RapidOSS Features: Active

RapidOSS not only presents information to users, but also enables users to take appropriate actions right from the browser, in context of the presented information.

RapidOSS enables dashboards to become more than glorified reports where users are presented information yet cannot initiate any actions using that information. Using RapidOSS actions, appropriate actions can be implemented as part of the dashboard, enabling users to act without requiring the user to go to another system, etc.

Users can execute actions like the following using the drop down menu options, clicking hyperlinks, etc. all through a consistent user interface without having to reenter the same information.

• Manage events (acknowledge, take ownership, etc.)

• add comments

• run additional tests

• launch other applications in context

• forward information to others

• execute shell scripts

RapidOSS Features: Dynamic

Many web based user interfaces provided by management tools still only present data in a static manner, where the information presented is not updated in real time. In order to be effective tools, dashboards need to present up to date information.

RapidOSS UI components (grid, tree, charts, etc.) are inherently dynamic and the data presented by the components is seamlessly updated in near real time.
Ajax techniques are used to update the user interface without page reloads as the data changes in the back end, all transparent to the users.

RapidOSS Features: Simplicity

Many dashboard/portal solutions are complicated projects and have steep learning curves. Keeping the solution simple has been a key design principle for RapidOSS from the beginning. As a result, RapidOSS is easy to implement, easy to extend, and easy to maintain.

• Fast deployment. RapidOSS includes all the necessary ingredients to get the solution up and running. No external dependencies.
• Platform independent. Server side application runs in the Java Virtual Machine, therefore can run on any platform with that has supported JVM.
• AJAX client. RapidOSS has an Ajax user interface and does not use java on the client, and plays nice with other applications. No more JVM conflicts on the browser.
• Standard technologies. RapidOSS leverages well known technologies and do not rely on proprietary languages, etc. therefore does not mandate product specific training.
• Simple user interface. Only the necessary functionality that is aligned with the
  business processes can be exposed, enabling users to start using the solution quickly, eliminating potential training costs.

RapidOSS Features: Unified

RapidOSS enables users to access to information from disparate systems (monitoring tools, help desk systems, change control systems, etc.) from a single, consistent user interface, that is aligned with business process and exposes only the necessary functionality.

Operational support systems consist of number of different tools. As a response to demands by the business users, most of the tools do provide a web based interface to users. Early dashboard and portal implementations have focused on providing access to operational support systems through the interfaces provided by each of the tools stiched together through a single sign-on mechanism.

Business users demand to access the information that is aligned with their processes and not organized based on the underlying tools. RapidOSS uses the presentation layer integration approach and does not require lengthy and often problematic back end integration among the involved tools.

RapidOSS Features: Open

RapidOSS is an “open project”. Not only RapidOSS source code is available as open source, it also leverages existing open source libraries and tools whenever possible, rather than duplicating their functionality.

RapidOSS is designed from the ground up to facilitate easy integration with other tools. The server exposes all its functionality through a simple to use web API. RapidOSS components including the Ajax client makes use of this API.

RapidOSS also provides a set of connectors to integrate with other systems. Connectors are
ready-to-use components that take care of the most of the tedious, high risk activities, allowing only the business logic to be specified, using a standard scripting language, Groovy. No proprietary languages here.

RapidOSS has a growing list of connectors that already include file, socket, RSS, database (jdbc),
EMC/Smarts, IBM/Netcool, etc.

On the client side, an added benefit of using Ajax is to be able to integrate with other web applications easily, using familiar web technologies, rather than proprietary tools common in many solutions. 3rd party client libraries, web pages, etc. can easily be integrated into the user interface. Mashups are possible as the client components provide capability to exchange data.

RapidOSS Features: Tailored

RapidOSS provides tailored views for users with different roles. Executives, customers, operators, engineers, line of business managers, etc. all have different needs and interests.. RapidOSS dashboards can bring the right level of information to users depending on their needs, exposing only as much functionality as needed, offering simplicity to casual users and power to advanced users.

RapidOSS Features: LDAP and Data Segmentation

RapidOSS supports LDAP and Active Directory for user authentication. RapidOSS also provides data segmenting capabilities to ensure users can only have access to data they are authorized to. Inclusive filters can be assigned to groups to specify which objects the members of the group are authorized to access.

This functionality is particularly useful in shared services environments where IT management infrastructure is shared. Data segmentation provides significant cost savings by allowing IT management information to be served to internal and external customers without multiplying the number of management systems,