Web N-Tier Architecture

With the advancement of Internet technology, XML has become a cornerstone of many applications used to exchange data in the insurance industry. As an active ACORD member, COSS uses XML technology and conforms to XMLife and TxLife standards.

Microsoft DNA architecture is a distributed, N-tier architecture and framework. Applications developed within this framework have attributes of flexibility, scalability, fault-tolerance, security, and increased developer productivity. The current dominant architecture is N-tier distributed computing. N-tier architecture gives IT staffs the flexibility to deploy available computing resources in a highly beneficial manner.

The benefits of implementing an adaptable N-tier architecture are substantial:

An application can be divided into any number of tiers or logical layers, using a reusable, component approach. These logical tiers may operate in multiple configurations, using any number of physical systems, thereby providing unlimited flexibility and scalability for dynamic business requirements. N-tier distributed computing systems may be created using a wide variety of programming languages, operating systems, and platforms. This environment provides a framework for delivering a flexible, distributed computing environment that can take full advantage of the infrastructure and resources a company currently has, while preparing for whatever changes the future brings. In addition, this architecture provides a method for centralizing control over increasingly critical corporate information, while encouraging departmental innovation.

The N-tier model of computing provides the ability to distribute independent components or services over as many tiers as make sense and then links them dynamically, in order to provide unlimited application flexibility. It is important to note that boundaries between tiers are logical. It is quite possible to run all the tiers on one physical machine. Most important is that the system is neatly structured, and there is a well-planned definition of software boundaries between the different tiers.

In addition to the N-tier architecture, the COSS Internet system uses XML technologies to process, view, transport, and manage data. The system can import and export XMLife data. XMLife is ACORD's XML standard for insurance companies to exchange business data.