Cimitra’s Unique Architecture Explained
Cimitra’s “Agent Pull” design is a key architectural difference from other technologies.
Server
The Cimitra Server is the brains of Cimitra. The functions of the Cimitra Server are:
- Host the Cimitra Web Interface
- Queue run jobs for Cimitra Agents
- Answer calls from the Cimitra Agents, which call the Cimitra Server every 5 seconds
- Store auditing information for jobs that have already run
Agents
Cimitra Agents are deployed only at the pin-point locations where you want to invoke scripts or commands.
For example, if you obtained Cimitra to implement the Cimitra Windows Administration Practice cimitra.com/ad you would install a Cimitra Agent on one of your Active Directory Domain Controllers.
When an Action is run in Cimitra, this is what happens:
- The Run Job is submitted from the Cimitra Client to the Cimitra Server
- Cimitra Agents “call home” to the Cimitra Server every 5 seconds
- + The Cimitra Agent asks: “Is there anything for me to do?”
- + The Cimitra Server says: “Run this string of commands”
- + The Command is the information behind the Cimitra Action Run Job
- + The Agent runs the command, and sends back the Standard Output from The Command
- + The Server stores the output, and presents the output to the Cimitra Client
Agent “Pull” Design Superiority
Because the Cimitra Agent “pulls” it’s requests from the Cimitra Server, the Cimitra Server does not need access to the computers with the Cimitra Agent is installed. The final effect is that the following is not required:
- No network or VPN access is required from the Server to the Agent
- No keys need to be exchanged between the Cimitra Server and the Cimitra Agent
- No password access to the computers running the Cimtra Agent is required
MSPs
With Cimitra, it is feasible and simple to create Cimitra Agents in completely separate networks.
Take for instance an MSP (Managed Service Provider). The MSP can install a Cimitra Agent at CUSTOMERA, and a Cimitra Agent at CUSTOMERB, and at CUSTOMERC, etc.
The MSP can then install the Cimitra Microsoft Windows Administration Practice on a Domain Controller at all three customer sites. The MSP can then manage Active Directory at all three customer sites, from within Cimitra. The MSP can share back to each of their customers, the Cimitra Actions specific to that customer’s Active Directory, Exchange On-Premise, Office 365 system etc, all through Cimitra.
NO MORE VPN
NO MORE RDP
NO MORE PUTTY
NO MORE REMOTIN