Solutions

Re-usable Java - TCP/IP CLETS gateway

Business Problem

Provide reusable implementation of proprietary communication protocol.

The California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) is a proprietary TCP/IP based asynchronous messaging protocol for inter-agency communication and query access to select databases.

Roll your own

While this protocol is well defined and accepted, every application and agency is expected to develop their own implementation.

Test each implementation

Every implementation is subject to testing and acceptance which can be a time-consuming process.

Solution

CLETS Gateway

The CLETS Gateway is a stand-alone implementation of the CLETS protocol.

Common interface for applications

It provides other applications access to CLETS without any knowledge of the CLETS protocol.

Java API

Initially, only file based messaging via input and output directories were provided. Subsequently, a Java API was included to allow direct messaging exchange and provide feedback if CLETS was unavailable.

Improved performance and synchronous messaging

This improved response times and allowed clients the option of having the Gateway provide synchronous messaging.

Synchronous messaging

The CLETS protocol is asynchronous, which presents challenges for applications -- especially those with a user interface.

Simplified client access

Synchronous messaging allows a client to submit an inquiry, and receive a response on the same call. This can greatly simplify client access if the client is wants or needs to wait for the response.

Prevents flooding

Synchronous messaging also prevents a client from flooding CLETS with requests by preventing another request until the previous request is complete.

Web Service interface

Additionally, a web service has been published allowing simpler and cross-platform client access.

CloverLeaf Added Value

The CLETS Gateway has been highly optimized by CloverLeaf for efficient communication and high throughput. The California Department of Justice (CalDOJ) now uses our CLETS Gateway implementation for the purposes of regression and load testing the CLETS infrastructure.

Benefits

The CLETS Gateway provides simple message exchange while concealing the protocol complexities from the client applications.