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ContactsLaw is a client-server system, with a central database and session manager on the application server and a client application installed on users' PCs. In most configurations, the server will also host a document library, however this can be located on a different machine or remote server.
 
Secondarily, CPMS Pty Ltd's servers (accessible via the Internet) provide software updates and live content that can be accessed by machines running ContactsLaw.
 
ContactsLaw is designed to be deployed in a Windows Server based environment which uses Active Directory. Client PCs should be on the same domain as the application server. Windows authentication is used across all network services and to log in to ContactsLaw itself.

Components

  • Application server - A Windows Server based system which hosts the ContactsLaw database, document library, ContactsLaw Daemon and the DDM Windows Service.
  • Telephone system - Optional but strongly-recommended in order to use the telephone integration features.
  • Workstations - Windows-based PCs that will run the ContactsLaw client application.
  • CPMS - Software distribution and other web services used in conjunction with ContactsLaw.

On-premises deployment 

ContactsLaw Deployment-On-premises.png
 
This is the preferred deployment model for ContactsLaw. The application server is located on-premises, providing high-speed, low-latency access to all components of the system.
 

Cloud-based deployment

ContactsLaw Deployment-Cloud.png

ContactsLaw supports cloud-based deployment using Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). The application server is a virtual machine hosted by a cloud service provider, connected to the on-premises network via a VPN router.

A high speed fibre or equivalent connection is strongly recommended for cloud-based installations.​
 
Care must be taken to ensure that cloud hosted services have sufficient capacity to meet the firm's needs, and are capable of scaling as demand grows. Some providers may impose arbitrary limitations which could restrict (or even render inoperable) key functionality.
 
An example solution might consist of:
  • A cloud-hosted virtual server running:
    • Windows Server 2016 with the Active Directory Domain Services (ADDS) role enabled
    • SQL Server 2016
    • Scion DMS
    • Automated backup services
  • A router-to-router VPN connection between the virtual server and the firm's Local Area Network (LAN)
In the above example, users log on to Windows via the VPN connection. ContactsLaw connects to the SQL Server instance on the virtual server. No physical server computers exist on-premises, however co-location of telephony infrastructure with workstations is necessary in order to provide phone integration.

Cloud-based deployment with Remote Desktop Services

ContactsLaw Deployment-Cloud + RDS.png

Remote Desktop Services can be used to provide a deployment solution for firms with multiple premises or a highly-mobile workforce. An additional cloud-based terminal server is used to provide virtual desktops to all users. This allows access using low-cost PCs, machines running non-Windows operating systems, as well as some mobile devices.

In this environment, multiple instances of the ContactsLaw client application run on the terminal server concurrently. The use of an RD gateway removes the need for a VPN and individual client PCs do not require any additional software.

General information