A description of the elements (for example, modules, components, subsystems) that comprise a software system. Architecture includes the relationships between the elements and the interfaces between elements.

Adapter

The term, "adapter," means: "software that allows one software module or system to use the services of another module or system."

Components

Anything that is necessary for system operations. Elements such as hardware, operating systems, applications and databases. Includes supporting utilities, required operating system services, and configuration files/repositories.

Distribution Engine

A set of components that work together to move data between one software system and another.

Info*Engine Adapter

An adapter that uses the services of Info*Engine. Info*Engine adapters are often written using PTC’s Java Adapter Development Kit. Info*Engine adapters accept requests in the form of webjects.

Info*Engine ERP Adapter

An Info*Engine adapter that is designed to access and/or update objects in an ERP system. These adapters accept requests in the form of webjects. They also support molecular transactions, such as "Update BOM."

Logical Architecture

A definition of the software processes that comprise a software system. Logical architecture operates one or more physical architectures.

Physical Architecture

A definition of the computers, peripheral devices, and network connections that comprise a software system.

System Architecture (Application Architecture)

A definition of the software components that cooperate to deliver the services of a software system. Application architecture defines the way logical architecture processes are utilized in the system.

TIBCO Adapter

An adapter that uses the services of TIBCO. These adapters are invoked using TIBCO messages, rather than webjects. They do not support molecular or composite transactions. Instead, they support atomic transactions by exposing the individual API’s of the software for which the adapter is designed. While making the configuration of these adapters more complicated (low level), this architecture adds more flexibility by enabling implementers to compose molecular transactions from logically organized atomic transactions. Atomic transactions can be selected , then logic can be applied to configure the molecular transaction.

Windchill Adapter (WTAdapter)

An Info*Engine adapter that accesses and updates objects in Windchill.