1. Real-time scalability without significant increase in the cost through automatic provisioning of computing resources in Cloud just when needed. 2. A modular and distributed architecture of the document server with an ability to efficiently handle requests during peak load. 3. New and efficient search system and real-time synchronization of user’s comments across sessions through a dedicated sync server. 4. Improved reliability through auto scaling and redundant standby servers in Cloud. 5. Improved user experience because of reduced network latency, application was deployed in regions close to user locations.

1. Case Study:
Migration of Document Server
to AWS for Real-time Scalability

2. Migration of Document Server to AWS for Real-time Scalability
This case study explores the challenges involved and solution implemented by Harbinger Systems in migration of
a legacy document management system to cloud.
Situation
A leading provider of HR solutions with global corporate clientele wanted to migrate legacy document
management system to cloud to achieve better scalability. This system is key part of their application suite
and is widely used by a large number of users. The user load on the system increases many folds during
certain period of time during the year. There is a need for an efficient and cost effective solution to handle
this seasonal load.
Key Challenges
Enable real-time scalability without significant increase in the cost
Analyze architecture of the existing system which was evolved over years and recommend changes
to facilitate migration to Cloud
Implement a new search mechanism and provide real-time synchronization of user comments
Solution Approach
Harbinger proposed migration of the document management system to Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud
as it offers rapid scalability at an affordable price. The system design was enhanced to leverage following
AWS services:
Amazon EC2 for main computing instances with an ability to auto scale up/down
Amazon S3 for data storage and backup of document repository
Amazon CloudWatch for monitoring the instances
Optimal use of Amazon IaaS to ensure minimal vendor lock-in
Fig: Revised Design of Document Management System
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3. Case Study
Migration of Document Server
to AWS for Real-time Scalability
Harbinger suggested and implemented few changes to the architecture of the application in order to leverage
true benefits of Cloud. The key aspects in the redesign were as below:
Light weight application nodes based on MVC pattern with a REST service layer to facilitate
communication between the nodes. With this, the computing resources could be provisioned easily and
optimally.
A session state server was created using Memcached library on a separate node thereby creating a
stateless app server.
To facilitate real time synchronization of user comments, a Node.js based server application was
implemented that provided support to bi-directional HTTP.
Apache Solr based Indexing system was implemented to provide search in documents.
Secured file storage and access using signed URL.
Automated build deployment over AWS EC2 and automated database backup.
Technology Stack
Benefits
Real-time scalability without significant increase in the cost through automatic provisioning of
computing resources in Cloud just when needed.
A modular and distributed architecture of the document server with an ability to efficiently handle
requests during peak load.
New and efficient search system and real-time synchronization of user’s comments across sessions
through a dedicated sync server.
Improved reliability through auto scaling and redundant standby servers in Cloud.
Improved user experience because of reduced network latency, application was deployed in regions
close to user locations.
Amazon EC2 Linux CentOS
Node.js
REST Web services Memcached
OAuth
Apache Web Server Tomcat
App Server(s)
MySQL
Grails
Content
Repository
DB Backups
Amazon S3
Amazon Machine
Images
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4. Harbinger Systems is a leading provider of software engineering services to some of the world's
best product companies. Since 1990, Harbinger has developed a strong customer base worldwide.
Harbinger’s customers are software product companies, including hi-tech startups in Silicon Valley,
to leading product companies in the US and large in-house IT organizations.
The Services from Harbinger Systems span across enterprise software development, advanced
testing services for software ISVs and solution consulting in eLearning domain. Harbinger is known
as a thought leader in eLearning industry and provides solution consulting and technology services
to organizations across the globe.
In 2009, Deloitte named Harbinger Systems among the fastest growing technology companies in its
Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific and Technology Fast 50 India programs. Harbinger Systems is
recognized as a ‘Super Star’ in 10th Annual Mobile Star Awards™ 2011. Harbinger Systems is ranked
in 2012 and 2013 Global Outsourcing Top 100 companies listing by International Association of
Outsourcing Professionals and is among 2012 Top 100 Outsourcing Service Providers listing by
Global Services.
Harbinger Systems is a part of Harbinger Group. Harbinger Group is a leading global provider of
innovative software products and services to companies in over 57 countries.
To know more about Harbinger Systems visit: www.harbinger-systems.com.
Awards and Recognitions:
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Visit us at: www.harbinger-systems.com
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About Harbinger Systems
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