Migration to Webapps

Contents

What is this?

ADT, along with the WTS infrastructure teams, have initiated an upgrade of the infrastructure behind our web applications. We currently deliver our web application on an infrastructure commonly referred to as 'servlet'. In order to do this, we will need to migrate each application from the current platform to its new platform one by one.

The new infrastructure will result in:

  • New servers with new operating systems.
  • Upgraded version of the application server software that hosts the applications.
  • Upgraded version of Java programming language. This infrastructure will be built on Java 8.
  • Two new environments for applications to be hosted under:
    • webapps.uwo.ca - Intended to be used by applications that need to be publicly available from off campus.
    • internalapps.uwo.ca - Intended to be used by applications that should be restricted from off campus use or require the use of Western ROAMS to use from off campus.

Why is it happening?

Improvements to infrastructure are happening all the time. However, this is a more significant change for us with respect to the fact that we are building new servers and upgrading two major versions of Java (servlet is currently built on Java 6).

We are making this change to:

  • Take advantage of new features in Java 8 that will improve applications for all customers.
  • Improve the security of applications by using network policy to restrict access to those hosted under the internalapps name.
  • Position us and our customers at a point where we can upgrade our infrastructure more frequently and less intrusively.
  • Increase the consistency across the infrastructure for application development.
  • Improve the management of infrastructure from an operational perspective.

How does it affect the application and its users?

Application Address Change

The address (URL) of your application will change. This will affect any documentation you may have that has a link to the current 'servlet' address as well as any users who have the address bookmarked. We know this will cause you work, see below for a friendly URL that will work regardless of any future upgrades.

Can I get my users forwarded from the old address to the new address?

Sort of, we can forward them to a page that notifies them the address has changed and asks them to update their bookmarks. We have used this with success during migrations in the past.

Addition of a Friendly URL

As part of this process we will be adding a friendly URL for your application.

  • This address will not change regardless of any future upgrades.
  • This address will redirect users to the actual address of your application.
  • You should use this in all of your documentation and marketing.
  • Users should use this address in their bookmarks.

Updated Look and Feel

We are taking this opportunity to update the look and feel of applications that are currently taking advantage of our Western ADT visual template. If the updates can be done without largely affecting the migration time line for that application we will go ahead. Otherwise we will defer the look and feel updates to a later date. These updates will fall under the 'ADT Improvements' section of the Development Standards.

What is the timeline?

As with many projects and initiatives, the sooner the better. Realistically, we are attempting to achieve the complete migration within the 2016 calendar year. Of course we have a lot of applications to migrate, some easier than others. We would like to work with you to find an appropriate time for your application move.

What do we need from you?

Please fill out the following form for each of your applications.

Migration to Webapps - Response Form

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