AODB Airport Operational Database

The Oracle-based Airport Operational Database (AODB) is the software foundation for all UFIS products: a state-of-the-art, fully scalable, complex solution combining the highest level of security with real-time performance.
The AODB is permanently available and stores all current data from all operational areas. Constant access via various communication routes is guaranteed. The system is configurable regarding computer hardware, the UNIX system and other software components such as the database.
Featuring full redundancy, the system's hot-standby configuration guarantees operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In case of a system failure, airport operation has to be maintained reliably, if possible without any noticeable interruption. To guarantee this, a second identical UNIX server is installed, which operates in a hot-stand-by mode. If a system failure should occur, the second UNIX server immediately takes over all tasks.

AODB features include:

• Direct interface to the database, handling manufacturer-specific characteristics and low-level fault management of database errors
• Interface to the network, handling direct and broadcast-oriented communication for fast information distribution between the central system and the workstations
• Handling of any number of applications that require access to the database via the network, or services to be performed by the central system
• Handling of any number of interface processes (the EXCO system) that require access to the database via the network
• Checking data from the EXCO processes for accuracy and consistency
• Taking over processor-intensive tasks from the workstations
• Regular checking of the database tables for consistency by the so-called conflict checker
• Continual checking that the complete central system is functioning correctly (database, processes, applications and interfaces), automatic restart of processes following down-time
• Controlled fault management and reporting with (semi)automatic error reporting to the system administrator or user, and logging of system status, depending on the configuration
• Stable communication between the individual processes, with secure data transmission, dealing with down-time (and restart) of the processes
• Extensive "configurability" of the system functions via ASCII files Information medium for general information (e.g. mailbox, telex pool)
• Control and management of access rights to data and functions
• Control of the current data-flow using an interactive system tool.

In addition, as the system is divided into several processes performing precisely-defined tasks, it is very maintenance-friendly, easily configurable and expandable. Thus, certainprocesses can be added to or taken out of the system, even during operation.
In general, all operational system standards, such as IATA, are applied within the AODB. Time data is available in both GMT and local formats, using a 14-digit format. The precise definition of the content of the database is part of the detailed specification. Currently, there are over 50 different tables in the database.

The reliable message broadcasting technology used by the AODB ensures that all messages reach their intended destination - even after down-times: if, for example, a display server goes off-line for any reason and certain changes in information occurr before the server comes back up again, the server can request the new information from the AODB.

Furthermore, precisely defined tools for the system administrator are supplied with the system. These service programs grant extensive system security, batch-job control and backup, memory and resource management via a user-friendly desktop. Subsystems include a basic data processing system - user interface, and a security system for system access control.

1 UFIS is a registered trademark of our solution partner "UFIS Airport Solutions GmbH"