Key CERF architecture features include the fact that CERF is a modular, extensible product based on open industry standards. Open standards make CERF easy to connect to other systems and ensure that the product is highly sustainable. CERF has a clear update path stretching far into the future, linked to industry trends. Modules and IT technologies that become outdated can be updated and modules incorporating new technologies can be easily added. Your CERF support package includes all software updates (typically two a year) and the updates involve no significant interruption of service.
The use of a database and separate files store to hold your raw data means that CERF does not slow down as data accumulates. The referential database in CERF contains only the information about your files. It rarely exceeds 5 GB in size and does not lock your files in a proprietary database from which you may not be able to extract them. CERF is “database agnostic”. By default we use MySQL as our database because it is free, but CERF works equally well with an MS SQL or Oracle “backend” if those technologies are required in your organization.
Since all data files in CERF stays in their original, native file format in the secure file store, your data is not tied to this solution, or any particular database company or technology. Your valuable data can always be extracted in the future, regardless of your organization’s future data management strategy, database technologies or vendor decisions. CERF licenses are perpetual, so once you have purchased the software it is yours forever, ensuring maximum sustainability.