The high-level system architecture is illustrated in the diagram. In the following few pages we shall outline the role of each of the components and how each has been designed to provide the user with tangible benefits.

DETECT is designed to be very easy to install and does not rely on any third-party software that is not included with the software. For instance:

• It is a 100% Java application that includes its own Java Runtime Environment (JRE) so there is no need to worry about your currently installed versions of Java. Further, it cannot interfere with other software and their supporting libraries.

• It contains its own embedded database (IBM's Cloudbase) for internal use.

• It contains its own web-server for the delivery of pages to the browser-based user interface. This can deliver pages to PC-based – and if required, hand-held devices.

Some other benefits that result from the architecture of DETECT include:

• Cross Platform DETECT is a 100% java application and will therefore run on any platform that supports Java 5. (Solaris, HP-UX, AIX, Linux, Windows Servers, …)

• Data Abstraction DETECT incorporates a data abstraction layer that isolates the data sources from the internal logic. This means it can be easily configured to connect to and use almost any database.

• Configuration Configuration is very simple. In most circumstances even setting up the transaction protocol is simple as DETECT contains a highly configurable protocol handler and message morpher. Support is also provided for ISO8583.

• Robust DETECT has been designed so that it can recover from most types of failure of hardware and other software without the need for time-consuming intervention by IT staff.

• Scalability The architecture of DETECT allows the system to scale as the transaction throughput increases. Transaction rates of over 100 tps are possible on low-range machines.