Introduction
Cortex is a comprehensive platform for delivering hosted services, but how can Cortex
fit in with your existing infrastructure, customers and applications?
The Cortex API provides the basis for integration with other third party applications.
The API has been designed to be platform independent and simple to understand.
API Fundamentals
- XML based - Does not require Microsoft consumer.
- Basic Authentication, HTTPS recommended if used over the internet.
- Templating feature allows simplification of requests.
Interface for provisioning
The API can be used to automate the creation of customers and users, as well as
provisioning customers and users with services.
Further to this, the API can be used to deliver read-only information out of the
Cortex system. This can be easily customised to deliver any required information
out of Cortex, or even out of other related systems.
How does the API help?
Integration with billing systems
Billing systems need to be able to initiate provisioning in Cortex, to retrieve
usage information for hosted services and to be able to disable/enable accounts.
Website integration - signup for services
If you have an existing website, whether written in PHP or ASP.NET, the Cortex API
can be used to quickly provide an integration point for customer sign-up. This allows
you to deliver a fully automated sign-up and payment solution.
Integrate your resellers
The Cortex API can be published onto the Internet, using a standard Cortex reseller
account for authentication. The reseller has access to provision more customers
and users, as well as retrieve usage information from Cortex.
In the same way that a service provider may use the API, resellers can also use
it to link their systems into Cortex.
Corporate HR Systems
Customers can also use the API. For larger enterprises this can be used to integrate
'new starter' and 'leaver' processes, automating and controlling user account usage.