PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
Project objectives are:
- To deliver a product prototype of the Mobile Web Services Framework, comprising a set of standard web services, which can be deployed on any type of mobile satellite user terminal. The standard services include network performance testing services, a web cam service, a field data retrieval service and a GPS positioning service. Additional web services can be created within the framework, using specific APIs for tight integration with the satellite modem and other devices deployed.
- In addition, the Mobile Web Services Framework includes a Gatekeeper. The Gatekeeper is a web server deployed on the terrestrial Internet. Requests from clients to the mobile server will first be directed to the Gatekeeper and processed there, before being directed to the mobile server via the satellite connection. Within the Gatekeeper, transaction management services are deployed, which enable the Management of user terminal IP & DNS settings, security checking, feedback in case of network unavailability, and buffering of specific data from the mobile terminal.
In short, the MAGION solution is an out-of-the-box package for rapid deployment of mobile web services. It comprises the deployment of the standard Mobile Web Services Framework product, which in combination with MAGION ICT engineering skills can be configured in order to deliver mobile web services of any kind, using broadband satellite communication
Challenges
The key issues that will be addressed in the project are:
- Reliability of the system that has to be operationally available 99,5 %, and in normal operation the system will be able to perform automatic start up if reboot of the system is needed without any operator/user intervention.
- Speed: The total server roundtrip, starting from a request originating from a client PC to the Gatekeeper, security checking at the Gatekeeper, routing the request to the mobile web server, and responding back to the client PC, shall take place within 10 seconds. In case a client request involves buffered GPS or other information, the Gatekeeper response has to be within 5 seconds.
- Quality: The Gatekeeper shall track the status of the Mobile server using on-request based system checks, and perform testing of the communication link.
Plan
The work programme contains a design, development, validation and demonstration period of in total 12 months. The project work is divided into 6 work packages; project management, system design, system development, test/validation, demonstration and final report. The project kicked-off on 1st of December 2003, Baseline Design Review was carried out in February 2004, Mid Term Review took place in July 2004, final test report is set for October 2004, and the Final project report is set for November 2004.
Current Status
According to planning, in December 2004 the MAGION project team succesfully delivered the first version of the Mobile Services Framework package for release. Field tests with the Oil & Gas well test pilot application have been concluded and final adjustments to the Framework and the Gatekeeper have been made. Activities on short term will focus on commercialising the Mobile Services Framework product.