The Nclaves system can be viewed as a framework (or platform) of different modules that are layered on top of a core set of capabilities. This modular architecture allows us to provide a comprehensive and extensible set of functions that different family members want. (Figure below). For example, some family members take pleasure in collecting and distributing photographs while some other members want to focus on health devices and health monitoring. Nclaves' unique architecture allows such vastly different needs in a single environment. And of course, safety, security and privacy are a common theme all across the modules.

The end-to-end system consists of two main parts - a backend engine, operated on central servers, and an end-user application that is executed on the user's personal computer. (Figure below).

The end-user application runs on different types of personal computers such as Windows, MacOS X as well as Linux. Read more about Nclaves deployment and the Device Access Bridge.

You can view a short movie that shows the end-user application in action.

Nclaves is a composite, Service-Oriented Application (SOA) that is delivered using a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. It applies concepts of social networking with a strong emphasis on exclusivity, and allows access to devices attached to a personal computer.

Nclaves uses a number of web services internally. It can also access external web services that are made available by third-party service providers (e.g., city local temperatures).

Nclaves uses the standards based software such as:

• Jive for instant messaging
• JMF for audio-visual conferencing
• MySQL for database engine.
  

Nclaves has a desktop-style, easy-to-use interface, unlike a typical web page. The rich client is implemented entirely in Java and is therefore available on many different personal computers such as Linux, MacOSX and Windows. The rich client is delivered on demand using Apsora's Gladius technology.

The Gladius technology allows applications to be streamed on demand from a centrally hosted location to a local computer over the Internet to launch them there. This is an OS-independent, thin technology -- thin and flexible enough to be carried on and used from a simple USB drive. Gladius is currently available on many different types of personal computers such as Linux, MacOSX, and Windows.