A Unified Archive Architecture for Enterprise Software

Enterprise software has accumulated unnecessary complexity, with each application reinventing its own installer, configuration format, logging system, credential store, backup mechanism, and deployment process. We believe there is a simpler approach.

Introduction to the Unified Archive Architecture

Instead of treating an archive as something that is unpacked during installation, we propose that the archive itself becomes the application. This approach eliminates the need for separate installations, configurations, and backups.

The Unified Archive Model

In this model:

• An application is distributed as one signed archive containing its executables, configuration, documentation, and resources.
• The runtime accesses everything directly from the archive, without extracting or copying data to the filesystem.
• The archive serves as:
  • Distribution package
  • Deployed application
  • Backup
  • Migration artifact
  • Rollback image

Benefits of the Unified Archive Model

The unified archive model offers several benefits:

• Simplified deployment: No need to install or configure separate packages.
• Reduced complexity: A single, well-defined archive format replaces multiple disparate systems.
• Improved security: The archive serves as a self-contained security boundary, with encrypted data and cryptographically signed executables.

Zero-Trust by Design

The unified archive model also enables zero-trust architecture:

• Every archive is cryptographically signed before execution.
• Sensitive data is encrypted using modern authenticated encryption, with keys protected by public-key cryptography and hardware-backed private keys.
• The archive can be stored anywhere without trusting the storage provider.

One Library, Many Applications

The unified archive format can support a wide range of applications:

• Secure credential storage
• Durable append-only message queues
• Tamper-evident transaction logs
• Backups and disaster recovery
• Secure replication
• Application deployment

By building upon well-tested primitives, these systems share a common foundation without requiring separate implementations.

Open by Design

Our goal is not to build another installer but to eliminate installation altogether. The underlying technology is intentionally general, with problems shared across the software industry:

• We believe that this approach can benefit the entire industry, rather than being specific to our own products.
• Our objective is to provide a unified solution that streamlines enterprise software development and deployment.

By adopting the unified archive architecture, you can simplify your application lifecycle, improve security, and reduce complexity. Join us in embracing a more streamlined and efficient approach to enterprise software development.