to authorize users and check that the current version of the App is in use. The SDK ensures that a user has the rights to run a particular app, tracks usage, and checks that the proper version is being used. Apperian will support developers in the future by providing support for Push notification, Web services (JSON), and is enhancing the SDK on an ongoing basis.

Private Database

Both the App Catalog and the SDK provide the ability to use a private (local) database for authentication. Administrators can create accounts with a username and password, or invite users via a one-time link to set their own passwords. Bulk import of users is also supported.

Active Directory

Both the App Catalog and the SDK provide the ability to use Microsoft Active Directory (AD) authentication via LDAP. This allows users to be added via Active Directory, authenticated directly to the AD server without storing sensitive password information on any EASE cloud services. Active Directory groups are used to set the rights of users.

Enterprise accounts can list one or more domain(s) to ensure that users attempting to register themselves with a “white listed” email address domain via the EASE registration page will be provided with a custom message to contact their corporate admin.

Web Portal

The Web Portal provides administrators with the ability to manage apps, users, and groups. Administrators can temporarily or permanently disable app access for individual users or groups without revoking all-user access. EASE also allows developers to upload new apps and versions for testing. For users, the web portal provides account confirmation and password verification.

Wireless Distribution

Wireless Distribution is available with iOS4 and fully supports over-the-air delivery of single or multiple applications to user devices. The EASE server ensures that users are authorized to receive the app before delivery. Using Wireless App Delivery works with all iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices running iOS4.