Adesso Platform

The Adesso Platform is an application technology owned by Terraine, Inc., and is essentially a client/server relational database system based on Microsoft .NET framework technology that uses Microsoft SQL Server as its underlying database engine. A synchronization mechanism managed on the Adesso Server handles all the permissions, rules, users, groups, and synchronization settings.
Adesso Architecture
The Adesso architecture links together desktop computers, laptops, handheld devices, and tablet PCs.
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The application can be used at a desktop workstation or to collect data from field research on a handheld device. Synchronization occurs whenever connectivity is established with the Adesso Server, which updates the master copy of the application with the changes you have made.
The Adesso architecture consists of three major components:
* Adesso Server
* Adesso Client for Windows (running on desktop computers, laptops, or tablet PCs)
* Adesso Client for Mobile PCs

The Adesso Server
The Adesso Server supports distributed information processing while maintaining centralized control over access and security. It is the hub of the collection, storage, and redistribution of data in Adesso applications.
The Adesso server is built on a SQL datastore that contains master copies of all applications. All Adesso Clients link to and communicate with the Adesso Server.
The Adesso Server, through its Web browser-based interface, is also the central administration point for administering user permissions and creating groups of users to control access and security.
The Adesso Client for Windows
The Adesso Client is the Adesso software that runs on desktop computers, laptops, and tablet PCs running the Microsoft Windows™ operating system. The Adesso Client allows users to work with applications shared from an Adesso server and with applications that reside on the Client device.
The Adesso Client for Windows shares its interface with the Adesso Client for mobile PCs, providing almost exactly the same screens and controls.
The Adesso Client for Mobile PCs
The Adesso Client for mobile PCs is the client software that resides on handheld devices using the Microsoft Windows Mobile™ operating system. The two Client applications work in the same way to synchronize applications from an Adesso Server to a connected computer.
Distributed Applications, Development, & Management Roles
Adesso centralizes control of data while distributing applications, development responsibility, and user participation in the system.
Distributed Applications
Adesso applications are distributed: they run on client devices wherever they are. The Adesso Client does not need to be continuously connected to the server. Data records are read, added, or modified in existing applications in accordance with access and security rules set on the Adesso Server, even when one is only occasionally connected to that server. When reconnected to the Adesso Server, it intelligently synchronizes the local copy of the application with its master copy. The synchronization operation transports only new or changed data records design elements, and if more than one user has altered a record, the server applies rules for resolving conflicts. Data flows between client and server can be closely managed, as well, so that only users with specific permission may upload records in an application, and only pertinent records are downloaded to users.
Distributed Development
The Adesso Client includes the complete application development environment so that application users can also be application developers. Every user has access to this development environment.
The Adesso application development environment is available on every Client. Applications developed on one Adesso Client run on every client without alteration. Applications developed on a desktop computer will run "out of the box" not only on laptops, but on Mobile PC devices and tablet PCs.
The Adesso architecture supports distributed development as easily as it supports distributed applications. Even when disconnected, once can modify the design of applications and add, remove, and rename tables, columns, views, and forms. When synchronized with the Adesso Server, these design changes are transferred to the master copy and, from there, communicated to all other users of the application as they synchronize.
Distributed Management Roles
Just as applications can be created that manage data using the tools of the Adesso Client, structures can be created that manage access and security for data using the tools of the Adesso Server. These tools are powerful enough to support complex management structures that mirror the real-world management structures of an organization.
Management of applications and of users can be delegated with a very fine degree of granularity, retaining control and ensuring security while empowering people to do the work, make changes, and react to changing needs. Central to this distributed management capability are the roles and permissions supported by the Adesso architecture.
The simplest role is that of User. A User can install the Adesso Client and create or download an application and use it without needing any special permissions. A role with more responsibilities would be that of a Manager, who controls user permissions, applications and synchronization settings for users. A larger organization will also typically employ an Administrator. The Administrator will supervise Users and Managers, control updates to applications built on the Adesso Platform, coordinate with programmers for updates, and create new applications for Managers and Users.
Uses of Adesso
The Adesso Platform has been successfully utilized for the following clients / industries:
* Utility Industry (Quality Control, Construction Procedure Inspections)
* Local Government (Septic & Aeration, Restaurant and Environmental Health Inspections)
* USEPA (Household Hazardous Waste Recon Database)
* U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Classification System Database)
* The U.S. Navy (Low-Flow Groundwater Sampling Database)
* State Government (UST Management, Livestock Management)
* Petroleum Industry (UST Management)
* Medical Industry (Equipment Maintenance)
* Consumer Packaged Goods (CRM Applications)
History
The Adesso Platform was originally owned and developed by Adesso Systems, Inc., an information technology company based in MA and founded in 2000. In May 2008, Terraine, Inc., an environmental and technology consulting firm, purchased the intellectual property to Adesso.

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