Cloud Mobile for On-Premises Application

Mobile user interface for an on-premises application.

Pattern Definition

Problem How do I add a mobile user interface to an on-premises application?
Context This pattern is applicable when there is a desire to add a mobile user interface to an on-premises application. The mobile backend is Cloud-based.
Forces
  • The mobile user interface exposes functionality that is available in the on-premises application.
  • Interactions with the on-premises application are not complex.
  • A Cloud-based mobile backend is desirable.
Solution This mobility pattern employs a Mobile Platform only in the Cloud with connectivity to the on-premises application. This provides the quickest way to create a mobile user interface for an on-premises application.
ConsequencesPros:
  • Provides the quickest approach to add a mobile user interface.
  • Only one Mobile Platform to manage.
Cons:
  • Not a good solution for composite applications.

Interaction View

Direct Connect

Mobile user interface with mobile backend connecting directly to the on-premises application. 

Interaction

Interaction initiated by mobile device:

  1. The mobile device uses the Mobile platform Client SDK to call the mobile backend provided by the Mobile platform.
  2. The Mobile platform calls the on-premises application.

Interaction initiated by on-premises application:

  1. The on-premises application calls the Mobile platform to send a notification to a mobile device.
  2. The Mobile platform routes the notification to the appropriate mobile devices. 

Notes

  1. The on-premises application must provide an interface that is readily accessible from the Mobile platform (e.g. REST).
  2. To send a notification, the on-premises application must call the REST API on the Mobile platform

Application Integration Platform

Mobile user interface with mobile backend connecting to the on-premises application via the Application Integration Platform

Interaction

Interaction initiated by mobile device:

  1. The mobile device uses the Mobile platform Client SDK to call the mobile backend provided by the Mobile platform.
  2. The Mobile Platform calls the Application Integration Platform.
  3. The Application Integration Platform calls the on-premises Integration Agent.
  4. The Integration Agent uses an adapter to access the on-premises application.

Interaction initiated by on-premises application:

  1. The on-premises application calls the Application Integration Platform to send a notification to a device.
  2. The Application Integration Platform calls the Mobile Platform to send a notification to a mobile device.
  3. The Mobile Platform routes the notification to the appropriate mobile devices.

Notes

  1. The Integration Agent provides secure communication between on premises and Public Cloud. The Integration Agent establishes an encrypted connection to the Application Integration Platform by calling into the Application Integration Platform. There is no need to “punch a hole” in the on-premises firewall.
  2. The Application Integration platform provides pre-built adapters to many on-premises applications. Custom adapters can also be created if needed.
  3. The Integration Agent may initiate a communication with the Application Integration platform if the database or file adapter is used on premises.