Project Overview

The challenge was to support a growing demand for advanced media data processing, real-time generative media, and efficient content distribution while preserving the integrity of existing, field-proven software. Customers needed a solution that could address multiple application areas, including smart cities, IoT connectivity, and edge gateway operations. The new hardware roadmap was designed to provide cost efficiencies, improved reliability, and an adaptable physical form factor, all while enabling developers to leverage a robust, no-code environment.

Challenges

Service providers had several critical requirements to address:

  • Legacy Integration: Avoiding redundant software non-recurring engineering (NRE) and maximising the reuse of proven application software was essential.
  • Seamless Transition: Maintaining a unified software application across both legacy systems and new edge devices was necessary to minimise differentiation and support costs.
  • Application Complexity: The inxware-lucid applications encompassed hundreds of no-code function blocks, equating to thousands of lines of conventional code. Handling real-world scenarios and exception cases in a 24/7/365 service environment was a formidable task.
  • Market Demands: Providers needed to ensure that their products maintained high standards of software capability and maturity while swiftly adapting to new market opportunities.

Our Solution

Leveraging the inxware platform, developers were able to transition to a new, modular edge computing system without rewriting their entire software base. The Lucid no-code environment played a pivotal role in this transition:

  • Rapid Innovation: Developers could build on their existing high-quality, self-documenting software from day one. This allowed for a smooth, continuous evolution of their applications without the delays typically associated with traditional coding.
  • Unified Application Management: The single-application approach, powered by no-code function blocks, enabled consistent performance across diverse hardware configurations. This ensured that both legacy and new edge devices operated seamlessly together.
  • Scalable Development: With the no-code strategy, service providers could implement radical changes with minimal risk and cost, ensuring that their products were well-equipped to address new market opportunities without accumulating technical debt.

This solution was massively aided by the use of key function blocks such as HTTP URL Get and SMIL (Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language) Parser. These helped by: 

HTTP URL Get:

  • Facilitates streamlined retrieval of remote data.
  • Ensures efficient communication between different system components.
  • Simplifies integration with external web services.
HTTP URL Get Function Block in use

SMIL Playlist Parser:

  • Enables organised media scheduling and playback.
  • Parses and interprets SMIL playlists to manage multimedia content.
  • Supports dynamic media presentation across devices.
SMIL Playlist Parser Function Block in use

Outcomes and Benefits

Media Player Function Block in use

The adoption of a no-code approach delivered several significant benefits:

  • Cost Efficiency: Development in a no-code environment meant that iteration and debugging took less time, causing significant cost savings.
  • Enhanced Reliability: With legacy applications seamlessly integrated into the new system, overall system reliability improved while maintaining high service quality.
  • Streamlined Support: A unified application running across diverse hardware platforms minimised support complexities and reduced ongoing maintenance costs.
  • Agility in Innovation: The rapid deployment of no-code solutions allowed developers to quickly adapt to changing market demands, ensuring that their edge computing products remained competitive and future-proof.