Eclipse
Enterprise Edition
Smart Payment Vending System
Eclipse Enterprise Edition (3E) is Itron’s solution to the comprehensive management
of an online Smart Payment electricity vending system through the use of web
services technology. The system consists of a credit (token) vending component as
well as a web accessible administration application for managing customer, point of
connection and meter administrative processes using a standard web browser.
How it works, why is it different?
3E is based on the popular web services
architecture using Microsoft .NET
technology providing municipalities or
utilities with the ability to manage vendor
contracts, revenue collection and meters
in real time, through Microsoft Internet
Information Services and Web Service
Industry Standards. The system is based
on the principals of providing an simple,
easy to use system, which is not resource
intensive and is stable and reliable,
making use of the W3C standard (SOAP)
for internet browser messaging with
session security management via Secure
Sockets Layer (SSL).
3E, an online system, reduces the
operational risk associated with traditional
vending systems in that the Security
Modules are hosted together with the
System in a secure environment. The
system no longer requires databases
to be deployed in the field at vending
stations, reducing licensing requirements
as well as the need for replication
between vending stations and the system
server. This leads to a simplified, risk-free
environment.
The system has been designed to
overcome communication (connectivity)
errors by means of Issuing Last
SPECIFICATIONS
Responses or the option of System
Reversal is catered for. Expired message
functionality is a key differentiator of the
system. Financial resync mechanisms
have been built in for post communication
failures which are easy to understand and
implement.
The concept of Shifts has been advanced
in that the system has a separate optional
Shift Control Module which incorporates
2 tiers linked to users, namely Vendor
and Cashier Shifts. The starting and
ending of Shifts is no longer a prerequisite
for vending and is an optional feature,
which is also incorporated into the
SuperVending functionality. Shifts can
be configured to open and close at a
specified time, and the vendor will have
visibility and control over shifts.
What functions does the system cater
for?
»» Customer contract management
»» Address hierarchy management
»» Auxiliary account management
»» Meter asset management
»» Tariff and Charge management
»» Meter operations
»» Security management
»» Credit token vending
What Key features does 3E offer?
»» Simplified access and ease of use with
efficient administration features
»» Advanced system operator control –
real time from centralized server
»» Powerful tariff and charges engine as
well as receipt flexibility
»» System configurability, customizability
and flexibility
»» Advanced powerful search functionality
»» Definable users and user roles
»» Smaller hardware / software footprint
»» Ease of scalability without system redesign
»» Customizable message content
catering for compression
»» Load balancing of security modules is
possible
»» Optional and Flexible Shift Management
»» Supports all types of communication
»» Simplified Integration to 3rd Party
applications through standards
compliance
System requirements
The Host platform must meet certain requirements and Microsoft Standards. To host
3E, you will require the following from your Hosted Platform:
Operating Systems
Windows 2003 standard and Enterprise Edition, Windows 2003
R2 standard or Enterprise Edition, Windows 2003 Web Edition, All
patched to Service pack 2.
IIS 6.0
Not installed by Default except on Windows 2003 Web Edition.
Net Framework
Minimum 3.5
Oracle
Oracle 10g R2 Standard or Enterprise is required for the Server
installations. Patched to at least patch 2. Oracle 10gR2 client is
required for the connecting WebServers to the Database should they
not reside on the same hardware.
ODP.Net
Webserver requires Oracle’s ODP.Net to connect to the Oracle
database.
Client OS
Windows XP with Service pack 2 or higher
Internet Browser
Internet Explorer 6 only
Network
A connection is required between server and client that will allow
communication via HTTP and HTTPS. If the connections run through
Proxies or Firewalls, the correct setup needs to take place to allow
incoming connections to the server as well as to allow incoming
connections to be redirected to the correct servers.
Hardware requirements
Hardware requirements may change depending on system solution and load
requirements. These can be specified on a solution basis.
The system is perfectly suited for the Itron hosted solution, which supports Itron hosting
all system hardware, with the options ranging from full Itron support and maintenance of
the system together with the hosting through to Itron hosting the system but allowing the
municipality or utility the option of full control, access and maintenance to their system.
Standards
The system is STS compliant and complies with the open standard as described in the
latest NRS21 XML-Vend specification.
Itron is the leading provider of energy and water resource management solutions
for nearly 8,000 utilities around the world. We offer end-to-end solutions that
include electricity, gas, water and heat measurement and control technology;
communications systems; software; and professional services. With nearly
10,000 employees doing business in more than 130 countries, Itron empowers
utilities to responsibly and efficiently manage energy and water. To realize your
smarter energy and water future, start here: www.itron.com
Itron
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Hendrik Venwoerd Drive
7500 Platterkloof
South Africa
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