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System Architecture and Components

Introduction

This article provides high-level summaries of the various components of the Login Enterprise platform, explaining their functions and how they work together within the system. It is designed to give you a clear understanding of each component's role and its integration, helping you effectively utilize Login Enterprise for testing, monitoring, and optimizing your environments.

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Virtual Appliance

The Login Enterprise Virtual Appliance is a fully configured virtual machine designed for deployment on hypervisors such as VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix Hypervisor, and Microsoft Azure. It serves as the core of the Login Enterprise platform, hosting a Debian-based operating system, Docker containerization, and databases, as well as a web interface for configuring and managing test scenarios and visualizing results with graphs and charts. Delivered as an OVA or VHD(X) file, the appliance requires a minimum of 4 vCPUs, 8GB RAM, and 100GB disk space for optimal performance, supporting up to 2000 concurrent load test users or 250 continuous test users with an external database.

For more details, see Configuring the Virtual Appliance for the first time.

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Web Interface

The Login Enterprise Virtual Appliance is a web-based interface that serves as the central hub for managing and configuring all aspects of the Login Enterprise platform. This intuitive web interface allows you to set up test configurations, upload application workloads, monitor tests in progress via the Dashboard, and review detailed performance results. It also allows you to manage and configure Launchers, Accounts, alerts/events, measurements, Environments, and Providers. The web interface streamlines managing and optimizing your Login Enterprise setup, making it the command center for all your testing needs. It uses HTTPS for secure and encrypted communication, ensuring the safety of your data and configurations.

For more details, see Getting Started with the Login Enterprise Web Interface.

API

The Login Enterprise platform offers a comprehensive Public API built on REST Web API standards, enabling you to perform various tasks programmatically that are typically done through the Appliance web interface. These include automating configurations, running tests, retrieving data, and processing results. The API supports integration with external systems for advanced use cases such as bulk administration, analytics, and triggering IT workflows based on results or alerts.

To access the API, you can generate tokens with specific permission levels (Read-Only, Schedule, or Configuration) to control what operations can be executed. These tokens ensure secure and flexible API interactions.

Login Enterprise provides tools like Swagger (an API playground) for testing and experimenting with API requests and ReDoc for in-depth documentation of API endpoints. This robust API framework empowers you to streamline workflows, integrate with third-party tools, and achieve efficient data management within your IT environments.

For more details, see Using the Public API.

Debian

The Login Enterprise Virtual Appliance operates on a Debian-based Linux environment, providing a stable and secure foundation for managing performance testing and application compatibility. This Debian OS supports appliance updates, security enhancements, and optimizations, ensuring reliable operation and compatibility with the Login Enterprise platform's features.

For more details, see Updating Debian on the Virtual Appliance.

Containers

Login Enterprise employs containerization technologies such as Docker and Portainer to manage core platform functionalities efficiently. Each container serves a specific role, analogous to Windows services, ensuring modularity and stability within the Login Enterprise Virtual Appliance. These containers power essential operations, streamlining performance, scalability, and maintenance.

For troubleshooting, the Container Status page within the Login Enterprise interface offers insight into the health of each container. Accessible through the System menu, this page provides a detailed status for all containers. Healthy containers are marked accordingly, but deviations can be investigated by downloading log files directly from the platform. These logs can be reviewed using tools like SEQ or sent to support for further assistance.

This functionality supports operational transparency, helping maintain Login Enterprise's reliable performance and ease of management.

For more details, see Monitoring Container Status.

License

Login Enterprise requires a valid license to ensure the platform functions fully and supports Virtual User sessions, testing, and workload management. During initial setup, a 3-day grace license is provided but must be replaced with a valid license to continue testing without interruption. Notifications in the platform interface inform users when licenses are nearing expiration or have expired. Licenses can be updated at any time through the Licensing menu in the Appliance web interface to ensure uninterrupted platform operation.

For more details, see Managing Licenses.

Databases

Login Enterprise provides flexibility in database configuration, allowing you to choose between the default internal PostgreSQL database or an external Microsoft SQL Server database, depending on what best suits your needs. While the internal database is included by default and simplifies setup and management, opting for an external SQL database can offer benefits such as centralized administration, enhanced scalability, and improved compliance with organizational policies. The choice ultimately depends on what is most advantageous for your specific requirements. For example, the internal database may provide ease of use, while an external SQL database allows for features like high availability and advanced security. Additionally, Login Enterprise employs a time-series database, powered by InfluxDB, to store and process platform and session metrics.

For more details, see Configuring Database Data Retention and Configuring External SQL Database.

Maintenance Menu

The Login Enterprise Maintenance Menu, accessible over SSH, provides a user-friendly interface for managing, updating, and troubleshooting the appliance. This menu allows you to configure system settings, manage network interfaces, perform updates, and handle certificates, all within a secure environment. Key features include restarting Login Enterprise services, performing database maintenance, enabling or disabling the SSH server, and accessing a bash shell for advanced troubleshooting. It simplifies appliance management and supports smooth operation with tools like Ping and Netstat for network diagnostics.

For more details, see Using the Maintenance Menu.

Launcher

The Login Enterprise Launcher acts as an endpoint that connects the Login Enterprise virtual appliance to target environments like VMware, Citrix, and others. Available for Windows, Linux, and IGEL, the Launcher facilitates up to 30 concurrent test sessions, executing predefined scenarios to measure performance and ensure targets function as expected. Organizations can monitor real-world latency and performance by strategically positioning Launchers in specific locations, aiding in Continuous, Load, and Application Testing. Launchers leverage API keys for secure credential handling, operate autonomously during tests, and offer flexibility for deployment and scaling across various environments.

For more details, see Launchers Overview and Best Practices.

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Connectors

Login Enterprise simplifies establishing connections to testing targets using a variety of pre-configured and customizable connectors, including Citrix, VMware Horizon, Microsoft RDS, and the Universal Web Connector (UWC). These connectors provide the necessary configuration details to connect to target environments, enabling effective testing and automation of sessions to published applications and desktops.

The UWC enhances flexibility by supporting customized scripts for gateways or unique configurations, such as time-based authentication or advanced connection requirements. It automates login processes, launches applications, and retrieves session files, making it ideal for environments not supported by standard connectors. With both pre-configured and custom options, Login Enterprise offers reliable compatibility and adaptable connection setups for your testing scenarios.

For more details, see Connectors and Universal Web Connector.

Digital Workspaces

In Login Enterprise, a digital workspace represents a target environment or a desktop where Virtual User workloads are executed and measured, serving as the foundation for testing and validation. The software is designed to be agnostic, offering unparalleled flexibility to test and monitor virtually any Windows-based infrastructure. Whether the target is a physical endpoint, such as a laptop or desktop, or a virtual resource like a VDI session, published application, or server-hosted desktop, Login Enterprise ensures seamless integration and performance testing.

Using remoting protocols, the Launcher connects to these environments via test accounts, simulating realistic user interactions to provide detailed performance metrics. Supported environments span across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid configurations, including Microsoft Azure, VMware Horizon, Citrix Cloud, Amazon EC2, Microsoft RDS, and beyond. For virtual environments, the solution connects to published virtual resources through brokers and hosts, navigating resource pools to test virtual desktops or applications. For physical endpoints, the Launcher interacts directly, enabling comprehensive insights into end-user experience on actual hardware.

This flexibility empowers organizations to perform bake-offs, validate infrastructure decisions, and monitor performance across diverse setups. By supporting a wide array of platforms and deployment models—whether cloud-native, hybrid, or traditional on-premises—Login Enterprise adapts to the unique requirements of each organization. The result is a highly versatile tool that meets the demands of modern IT environments while simplifying performance validation and monitoring workflows.

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Engine

The Login Enterprise Engine is a key element in running test sessions initiated by the Logon Component. When a session is designated to execute a test, the Logon Component deploys the Login Enterprise Engine to the target digital workspace desktop environment. The engine drives Virtual User interactions as specified by workloads, interacting with applications and collecting detailed performance measurements. These metrics are communicated back to the Login Enterprise Virtual Appliance, enabling precise evaluation and actionable insights into system and application performance.

For details, see Engine.

Logon Component

The Login Enterprise Logon Component is a feature designed to initiate Virtual User sessions and synthetic operations by connecting to the Login Enterprise Virtual Appliance. It ensures that the platform communicates with the appliance to determine test parameters and activates the engine that executes tests. The Logon Component can be deployed as either an executable or a fallback PowerShell script, depending on the environment's compatibility. While the Logon Executable is the recommended option for most modern systems, the script serves legacy environments that lack support for the executable. Both methods provide flexibility in configuration, allowing integration through AD user profiles, GPO filtering, or UEM tools to suit organizational needs.

For more details, see Configuring Logon Components.

Test Accounts in Active Directory

Login Enterprise Test Accounts are Active Directory (AD) user accounts that must already exist in your AD infrastructure before being configured in the Login Enterprise platform. These accounts enable testing across desktops, profiles, and both virtual and physical environments by mirroring the structure of your AD. Login Enterprise does not create these accounts in AD; instead, it relies on their prior existence to perform Continuous, Load, and Application tests. By simulating real-world user interactions, these accounts allow the platform to measure performance accurately. Test Accounts can be configured in Login Enterprise via bulk creation, support customizable fields for connecting to target platforms, and integrate with custom connectors, streamlining the testing process

For more details, see Managing Virtual User Accounts and Configuring Authentication.

Application Scripting

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Script Recorder

The Login Enterprise Script Recorder enables zero-coding script creation by capturing and recording user inputs, such as mouse clicks and keyboard interactions, during the recording process. Integrated with the Script Editor, it simplifies the creation of scripts, workloads, and workflows for application, load, and continuous testing by identifying UI elements and automating wait logic. This tool reduces script creation time from hours to minutes, allowing users to validate and adjust workflows effortlessly without requiring coding expertise. It supports both in-house and third-party applications, streamlining testing and ensuring a seamless end-user experience.

For more details, see Using the Script Recorder and Understanding the Script Recorder implementation.

Script Editor

The Login Enterprise Script Editor simplifies creating and managing application workflows for Application, Load, and Continuous Tests. It includes functions for designing, debugging, and optimizing workflows, such as syntax error detection, command suggestions, and detailed debugging options. Supporting both executable and browser-based applications, it also integrates // TARGET: comments for CLI automation and includes the Script Recorder for capturing user interactions.

With an extensive library of scripting functions—such as commands for managing files, browsers, and Windows elements—the Script Editor allows precise testing and workflow automation. Functions like If Else, Try Catch, and ForEach enables dynamic and adaptable scripting, making it easier to validate workflows and automate workloads tailored to specific needs.

For more details, see Using the Script Editor.

Application X-Ray

The Login Enterprise Application X-Ray tool simplifies the creation of application workloads by providing a straightforward interface for capturing and scripting user interactions with desktop or web-based applications. Included in the Login Enterprise platform, X-Ray allows you to identify and interact with UI elements, simulate user actions, and generate ready-to-use C# code snippets for workload automation. Supporting Win32 applications and web browsers, X-Ray can bind to applications, detect controls, and execute actions like typing or clicking, making it easy to create and test reliable workflows. This tool enables you to efficiently build and refine synthetic workloads for testing application performance and compatibility across a wide range of environments.

For more details, see Using Application X-Ray.

Monitoring

Event Logger

The Login Enterprise Event Logger integrates with the Windows Event Log Service, providing real-time logging of events from the Login Enterprise Appliance to a Windows machine's Event Viewer. This seamless integration enables organizations to monitor system activity effectively while leveraging tools like Microsoft SCOM for advanced analysis. It tracks functional issues, such as login failures or application errors, and technical problems such as database connection errors, assigning specific event numbers for precise tracking. The Event Logger simplifies system monitoring and helps maintain optimal performance by enhancing visibility and delivering timely insights.

For more details, see Configuring the Event Logger and Integrating Login Enterprise with the Windows Event Log Service.

Encryption

Login Enterprise utilizes advanced encryption technology to ensure secure communications and data protection. Network interactions between components such as the Appliance Web Interface, Launchers, and Engine are encrypted using SSL with protocols TLSv1.2 and TLSv1.3. The platform supports a range of secure ciphers while excluding weaker ones, such as MD5 and RC4, to maintain high-security standards. Passwords are encrypted with AES-256-bit in CBC mode, adhering to FIPS compliance. Additionally, Debian certificate requirements ensure the proper use of trusted ciphers for authentication and communication. This encryption framework provides a reliable foundation for protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of Login Enterprise environments.

For details, see Encryption technology.

Additional resources

To download the OVA, VHD, or VHDX, see Downloads.