# Eliona Marketplace - Installing and Configuring Apps The *Eliona* Marketplace is the central hub for extending platform functionalities with apps. This documentation explains the essential steps for using the Marketplace, from app installation to configuration and debugging. *** ## What is the *Eliona* Marketplace? The *Eliona* Marketplace contains official apps provided or verified by Eliona. These apps enable: * Integration of expert systems * Automatic asset creation * Two-way data and alarm synchronization * Extensions such as SSO, escalations, notifications, and much more. *** ## Basics of *Eliona* Apps *Eliona* apps are based on a **microservice architecture**, where each app is operated as a standalone container. This architecture allows for a modular, scalable, and fault-tolerant system environment—both for the integration of new functions and in daily operation. #### Features of the Microservice Architecture * **Modularity** → Each app can be deployed and maintained independently * **Fault tolerance** → Errors in one app do not affect other apps or the system * **Scalability** → Multiple app instances are possible; ideal for large or distributed systems *** #### Implementation by Eliona or Customers Apps can be: * developed and provided by the *Eliona* team * implemented by customers themselves with the help of the *Eliona App SDK* #### Role of Apps in *Eliona* Apps make it possible to connect *Eliona* with other systems—for example, with building technology, sensors, or specialized applications such as access or energy management systems. This connection ensures that data is automatically exchanged between the systems—in both directions. This keeps information in *Eliona* and in the connected system always up to date. A major advantage: as soon as an app is set up, it automatically recognizes new devices or objects and creates them directly in *Eliona* as so-called assets—without any manual intervention. Alarms from external systems can also be integrated via apps. These are displayed in *Eliona*, where they can be acknowledged and processed further. In addition to data transfer, many apps offer extra functions, for example: * **Login with existing user accounts (SSO)** * **Notifications and escalations via email, chat, or SMS** * **Booking of resources such as rooms or workplaces** This is how apps make *Eliona* the central platform for the digital operation of buildings—networked, automated, and flexibly expandable. *** #### Comparison of Connection Options in *Eliona* *Eliona* offers various ways to connect external systems—depending on the complexity, goal, and technical requirements. The most important options are **Apps**, **Connectors**, and the **Script Engine**. **Apps** Apps offer the most comprehensive integration. They not only connect *Eliona* with other systems but also automatically create suitable assets and keep them synchronized. They enable deep connections—including alarm processing, user login, or booking functions. Many apps are already available in the *Eliona* Marketplace and can be installed and configured with little effort. However, developing new apps requires time and technical know-how. **Advantages:** * Comprehensive, stable connection * Automatic asset creation * Additional functions such as SSO, escalations, or dashboards **To be aware of:** * The development of new apps is more complex and is usually done by Eliona or trained partners **Connectors** Connectors are universal interfaces (e.g., MQTT, Webhook, RESTful, Kafka, OPC UA) that are specifically designed for data exchange. They must be set up and implemented manually. They transmit data but do not offer any additional functions or automatic asset creation. **Advantages:** * Flexible and quick to use for new systems * Supports many common protocols **To be aware of:** * Configuration and processing must be implemented manually * No automatic synchronization or logic included **Script Engine** The Script Engine allows for simple integrations via SQL or Python scripts. It can be used to fetch, edit, or forward data from other sources. It is particularly suitable for light, individual adjustments. **Advantages:** * Quick implementation of simple integrations * Direct access to data and logic **To be aware of:** * Limited for complex requirements * Maintenance and upkeep are the user's responsibility **Common ground** Regardless of the chosen method, all connections can be developed and operated by both the *Eliona* team and by customers or partners themselves—depending on their technical expertise and project requirements. *** #### Examples of *Eliona* Apps *Eliona* offers a variety of apps that enable specific functions or integrations. These apps can be installed via the *Marketplace* and take on central tasks for connectivity, visualization, and automation within the platform. **Integrations into Building Management Technology (BMS)** Apps for connecting to existing building management systems enable seamless integration and central control: * *Niagara Framework* * *ABB Building Edge (OpenBOS)* **Booking Systems** For the management and booking of rooms or resources: * *Microsoft Exchange* **Single Sign-On (SSO)** For central login with existing user accounts: * *SAML*-based systems such as *Microsoft Azure* **Expert Systems** These apps connect *Eliona* with specialized systems and IoT platforms: * *MyStrom*, *Thingdust*, *Glutz*, *Signify* * *Xovis* (People Counter), *Kontakt.io*, *Kentix*, *Zevvy* * *ABB free\@home*, *Loriot.io*, *Roomz*, *GP Joule*, *V-Zug* * *Hailo*, *CoffeeCloud* **Location Monitoring** Apps for locating and tracking the movement of people or objects: * *Localino* * *Kontakt.io* **Escalation and Notification Systems** For forwarding alarms and notifications to external channels: * *SMS*, *Google Chat*, *Slack* **Advanced Analytics and Automation Apps** These apps supplement *Eliona* with AI-supported or correlation-based functions: * **Correlation App** – Recognizes connections and interactions between system data * **Forecast App** – Uses historical data to forecast future values * **Reinforcement Learning App** – Optimizes processes using self-learning algorithms based on feedback *** #### Example of an App: *myStrom* The *myStrom App* is a typical example of a simple but fully integrated *Eliona* app. It shows how an external device—in this case, a smart power outlet—can be connected to *Eliona*. The connection works as follows: 1. The *myStrom* power outlet sends its data (e.g., energy consumption, switching status) over the internet. 2. The *myStrom App* in *Eliona* receives this data via an interface and processes it further. 3. Within *Eliona*, suitable *assets* are automatically created to visualize the data and enable actions. 4. The user can monitor or even switch the power outlet from within *Eliona*—depending on the configuration. This app is lightweight, uses simple REST API communication, and serves as an example of how the integration of external IoT devices into *Eliona* can be implemented—without complex manual steps.