Connex is designed as a self-contained electronic payment processing system, primarily operating within z/OS environments. Its architecture includes several key components:
1. **Transaction Switch:** This component manages the routing of transactions between different endpoints, such as ATMs, POS devices, and host systems.
2. **Authorization Module:** Responsible for verifying the validity of transactions and obtaining authorization from the card issuer. 3.
**Settlement Engine:** Processes the financial settlement of transactions between different parties. 4. **Systems Management Console:** Provides a centralized interface for monitoring and managing the system.
These components communicate via internal messaging queues and inter-process communication mechanisms. Connex uses databases or storage mechanisms to store transaction data, configuration parameters, and audit logs. The system likely exposes APIs for integration with other systems, supporting protocols for communication.
Security is enforced through authentication methods and access control models. Competing products offer similar functionalities, but Connex distinguishes itself through its integration within the FIS Payment System and its focus on providing a self-contained solution.