System architecture

PME is a client-server, on-premise software application that collects power monitoring data through a network of connected devices. The power monitoring data is processed and stored using Microsoft SQL Server and can be accessed by users in a variety of formats through different user interfaces.

PME is deployed in one of two basic architectures: Standalone or Distributed Database.

Standalone architecture

In a Standalone architecture, all PME system files, the SQL Server database, and any other tools or utilities are installed on the same computer. You access the power monitoring data through clients.

Distributed Database architecture

In a Distributed Database architecture, all PME system files, tools, and utilities are installed on one computer. The database server is installed on a second computer. There are no PME system files installed on the database server except for the historical database files. You access the power monitoring data through clients.

The following example diagram shows both architectures in the context of the overall system, including the monitoring devices:

Which architecture you should choose

We recommend you use the Standalone architecture. It is easier and more cost effective to deploy, and there are no performance advantages in using a Distributed Database architecture.

However, in some cases it might be necessary to use the Distributed Database architecture, such as:

• Your customer wants to use an existing SQL server.
• Your customer IT requirements do not allow a Microsoft SQL Server to be installed with another application on the same server.
• The application requires Microsoft SQL Server redundancy with SQL Clustering or other third-party tools.
• The application requires specific rules for database management, for example SQL jobs, back-ups, data security, and so on.