VTS Layer Directory

 

Within the VTS installation directory is a VTS layer directory, also named "VTS" (i.e. "C:\VTS\VTS"). The VTS layer directory contains all of the common generic code for standard VTS applications. Applications shipped directly to end-users without original equipment manufacturer (OEM) enhancements would use the standard tags and basic tools provided the VTS layer directory.

When a new standard application is created, it is generated based upon the features and tools of the VTS layer directory. An application directory is added within the VTS installation directory and houses all of the directories and files necessary to the running of the new standard application. In VTS, there are no embedded application directories; all application directories reside on the root of the VTS installation directory.

VTS is shipped without any VTS source code; therefore, user enhancements to the system are handled by creating a standard VTS application, customizing it, and then using it as a base for other applications. This customized application is referred to as a custom or OEM layer.

This custom layer is created in a separate sub-directory within the VTS installation directory, just like all standard application directories. The application can then be customized according to the needs of the system integrator, with features such as custom equipment graphics, private labeling, and so on. The custom layer application is not intended to be run on its own (although it certainly could be), but is ultimately intended as a reference or layer for other end user applications that will be based upon it. Any applications based upon a custom layer inherit all the features of the VTS layer, plus the customized features established in the custom layer. This allows the OEM to create a standard application that can be updated and maintained separately from the end user's applications. The custom layer adds all of the unique characteristics to the OEM version of the software, and also enables the system integrator to use these characteristics as a basis for all of the OEM's installations.

The VTS layer directory contains a variety of important files and sub-directories of which you should be aware. The sections that follow discuss these resources.