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Architecture: MARS Platform Components

The MARS platform features a modular architecture designed to handle the end-to-end lifecycle of enterprise content and data processing, from ingestion to delivery or archival. Key functional components and areas include:

  • Input/Extraction: Connectors and extractors designed to interface with diverse source systems (legacy ECMs, mainframes, databases, print streams, file shares, applications) and formats (AFP, Xerox, PCL, PDF, TIFF, XML, Line Data, Office documents, etc.). This includes the MARS Mainframe JES Extractor.
  • Core Processing Engine: Central components responsible for:
  • Transformation: Converting data formats, restructuring content, applying business rules (e.g., MARS MDMS Transform capabilities).
  • Rendering: Generating viewable representations of various data types.
  • Distribution: Routing processed data to appropriate destinations.
  • Consolidation: Merging data from multiple sources (e.g., MARS Consolidation Service).
  • Splitting: Dividing large data streams or files (e.g., MARS Split Service).
  • Specialized Tools: Modular applications addressing specific needs:
  • MARS Data Mining Studio (MDMS): For complex data extraction, structuring unstructured data, and automated report generation.
  • MARS Watcher: Monitors data feeds, manages Day Forward processing, and provides predictive exception handling.
  • Helix MARS Scanner: Captures and processes data from physical documents or scanned images.
  • Helix MARS Migration Server: Manages the workflow and orchestration of migration tasks.
  • MARS RealTime Viewer (RTV): Provides on-demand access to data, often used for federation and accessing archives.
  • Storage: Includes capabilities like MARS HSS Object Storage for highly compressed, efficient archival storage.
  • Access & Delivery:
  • Viewers (RTV): Lightweight and advanced viewers for various formats with annotation/redaction capabilities.
  • APIs: An extensive ecosystem (RTV APIs, Mimic Mode APIs, MDMS APIs, etc.) enabling integration, federation, and automation.
  • Output Formats: Supports delivery in multiple formats (PDF, XML, HTML, Text, etc.).
  • Monitoring & Management: Interfaces and services for designing workflows, managing processes, monitoring status (MARS GUID Service, MARS Audit Database), and ensuring data integrity.