REBOL/Express

This document describes REBOL's IOS Express product circa 2001. This product is no longer sold under the name Express.

REBOL/Link

All REBOL/Express products consist of one to many small but powerful REBOL/Link clients managed by a lightweight REBOL/Serve server. Each Link client can act as both a user and as an administrator of a network group. /Link and /Serve transform existing HTTP-based Web communications into a secure, authenticated and encrypted communication channel. /Link regularly monitors for a network connection and connects with REBOL/Serve when it finds one. It includes four basic client services (workspace synchronization, an application launcher, connection management and security, and communication services through a TCP channel) plus an optional iconic interface. Additional services can easily be added.

REBOL/Serve

REBOL/Serve, the server side of /Express, is a high performance synchronization and delivery server that is efficient, scalable and secure.

REBOL/Serve is a "set and forget" server which animates and propels the /Express universe. Administration is beyond trivial. Place the small binary where you'd like, start it and forget about it for months. REBOL/Serve transparently coordinates synchronization to all connected LINK clients without need for close monitoring. Once SERVE is running, the Express platform is running, and you soon forget about the presence of the server all together. Everything just works.

REBOL/Serve quietly does the grungy work in maintaining the /Express environment, observing modifications and proliferating effects involving all shared and private resources within the /Express platform. It talks to your database, your system libraries, and interoperates with other installed software on the box while paying attention to back up recovery. REBOL/Serve provides all the power you expect of a server and plus the added benefit of its invisibility.

Lastly, REBOL/Serve communicates with /Link through the CGI gateway of a Web server and ensures secure connection and transmission of information using RSA (1024-bit encryption).

REBOL/Express Advantages

• Dynamic, Ad-hoc Groups
  Anyone can create and run a group with ease. Creating or joining a group is as simple as installing a small desktop client (500K) and logging in. /Express restores users workspaces within minutes and ensures that they have the most current applications, files and data. If they go offline, /Express continues to operate with the most recent workspaces. When they reconnect, /Express maintains the workspaces by downloading any changes every few seconds. The /Express client includes all of the administration tools needed to create new groups, add new coworkers and establish user privileges.
• Immediate access to data
  Coworkers have the most current information - precisely when and where they need it. REBOL/Express dynamically mirrors applications, data, communications and icons on each user's computer enabling instant viewing and response to ad hoc queries. Access to the most up-to-date information is guaranteed. Employees, partners, or coworkers always have the data and applications where they need it, when they need it - secure and noise free. More powerful than personalizing Web pages, /Express enables services and data to be targeted at individuals, through shared workspaces or even by individual task. A powerful filtering feature enables data and applications to go right where they are needed.
• Client-side functionality
  The "click-and-wait" syndrome of Web-based applications is a relic of the past. REBOL/Express applications execute locally, providing instant response for greater user satisfaction. Application data can be stored on the local computer as required, eliminating the need to go back to the Web server for simple user requests. Ad-hoc queries were never easier or faster. Critical business tasks are more efficient since they no longer require the sharing of a Web server with hundreds or thousands of other "dumb" clients. Local file sandboxes, encryption and data compression are built right in to /Express to help manage and protect data.
• Built-in collaboration across platforms
  Businesses can easily provide the cross-platform services they need to support today's collaborative business workflow. REBOL/Express includes the commonly needed communication services integrated right into the base platform. This saves the effort and cost involved with integrating products from a variety of different 3rd parties. /Express applications operate identically across all major platforms including: Windows (NT, 9X, 2000, CE), Solaris, SGI IRIX, HP/UX, Linux, BSD Unix, Free BSD, Open BSD, and others. An application written for one, runs on all.
• Efficient development, customization, delivery and maintenance
  To maintain competitive edge, high-value IT solutions must be securely and efficiently created, delivered and upgraded across the extended enterprise. REBOL/Express enables the creation, customization and delivery of highly-targeted IT solutions through a secure channel and across a wide variety of platforms, with significantly reduced expense and effort. Pre-built business application services can be mixed, matched or customized as needed. Java or C++ applications can easily connect to /Express's communication and synchronization services through an external TCP communications channel.