What is Frank!Framework?

Transparent open source platform based on Java

Connect systems in a simple way

The Frank!Framework is the basis for the integration of systems and applications in your company. It is an open source framework based upon Java, that has been developed by WeAreFrank! to make it relatively easy to create (low code) custom-made Java connections for (complex) operating systems.

The name says it all: Frank!Framework is an open and transparent platform, that can be used by anyone. Moreover it features a management module (the Frank!Console), that offers the user an extensive overview of the status of the connections and data, at all times.

With Frank!Framework customized connections are achieved for complex systems and applications

Construction of the Frank!Framework

A standard Frank!Framework is composed of three parts:

  1. Frank!Framework (based upon Java)
  2. Application / Frank! (Java)
  3. Frank!Adapters (based upon XML)

These three components each have their own function.

1) Frank!Framework

The Frank!Framework is the core for an integration between systems. It consists of a selection of best-of-breed Java libraries, standard Java-frameworks and a number of default connections to commonly-used systems. To achieve a custom-made connection between two systems, you don’t need to make any adjustments.

2) Application / Frank!

The application provides the connection between the adapters and the basic framework. The adapter can communicate with the Frank!Framework through the application. Both the basic framework and the application are based on Java. These integration components are previously-built, extensive integrations between often-used company- and Cloud applications. They have been built on our Frank!Framework.They are fully managed and tested and can be installed and configured quite quickly without extra IT resources.

In addition, the application contains the Frank!Console, the management module to monitor whether all processes are going well. The application is also responsible for possible processing of data.

3) Frank!Configurations

The Frank!Configurations are the dynamic part within the Frank!Framework. They are needed to make the connection between the various systems. That is why the application always contains one or more configurations.

A configuration is an XML-file that indicates specifically what the system should do. For example, importing an incoming document through FTP into an Oracle-database. On the one hand, adapters realize connections between systems and applications that are not yet able to communicate well. On the other hand, adapters contain the business logic to process data, thus enabling them to convert and transfer documents and data from one system to another.

Connecting to ESB

Frank!Framework can connect two systems directly. It is also possible, as shown in the image below, to connect the framework to an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB)