Design And Implementation Of File Converter System Based On AWS

Users are using more and more software in their daily work with the rapid development of computer hardware, software functionalities and BIM applications. Moreover, data files generated by those software also varies, leading to the diversity of data file formats. As a result, the users have to install a variety of data conversion software to convert the source data files to the desired data files, and then import the converted files into the software for analysis and data processing. Installation and maintenance of software requires higher cost, and context switching among different software also affects the work efficiency and productivity. SaaS(Software as a Service) cloud-computing methodology provides a new way to resolve the problem of file conversion. We can achieve complicated file converter in the cloud side for users, hiding all details.This article introduces an approach to implement a cloud-based file converter system by leveraging part of AWS cloud services, based upon the full study of requirement, the extensive research of BIM workflow and existing status of file conversion domain. First, this article elaborates the historical background, and business purpose of design, substance and general scope of the system. Then this article introduces the key technologies associated with the file converter system, including the introduction of AWS services. Also this article collates system design and processes and then works out basic workflow according to the requirement raised by business department and other relevant departments from H design institute. On the basis of the requirement analysis, this article carries out system analysis and concept design, describing how the system uses the key technology to solve issues and challenges in this system, including the overall system design, file transfer, load balance and auto scaling strategy. Finally, based upon the concept design and detailed design of several key components, this article rolls out a detailed class diagrams, design specifications etc.. At last, this article describes the implementation and achievement.This article focuses on how to leverage AWS SQS(Simple Queue Service) to implement a job management system adopting publish-subscribe pattern, as well as how to use the advantages of AWS Region plus the relay method to improve the efficiency of file transfer. Aiming at the difference of services and user scenarios, we utilize AWS-based Auto Scaling services to implement different scaling policies, ensuring the reliability of the service with economic efficiency. The client adopts plug-in mechanism, and uses QT to develop public module and user interface which guarantees the high reusability of client-side code.So far this system has been on-line for more than one years, and used widely in in H institute, working stably and effectively. More and more users have started to abandon the local file conversion solution, but to use the system file conversion based on cloud computing. The successful application of the system for H Institute saves the cost of software purchaser, reduces software maintenance costs and improves design efficiency. H design institute decided to kick off the second phase of development, and constantly enhance the user experience and extend the file converter service to cover more domains.