Skynax. Mobility Management System. System Manual

Transcription

1 Skynax Mobility Management System System Manual

2 Intermec by Honeywell th Ave. W. Everett, WA U.S.A. The information contained herein is provided solely for the purpose of allowing customers to operate and service Intermec-manufactured equipment and is not to be released, reproduced, or used for any other purpose without written permission of Intermec by Honeywell. Information and specifications contained in this document are subject to change without prior notice and do not represent a commitment on the part of Intermec by Honeywell by Intermec by Honeywell. All rights reserved. The word Intermec, the Intermec logo, and Skynax, are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Intermec by Honeywell. For patent information, please refer to Wi-Fi is a registered certification mark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Microsoft, Windows, SQL Server, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Apple, ipad, iphone, itunes, icloud, the Apple logo, the itunes logo, and the icloud logo are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. IOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license. Android and Google are trademarks of Google Inc. ii Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

3 Document Change Record This page records changes to this document. The document was originally released as Revision 001. Version Number Date Description of Change 002 3/2014 Revised to support Skynax Release 8.60, which includes the ability to manage Microsoft Windows Mobile, Apple ios, and Android mobile devices. Skynax Mobility Management System Manual iii

4 iv Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

5 Contents Contents 1 2 Before You Begin ix Safety Information ix Global Services and Support ix Warranty Information ix Web Support ix Send Feedback x Telephone Support x Who Should Read This Manual x Related Documents x About Skynax What s New in This Release? Skynax Features and Benefits Load Balancing Active Fail-Over System Maintenance with No Interruption to Operations Centralized Remote Administration Skynax Manager Remote Assist Console for Windows Mobile Devices Multi-Version Data Management Security and Efficiency Checkpoint Restart on Download Push Messaging Process Driven Connection Management Massive Scalability Skynax System Components Components of the Skynax Architecture Skynax Gateway Skynax Server Skynax Server Console Skynax MDM Service for ios Skynax Remote Assist Server Skynax Remote Assist Console Skynax System Monitor About Plug-Ins Skynax Plug-Ins Skynax System Plug-Ins Skynax Test Plug-Ins Skynax Mobility Management System Manual v

6 Contents Skynax Manager Skynax Packager Skynax Client for Windows Mobile and Android Devices Skynax Loader for Windows Mobile and Android Devices Skynax Data Services for Windows Mobile and Android Skynax Device Driver Skynax Database Microsoft SQL Server Mobile Business Applications for Windows Mobile Devices ios Applications for Apple ios Mobile Devices How to Create Custom Skynax Components Relationships Between the Skynax Components Skynax Communication Processes Process Numbers Process Load Balancing Active Fail-Over Connection Paths Push Messaging for Windows Mobile and Android Devices Checkpoint Restart on Downloads Network Address Translation How to Implement a Skynax System Implementation Overview Skynax System Topologies Supported Topologies About the Skynax Database About the Skynax Gateway and Skynax Server About Skynax Plug-Ins Sample Skynax System Topologies Single Computer Installation Dual Computer Installation with Basic Redundancy Multi-Computer Installation with Load Balancing and Fail-Over Multi-Computer Installation with Mandatory Skynax Servers vi Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

7 4 How to Manage a Skynax System Device Management Supported Devices Inside a Skynax Device Driver Primary and Subordinate Devices Device Properties Device Set Templates and Device Sets How to Work with Device Properties About System Codes for Windows Mobile How to Use System Codes in Skynax System Codes in Deployment Groups System Codes in Mandatory Server Groups System Codes in Plug-In Processes System Code Management System Code Pairing Spare System Codes System Code Management How to Deploy Software to Apple ios Devices How to Deploy Software to Windows Mobile and Android Devices Skynax Client Packages Skynax Device Driver Packages Business Application Packages Automated Business Application Package Deployments How to Update Mobile Business Applications for Windows Mobile or Android Devices 75 Register and Provision New Windows Mobile or Android Devices Re-Provision a Windows Mobile or Android Device How to Define Communication Rules for Windows Mobile and Android Devices Automatic Selection of Connection Paths Manual Selection of Connection Paths Connection Path Priorities How to Assign Processes to Connection Paths Communication Rules Taking Effect How to Work with Connection Paths Connection Path Processing System Plug-In Processes and Connection Paths Skynax Mobility Management System Manual vii

8 How to Route Connections in Public and Private Networks How to Work with TCP/UDP Ports in Skynax Structure of Communications Connections Mobile Business Applications for Windows Mobile and Android Devices viii Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

9 Before You Begin Before You Begin Safety Information This section provides you with safety information, technical support information, and sources for additional product information. Your safety is extremely important. Read and follow all cautions in this document before handling and operating Intermec equipment. You can be seriously injured, and equipment and data can be damaged if you do not follow the safety warnings and cautions. This section explains how to identify and understand warnings, cautions, and notes that are in this document. A caution alerts you to an operating procedure, practice, condition, or statement that must be strictly observed to prevent equipment damage or destruction, or corruption or loss of data. Note: Notes either provide extra information about a topic or contain special instructions for handling a particular condition or set of circumstances. Global Services and Support Warranty Information To understand the warranty for your Intermec product, visit the Intermec website at and click Support > Returns and Repairs > Warranty. Web Support Visit the Intermec website at to download our current manuals. Visit the Intermec technical knowledge base (Knowledge Central) at and click Support > Knowledge Central to review technical information or to request technical support for your Intermec product. Skynax Mobility Management System Manual ix

10 Before You Begin Send Feedback Your feedback is crucial to the continual improvement of our documentation. To provide feedback about this manual, please contact the Intermec Technical Communications department directly at Telephone Support In the U.S.A. and Canada, call Outside the U.S.A. and Canada, contact your local Intermec representative. To search for your local representative, from the Intermec website, click About Us > Contact Us. Who Should Read This Manual Related Documents This manual is intended for System Administrators, System Integrators, and other users who want to familiarize themselves with the concepts and theories on which Skynax is based. You may find these related Skynax documents useful: Skynax Mobility Management System User Manual Skynax Remote Assist User Guide Skynax Packager User Guide Skynax Mobility Management System Installation Guide Skynax Mobility Management System 8.60 Upgrade Instructions Skynax Data Services User Guide Skynax Push Messaging Integration Guide Skynax Server Plug-In Programmer Reference Manual Skynax System Codes Integration Guide Skynax Test Applications User Guide To download Skynax documents (as.pdf files) for free, log in to the Intermec INsider website at x Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

11 1 About Skynax Skynax Mobility Management System is a software solution that provides a reliable, scalable mobile communications system. This system is integrated with security, data management, device management, and extensible business application support features that are necessary for organizations to effectively deploy and manage mobile computing systems. The Skynax software architecture is flexible, configurable, and scalable, which allows organizations to configure and operate Skynax based on the size and complexity of their IT environment and business requirements. 1

12 Chapter 1 About Skynax What s New in This Release? This revision of the system manual describes the new features of Skynax Release 8.60, which includes the ability to manage Microsoft Windows Mobile, Apple ios, and Android mobile devices: Added information about the Skynax MDM Service for ios. See Skynax MDM Service for ios on page 11. Added a software components diagram that includes the Skynax MDM Service for ios. See Relationships Between the Skynax Components on page 21. Added information about ios applications. See ios Applications for Apple ios Mobile Devices on page 19. Added sections to describe two new System Code features. See System Code Pairing on page 69 and Spare System Codes on page 69. Added specific references throughout the manual to support Apple ios and Android mobile devices Note: Mobile devices running Apple ios can only access a limited range of Skynax functions. Throughout this manual: functions that are only supported by Microsoft Windows Mobile, Apple ios, or Android mobile devices are identified. the phrase Windows Mobile refers to all supported Windows Mobile and Windows Embedded Handheld operating systems. Skynax Features and Benefits The comprehensive management features of Skynax allow you to effectively control your entire mobile computing system from a central location. Note: Some features are only available in the Enterprise Edition of Skynax. For more information about the available features in each edition of Skynax, see the Intermec INsider website at 2 Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

13 Load Balancing Active Fail-Over Chapter 1 About Skynax Skynax provides these features and benefits: Load balancing Active fail-over System maintenance with no interruption to operations Centralized remote administration Multi-version data management Security and efficiency Checkpoint restart on download Push messaging Process driven connection management Massive scalability This feature allows you to derive maximum performance benefits by utilizing your server-side computing resources optimally. In live operations, Skynax Gateways continually monitor the performance of all Skynax Servers within a Skynax system. This information is used in combination with other information such as data processing queues to automatically redirect each mobile business application request for the exchange of business data, to the Skynax Server which is presently able to provide the fastest response time from all the Skynax Servers capable of managing the specific request. This feature helps to assure maximum mobile computing system uptime. In live operations, Skynax Gateways actively monitor the heartbeat of each Skynax Server in a Skynax system to automatically detect a failed Skynax Server and begin to automatically transfer each mobile business application s request for data exchange communications to one of the other functional Skynax Servers capable of managing the specific request. Skynax Mobility Management System Manual 3

14 Chapter 1 About Skynax System Maintenance with No Interruption to Operations You can independently shut down and upgrade each software component of Skynax. You can also upgrade and repair the underlying computing and networking infrastructure without interrupting Skynax operation. Centralized Remote Administration Skynax provides remote administration using these tools: Skynax Manager Remote Assist Console Skynax Manager Skynax Manager provides central control over the distributed mobile communication system, and supports system management from a remote location. For more information, see the Skynax Mobility Management System User Manual. Skynax Manager provides supports these functions: Remote configuration of mobile device operating parameters Remote interrogation of mobile device settings Central administration of all device assets Remote software deployment to mobile devices Mobile device monitoring and communications control Remote Assist Console for Windows Mobile Devices Remote Assist Console is a Microsoft Windows application (licensed separately) that allows Remote Assist operators to collaboratively support mobile device users. Users request support from a defined list of problem categories so that requests are routed to the appropriate Remote Assist operator group. Additionally, Remote Assist operators can: invite other operators to a Remote Assist session to collaborate to solve problems. initiate a connection to a mobile device and remotely see and control the mobile device screen without any interaction with the user. 4 Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

15 Chapter 1 About Skynax remotely see and control multiple mobile device desktops. get and send files using the built-in File Explorer application. record video or take screen shots of a Remote Assist session. Multi-Version Data Management Security and Efficiency Skynax supports the simultaneous processing of data communications for thousands of mobile device users, running different mobile applications in different versions and using different device settings, while ensuring the integrity of the business data being exchanged with multiple, different host system interfaces. Skynax provides automatic compression and encryption of all data transmitted between a mobile device and server computer to minimize bandwidth utilization and provide data exchange security, including: centrally managed authentication of mobile devices. centrally managed authentication of mobile device users. automated encryption key management. Checkpoint Restart on Download Push Messaging Skynax can resume a file download at the point of download failure. The ability to quickly continue a large file download, at the point where communications were interrupted, without having to restart your file download from the beginning saves both time and money. Skynax push messaging features allow host systems to remotely launch mobile device applications on demand, as well as send messages to target mobile devices available within the network. The mobile device runs the Skynax Client Push Message Service, which places each message received in a queue. Mobile business applications can extract messages from the queue and initiate the required actions. Skynax Mobility Management System Manual 5

16 Chapter 1 About Skynax Process Driven Connection Management Massive Scalability This feature allows the Skynax administrator to establish the communications rules that will be applied by Skynax Clients when establishing network connections to exchange of business data. Connection management in Skynax is process aware, meaning that connections are established and used based on generic criteria, such as the time of day, the types of network connectivity available, and the business data that the Skynax Client exchanges. A Skynax administrator can modify the communication rules used by the mobile computing system without the added cost, time, and risk involved with making custom changes to a mobile business application. Skynax Servers provide substantial scalability by allowing the peak load of communications and server-side data processing to be executed in parallel using multiple processors in a single computer as well as multiple computers in a Skynax system. Increasing the scalability of a Skynax system can be as easy as adding an additional Skynax Server to your existing Skynax system. 6 Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

17 2 Skynax System Components The Skynax system components work together to provide an integrated and secure system for mobile data communications, data management, and device management. 7

18 Chapter 2 Skynax System Components Components of the Skynax Architecture The Skynax architecture is comprised of software components. A component can be an executable application, a program library containing functionality that can be called by another application to perform specific tasks, or a structured data repository. Overview of Skynax Software Components Component Skynax Gateway, or Gateway Skynax Server, or Server (not to be confused with a computer server) Skynax Server Console Skynax MDM Service for ios Skynax Remote Assist Server Skynax Remote Assist Console Skynax System Monitor Skynax Plug-In Skynax System Plug-In Description A server-side application that functions as an entry point into the Skynax system. A server-side application that accepts and handles Skynax Client requests that are redirected from a Skynax Gateway. A server-side application that provides a visual monitor of the communications processing on a Skynax Server. (Apple ios) The Skynax MDM Service for ios allows Skynax to manage Apple ios mobile devices. A server-side application that acts as a bridge between the Remote Assist Console and the Skynax Client on the mobile devices. A Microsoft Windows application (licensed separately) that allows Remote Assist operators to collaboratively support users of the mobile communication system. A server-side application that provides a basic visual indicator of the operating status of all Skynax Servers and Skynax Gateways within a single Skynax system. A server-side application that processes the data exchanged for each Skynax Client request. A special Skynax Plug-In application that is used to perform system-level functions. For More Information, See Skynax Gateway on page 10. Skynax Server on page 10. Skynax Server Console on page 11. Skynax MDM Service for ios on page 11. Skynax Remote Assist Server on page 11. Skynax Remote Assist Console on page 12. Skynax System Monitor on page 12. Skynax Plug-Ins on page 13. Skynax System Plug-Ins on page Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

19 Overview of Skynax Software Components (continued) Chapter 2 Skynax System Components Component Skynax Test Plug-In Skynax Manager Skynax Packager Skynax Client Skynax Loader for Windows Mobile and Android Skynax Data Services for Windows Mobile and Android Skynax Device Driver Skynax Database Microsoft SQL Server Mobile Business Application, or mobile application ios Application Description An application that works with the Skynax Test Client applications to verify connectivity and test Skynax system performance in an organization s communications infrastructure. A server-side application that operates as the Skynax control center. A stand-alone application that lets you bundle files into packages. A client-side application for Windows Mobile and Android devices that allows Skynax to process data transfer requests from Skynaxenabled mobile business applications. A client-side application used to register a mobile device to a specific Skynax system. A set of interfaces that allows mobile business applications to use Skynax communications and data management functions. An application designed to work with the Skynax Client and control a specific type of mobile device. The central structured repository for all Skynax system configuration settings that control how the Skynax systems operates. A separate application that handles requests from Skynax applications to access the Skynax Database and retrieve or store information. A software application that runs on a Windows Mobile device. A software application that runs on an Apple ios mobile device. For More Information, See Skynax Test Plug- Ins on page 14. Skynax Manager on page 15. Skynax Packager on page 15. Skynax Client for Windows Mobile and Android Devices on page 16. Skynax Loader for Windows Mobile and Android Devices on page 16. Skynax Data Services for Windows Mobile and Android on page 17. Skynax Device Driver on page 17. Skynax Database on page 18. Microsoft SQL Server on page 18. Mobile Business Applications for Windows Mobile Devices on page 19. ios Applications for Apple ios Mobile Devices on page 19. Skynax Mobility Management System Manual 9

20 Chapter 2 Skynax System Components Skynax Gateway Skynax Server The Skynax Gateway is a server-side application that functions as an entry point into the Skynax system. This application runs as a service in the operating system of a server-side computer, so it does not have a user interface. When a Skynax Client sends a request to establish a connection and exchange data in a Skynax system, it must first connect to a Skynax Gateway for authentication. After the Skynax Gateway has determined the validity and access rights of the connecting mobile device, it redirects the requests coming from the Skynax Client to a Skynax Server, based on the identifier of the Plug-In process being requested and the current processing load of each computer presently running a Skynax Server. For a visual diagram of this process, see Relationships Between the Skynax Components on page 21. Skynax Gateways are also used to implement Skynax push messaging features. Skynax Gateways provide the direct push capabilities needed to deliver messages to Skynax Clients running on target mobile devices that are accessible within the network. Push messaging provides for greater responsiveness and faster business process execution in a mobile computing system. For more information about push messaging, see Push Messaging on page 5. The Skynax Server is a server-side application that accepts and handles Skynax Client requests redirected from a Skynax Gateway. The Skynax Server application runs as a service in the operating system of a server-side computer, so it does not have a user interface. When a mobile device sends a request to exchange data in a Skynax system, it must provide an identifier, or process number. The process number identifies the Skynax Plug-In process used to handle the request on a Skynax Server. The Skynax Gateway directs the request and its process number to a Skynax Server. The Skynax Server then uses the process number to determine the appropriate Plug-In to call, which allows a bidirectional flow of business data between the Skynax Server and the Skynax Client on the mobile device. For a visual diagram of this process, see Relationships Between the Skynax Components on page Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

21 Skynax Server Console Chapter 2 Skynax System Components The Skynax Server Console is a server-side application that is typically installed on the same computer as a Skynax Server. Because the Skynax Server runs as a service on the operating system and does not have a user interface, the Skynax Server Console application provides a view into the operation of a Skynax Server. The Skynax Server Console provides a near real-time, continuous, read-only visual monitor of the communications processing taking place on a Skynax Server. This application allows you to observe a Skynax Server s handling of communications during daily operations. It also provides a detailed view into the data being transmitted within each communication session and is therefore beneficial when seeking to identify the source of any connection or data management problem. For Skynax implementations with more than one Skynax Server, you may want to install the Skynax Server Console on a remote computer (such as the desktop computer of the mobile computing system administrator). Then, you can register each Skynax Server to that Skynax Server Console so that it can provide a single point for Skynax Server monitoring. Skynax MDM Service for ios The Skynax MDM Service for ios is a server-side application that is installed on the same computer as the Skynax Server. This application allows the System Administrator to manage Apple iphone and ipad mobile devices from within their Skynax system. For a visual diagram of this process, see the illustration Skynax Software Components with the Skynax MDM Service for ios on page 22. Skynax Remote Assist Server Skynax Remote Assist Server is a server-side application that runs as a service in the operating system of a server-side computer. The Skynax Remote Assist Server acts as a bridge between the Remote Assist Console application and the Skynax Client that runs on mobile devices. All Remote Assists sessions are driven and controlled through this service. To use Skynax Remote Assist features, this service must be active. Skynax Mobility Management System Manual 11

22 Chapter 2 Skynax System Components Skynax Remote Assist Console Skynax System Monitor About Plug-Ins The Skynax Remote Assist Console is a Microsoft Windows application (licensed separately) that allows Remote Assist operators to collaboratively support Windows Mobile users. Remote Assist operators can: remotely connect to and control multiple mobile devices. invite other operators to a Remote Assist session to collaborate to solve problems. initiate a connection to a mobile device and remotely see and control the mobile device screen without any interaction with the user. send and receive files using the built-in File Explorer application. record video or take screen shots of a Remote Assist session. The Skynax System Monitor is a server-side application that provides a basic visual indicator of the operating status of all Skynax Servers and Skynax Gateways within a single Skynax system. This application is typically installed on the same computer as Skynax Manager, however it may be installed anywhere that requires a central monitoring dashboard for the Skynax system. Plug-Ins process the business data exchanged for each Skynax Client request. The Plug-In receives the data associated with a request, processes the data according to its programmed business data processing logic and possibly responds to the request. The actual processing performed by a Plug-In is limited only by the needs of the developer who is creating the Plug-In. For a visual diagram, see Relationships Between the Skynax Components on page Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

23 Chapter 2 Skynax System Components Skynax Plug-Ins The Skynax Plug-In application is designed to run on a Skynax Server and is typically provided with a specific version of a Skynax-enabled mobile business application. Skynax Manager loads Plug-In files onto Skynax, which then stores these files and related Plug-In information in the Skynax Database. Based on the settings you define in Skynax Manager, remote Skynax Servers automatically extract Plug-In program files from the Skynax Database and install those files on its local computer. Each installed Plug-In program is then automatically called by a Skynax Server to process a specific request (identified by a unique process number) sent to it from a mobile business application. A Plug-In does not have to be dedicated to processing a single type of request that is, the Plug-In is not limited to processing requests that are associated with only one process number. A single Plug-In can support multiple processes (multiple types of requests from a mobile business application) with each process in the Plug-In having its own unique process number. The Plug-In developer determines which processes are aggregated into a single Plug-In program. More information on this topic is included in the Skynax SDK (Software Development Kit). A Plug-In does not run continuously on a Skynax Server but rather a separate copy of the Plug-In is loaded into memory and runs each time the Skynax Server calls the Plug-In to process a new request. Essentially, the Skynax Server creates as many independent, virtual clones of a Plug-In as is needed to manage all new incoming requests. A Plug-In can exchange data using any number of methods such as the transmission of a file, the direct manipulation of records in a database, interacting with a web service or parsing an XML document and executing a remote function call to a host system. Because a Plug- In contains the intelligence to understand the data that is being passed to it, the Plug-In can process the data in an event driven style, performing different tasks and starting and stopping different auxiliary systems based on the data and when it is received. Skynax Mobility Management System Manual 13

24 Chapter 2 Skynax System Components Sample Scenario If a mobile application detects some input of interest, it may be designed to initiate a connection to Skynax with a specific process number, whereby the Plug-In called to manage that process on the Skynax Server interprets the data received from the mobile application and performs some action on it, such as generating a report and sending it by or effecting an alert on a digital dashboard used to oversee business operations. The Plug-In actually contains the specific business intelligence (business process logic) needed to handle the exchanged business data. The processing performed by a Plug-In is independent of the Skynax Server and all other Skynax components. The functionality of a Plug-In is determined by the organization s business data processing needs and this functionality can be created and modified as needed. To develop Plug-Ins for your own mobile business applications, see the Skynax SDK. Skynax System Plug-Ins A System Plug-In is a special type of Skynax Plug-In application that is pre-installed with a Skynax Server and is used to perform system level functions. These system level functions perform tasks such as deploying software packages to a mobile device and remotely configuring a mobile device. The behavior of these System Plug-In programs is controlled by the configuration settings defined in Skynax Manager. Skynax Test Plug-Ins The Test Plug-In program, available with each Skynax system, is designed to work together with the Skynax Test Client applications to verify communications connectivity, and test over-all performance of the Skynax system in your organizations communications infrastructure. 14 Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

25 Skynax Manager Skynax Packager Chapter 2 Skynax System Components Skynax Manager is a server-side application that operates as the control center of Skynax. Almost everything that can be configured, tracked, and managed in Skynax is done through Skynax Manager. It is the single most important application available to the Skynax administrator. It offers a user-friendly, easy to navigate interface encompassing all Skynax modules and related configuration settings. Skynax Manager is typically installed on a separate desktop or notebook computer but may also be installed directly on the computer where other Skynax components, such as the Skynax Gateway or Skynax Server, are installed and running. Skynax Manager may also be installed on multiple computers to provide more users with access to Skynax system information. Each person that is added as a user of Skynax Manager is automatically assigned reader rights within Skynax, which means that they will have a read-only view to all configuration settings, while users assigned administrator rights will also have the option to modify the configuration settings of each Skynax module. Changes to the configuration settings defined in Skynax Manager are valid in a Skynax system from the moment these changes are made, and therefore these changes will immediately be reflected in the behavior of Skynax within a mobile computing system. Multiple users can log in to Skynax Manager as an administrator at the same time. If you attempt to edit something in Skynax Manager while another user is editing the same information, or information that depends on the settings you are trying to modify, Skynax Manager alerts you to this conflict. Skynax Packager is a stand-alone application that allows you to bundle files into packages that can be loaded into Skynax Manager for automatic, remote installation to your mobile devices. These packages typically contain the files required to install a Skynax Client, Skynax Device Driver or a mobile business application. The Skynax Packager application allows you to define where the files in a package will be installed, which files should be deleted from the mobile device, as well as modify registry settings in the operating system. Skynax Mobility Management System Manual 15

26 Chapter 2 Skynax System Components Skynax Client for Windows Mobile and Android Devices The Skynax Client is a a collection of several self-running mobile applications and Dynamic Linked Library (DLL) files that are installed jointly on Windows Mobile and Android devices (such as mobile computers, tablet computers, and notebook computers), as well as in Skynax system. All communications between the mobile device and the server are compressed and encrypted. The Skynax Client supports these functions: Register the device with the Skynax system Process the initial device provisioning Receive and install business applications and application updates Receive and install updates for Skynax device drivers and clients Manage device settings through templates configured on the server Upload client operational logs and events logged by business applications to the server Request or accept remote assistance (Windows mobile only) Use the messaging service for data management For a visual diagram, see Relationships Between the Skynax Components on page 21. Skynax Loader for Windows Mobile and Android Devices The Skynax Loader application is installed on a mobile device as part of the Skynax Client package. This application is first used to register the mobile device with a specific Skynax system. After the device registration is approved by a Skynax administrator, Skynax Loader can use a System Code (with an optional password) to connect through a Skynax Gateway and receive its initial provisioning. The initial provisioning configures device settings, upgrades Skynax Client components, and installs the business application. 16 Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

27 Chapter 2 Skynax System Components After the initial provisioning is complete, Skynax Loader is no longer necessary. Other components of the Skynax Client keep the device settings, components, and application upgrades synchronized with the server. However, Skynax Loader can be used to re-purpose the mobile device by re-provision the device to use a different System Code. Note: The Skynax Loader application used to register Apple iphone and ipad mobile devices is different. Provisioning for ios mobile devices is performed through a web service. For more information, see the Skynax Mobility Management System Installation Guide. Skynax Data Services for Windows Mobile and Android Skynax Device Driver Skynax Data Services is a set of interfaces that allows mobile business applications to use Skynax communications and data management functions. Skynax Data Services is contained in a client-side executable (Skynax Data Service) and is an integral part of the Skynax Client. The Skynax Data Service Plug-In is the server-side counterpart of the Skynax Data Service on the client. Mobile business applications can register themselves to use Skynax Data Services by storing a configuration file in the Skynax application folder on the client. After an application is registered to use Skynax Data Services, the application can use Skynax Data Service command files to upload and download data, which allows it to leverage Skynax features without having to use low level programming interfaces. The details of the configuration file structure used for registration and the command files are described in the Skynax SDK and developer documentation. A Skynax Device Driver is an application that works with the Skynax Client to control a specific type of mobile device. You can download the Skynax Device Drivers you need from the Intermec INsider website at and install them in a Skynax system to provide that system with the ability to manage new types of mobile devices. Skynax Mobility Management System Manual 17

28 Chapter 2 Skynax System Components Skynax Database Microsoft SQL Server Use Skynax Manager to install new and updated Skynax Device Drivers in your Skynax system. When a new Skynax Device Driver is installed, Skynax Manager reads the associated Skynax Device Driver information file and uses this information to create new entries in the Skynax Database. These entries show the new type of mobile device supported in the Skynax system and what new device configuration properties can be used to remotely modify and retrieve this device s settings. Note: Skynax Device Drivers are not the same as device drivers provided by various hardware manufacturers or other drivers available in the Microsoft operating system. Skynax Device Drivers serve as enablers that allow the same Skynax Client to control many different types of devices. The Skynax Database, located on a server-side computer running Microsoft SQL Server, is the central structured repository of all Skynax system configuration settings that control how a given Skynax system will operate. The Skynax Database also stores all log transaction information that is created by Skynax applications, all software packages available for distribution to mobile devices, and all Plug-In programs available within your Skynax system. The Skynax Database is automatically created on the Microsoft SQL Server, during the initial steps of a Skynax system installation, using the Skynax Database Setup Program. All the components of Skynax operate according to the configuration settings defined in Skynax Manager and stored in the Skynax Database. The Microsoft SQL Server application, which is itself not a component of Skynax, handles the requests from Skynax applications to access the Skynax Database and retrieve or store information. Therefore, to function properly, Skynax must have access to a properly configured and operational Microsoft SQL Server application and its Skynax Database. For small mobile business systems, it may be sufficient to use Microsoft SQL Server Express Edition. 18 Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

29 Chapter 2 Skynax System Components If you downloaded a trial version of Skynax, you can also download the installation files for SQL Server Express Edition from The Express Edition is not equivalent to Microsoft SQL Server. Express Edition has performance and database size limitations which must to be considered before making a decision to use Skynax in a live environment with these versions of SQL. For more information on the limitations Express Edition see the Microsoft technical specifications. Note: If you use Microsoft SQL Server as your Skynax database server, you need to purchase the appropriate Microsoft SQL Server and SQL Client Access Licenses. If you have more than 50 mobile devices in your mobile computing system, your most economical option may be the Microsoft per-processor licensing model for the standard edition of SQL Server. Mobile Business Applications for Windows Mobile Devices A mobile business application, or mobile application, is a software application that runs on a Windows Mobile device. The mobile application is not a component of the Skynax system, although it can be designed to interact closely with Skynax via the Skynax Client and is an integral part of the complete mobile business system solution. A mobile application can be anything its developers want it to be: it can serve the needs of a particular industry or organization, it can be simple and require only regular batch transfers of data, or it can be complex and require many different types of on-line data exchanges. Skynax-enabled mobile business applications that address a wide variety of business needs are available from Skynax Implementation Partners. Regardless of its intended purpose and complexity, a Skynax-enabled mobile application is ready to take advantage of the communications, data, and device management capabilities of Skynax. ios Applications for Apple ios Mobile Devices An ios application is a software application that runs on an Apple iphone or ipad. ios applications are distributed through the itunes App Store. Skynax Mobility Management System Manual 19

30 Chapter 2 Skynax System Components How to Create Custom Skynax Components To create your own specific Skynax components, you need the Skynax SDK. Skynax software components developed by independent software vendors are licensed independently by each software vendor according to their terms and conditions. The Skynax SDK is an invaluable resource for developers and integrators of mobile business application solutions. It contains everything you need to quickly get your mobile business application up and running with Skynax. The Skynax SDK includes: documentation for Skynax Data Services, which allows you to develop Skynax-enabled mobile business applications that can control and communicate with a Skynax Client running on a mobile device. documentation for the Skynax Server API, which allows you to develop Plug-In programs that run on a Skynax Server and are able to receive and respond to requests from a Skynax-enabled mobile application. extended explanations for creating a Plug-In that runs on a Skynax Server with open, reusable source-code to sample Plug-In programs. an application template component that you can install in Microsoft Visual Studio to automatically create the necessary source code framework to write a custom Plug-In. This eliminates the need to write the source code wrapping needed to create the Plug-In framework and allows a developer to simply concentrate on creating the specific program logic that will process the business data that the new Plug-In is being designed to handle. 20 Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

31 Chapter 2 Skynax System Components Relationships Between the Skynax Components The following illustrations depict the Skynax software components introduced in the previous pages and their relationship to each other based on the way they share and exchange information (indicated with arrows between the various components). CORE INFRASTRUCTURE Host Computer Host System Data Interface for Process No Host System Data Interface for Process No Middleware Computer Skynax Manager Skynax Server Console System Setup Exchange business data for Process No with host system. Exchange business data for Process No with host system. Skynax Database Server Monitoring Device Settings & Package Deployments System Plug-In Processes Plug-In Process No Ver Plug-In Process No Ver Skynax Gateway Skynax Server Network Infrastructure (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Modem, GPRS, CDMA) Authentication and Connection Forwarding Device Settings and Software Deployment Data Exchange for Process No Data Exchange for Process No Mobile Computer Initial Device Provisioning Request for Process No Ver Skynax Client Request for Process No Ver Skynax Device Drivers Skynax Loader Mobile Business Application MOBILE DEVICE INFRASTRUCTURE Skynax Software Components without the Skynax MDM Service for ios Skynax Mobility Management System Manual 21

32 Chapter 2 Skynax System Components Skynax Software Components with the Skynax MDM Service for ios 22 Skynax Mobility Management System Manual

33 Skynax Communication Processes Process Numbers Chapter 2 Skynax System Components A communication process is the uniquely identifiable request for an exchange of data that is initiated by the mobile business application via the Skynax Client on the mobile device and transmitted to and possibly responded to by a Plug-In running on a Skynax Server. The contents of a communications process, or simply process for short, may be anything the developers of the mobile application and Plug-In program agree to exchange. The contents of a process may include anything that the developers of the mobile application and Plug-In program agree to exchange. This means that as long as the mobile application and Plug-In are both aware and synchronized with respect to how data sent by each side should be processed and responded to by the other side, the actual data transmitted is entirely up to these applications, and is in no way constrained by Skynax. A process can be as simple as uploading a file from a mobile device to a server side computer, but processes can also be much more complex. For example, a process can involve a series of integrated requests and responses for someone who uses a mobile application to interrogate an ERP application online over a GPRS connection to check the stock status of an item or post a new customer order and schedule product deliveries. For more information about how to design a Plug-In to manage a specific process, see the Skynax SDK. To understand how data is routed between Skynax applications, or between a mobile device to a server side computer, you need to understand process identifiers and connection paths. Each process requested by a mobile application is identified by its process number. Each requested process number must match a process number coded in the Plug-In called by the Skynax Server on which it is installed. The Plug-In is responsible for managing the incoming process request from the mobile application (receiving the data, processing the data as needed and responding to the received data as expected according to the data exchange interface agreed upon between the developers of the mobile application and the Plug-In). Skynax Mobility Management System Manual 23