Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
13
1.2.3. IT Architecture
Electronic Single Windows are complex IT systems that are either implemented through a
centralised or distributed architecture. In a centralised architecture agencies and stakeholders
use Single Window services through the Single Window infrastructure and system. In a
distributed architecture agencies and stakeholder access Single Window services through their
own IT systems and infrastructure, but ideally still use a common data layer.
The centralized architecture, se - represents the organizational setup where the Single
Window is hosting the basic agencies processes and users access the Single Window services
through a single portal, which is the presentation layer of the IT architecture.
In a distributed IT Architecture, the Single Window is a platform for exchange of data and
information and connects to other external system, se The agencies host their own IT
applications and data in their internal IT systems and connect through the Single Window
taxonomy, which is the exchange layer, and the portal services, which is the presentation layer,
with the common Single Window services. Applications can be hosted on either the external or
the Single Window system with, ideally, a common data layer on the Single Window system.
Figure 4: Single Window Centralised IT Architecture
Source: Authors’ own construction