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WAFr's multi-tiered architecture maps instance configurations with registered applications, access levels, and user pools.
WAFr instances describe the behavior of a WAFr installation, from security methods, to available applications, to a user base. An instance configuration can be shared among instances on the same or separate servers. Because WAFr is the controlling layer within the system, applications within an instance share a context, enabling simple cross- communication and integration. Additionally, applications can be dynamically added, removed, and associated with other instances on-the-fly.
Static HTML, JSP, or compiled applications can be registered within WAFr. Compiled class-based applications can be instantiated or have a static method invoked by default. User-level access privileges for each application can be configured within the Web-based WAFr Management Console. In addition, a primary application access level can be established to determine if a user-level privilege or instance-level authentication is required to access the requested resource.
Users can be obtained from any kind or number of stores; External database, LDAP directories, including Active Directory, or generated internally. Although a Directory import component is built-in, WAFr's open architecture enables custom import of users and properties. The user pool can be shared among instances of WAFr. A user's role in each application can be easily managed through a single interface within the WAFr Management Console. Additionally, user properties can be imported and mapped. These properties are then loaded into session upon login and available from any application via the Context package of the WAFr class library.
WAFr provides internal database and external directory authentication to allow users a single set of network credentials to access any registered application. If a Microsoft Active Directory network is utilized, Internet Explorer users can enjoy "silent" authentication via a native Java NTLM component. This custom component enables WAFr to run standalone on a Unix or Linux platform, without the use of IIS or any other Microsoft product.
The Web-based Management Console also provides a facility to schedule custom Java tasks to perform any action, application- or instance- wide.
An extensive Java class library exposes hundreds of powerful features and proprietary framework objects and properties to enable swift development of reusable code. Furthermore, a full client-side JavaScript library of functions is available to add functionality to Web-based user interfaces.
Finally, a Web-based Online Help utility can be leveraged for any application registered within WAFr. This feature allows privileged users to create and edit a robust help document with expandable tree-view table of contents, using a simple interface from within a Web browser. Once generated, this facility is available for all visiting users to view and obtain assistance.
If it sound overwhelmingly impressive, it's because it is. Feaures like:
- A condensed development lifecycle,
- Single sign-on authentication with multiple levels of security,
- A robust client- and server- side library that raise the productivity of developers and quality of their code,
- A uniform design style and methodology that result in easier and more cost-effective maintenance,
- And a Web-based Management and Help facility,
Make WAFr a time- and money- saver. And bottom line... that's just GOOD BUSINESS!
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