Cloud-Based Multi-Tenant SaaS Business Intelligence Application for Enterprises
Project Overview
Mantrax was engaged to build a unique cloud-based multi-tenant SaaS application platform. The client had very specific requirements in terms of functionality, scalability, security, identity, and user experience to meet the needs of a narrow market segment. We started with a proof-of concept project to evaluate the feasibility of our proposed solution. Due to the success of this development, Mantrax has been retained to develop the other applications based on this platform.
The Problem
A particular challenge was to deliver on the rather unique identity and data security requirements for this type of mobile application deployment. It did not allow for any corporate or user identifiers to reach the cloud servers. The challenge was to de-identify all private company information (name, emails, product names, etc.) before they made it to the database and reconstruct them in the application in real-time. For example, if Acme Corp sells a product called Foo Bar, we couldn’t save either the label “Acme Corp” or “Foo Bar” in the database but the labels had to be re-inserted while the application was in use (that is on the client side).
Potential Solution
- Encryption-at-Rest, with the proper key management policies would be a solid solution, but it would not have met the requirements in full.
Actual Solution
- Working with the client, Mantrax implemented the proprietary design with a novel coding process. At Mantrax we believe in putting order to chaos and coming up with solutions that are both elegant and sustainable. Our solution to this problem followed this mantra as well. The engineering of this solution was particularly challenging since an unencumbered user experience was also part of the requirements. At Mantrax, our teams have implemented all types of proven engineering methods, but when the circumstances dictate, we innovate to meet the client’s needs. Nevertheless, functional integrity is never jeopardized.
Project Challenges
The client implemented the ERP system IFS in 2016. In 2020, four years post-implementation, the Client’s pain points included:
1. Unique Security Model
The initial challenge was creating a data model that would support client isolation and allow users to log in seamlessly.
2. Multi-Tenancy at Scale
At Mantrax, we are not committed to any specific tech stack; we select the one that best fits the solution.
3. Data Entry for Mobile Screen
A hybrid deployment was recommended since maintaining a separate code base for iOS and Android leads to a more expensive development process.
Project Solutions
1. Unique Security Model
A robust multi-tenancy database was selected for the platform making it possible for each client on this app to not only have their own individual database but can enable them to be put on different clusters in different public clouds to satisfy client requirements.
2. Multi-Tenancy at Scale
Since the purpose of the app was to allow a large volume of data entry capabilities, we chose a non-blocking, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment running in cluster mode for performance.
3. Security Outcome
Even if there is a breach, no one can connect the server data with the company. This is completely obfuscated to an end user.
