Informatica PowerCenter Architecture
Informatica PowerCenter follows a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), consisting of multiple components that work together to perform ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes. The architecture is divided into three main layers:
- Client Layer
- Server Layer
- Repository Layer
1. Client Layer
This layer consists of client tools used by developers, administrators, and users for designing, monitoring, and managing ETL workflows.
Client Components :
- PowerCenter Designer → Used for creating source-to-target mappings.
- Workflow Manager → Used to define and schedule workflows.
- Workflow Monitor → Used for monitoring execution of workflows.
- Repository Manager → Used for managing repository objects and metadata.
- Administration Console → A web-based UI for managing PowerCenter services.
2. Server Layer
The Server Layer executes ETL workflows and manages data movement. It includes two core services:
A. Integration Service
- Executes ETL workflows by fetching data, applying transformations, and loading it into targets.
- Manages session execution, task scheduling, and data transformation.
B. Repository Service
- Manages metadata stored in the repository database.
- Handles connections between client applications and the repository.
Additional Server Components :
- Metadata Manager Service → Provides data lineage and impact analysis.
- Reporting Service → Generates reports on ETL metadata and workflow execution.
3. Repository Layer
This layer stores all ETL metadata in a centralized Repository Database.
Key Features :
- Stores mappings, transformations, sessions, workflows, and configurations.
- Managed by the Repository Service.
- Can be hosted on databases like Oracle, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL.
Informatica PowerCenter Workflow Execution Flow
- Developer designs mappings in PowerCenter Designer.
- Mappings are stored in the Repository Database.
- Workflows are created in Workflow Manager.
- Integration Service executes workflows:
- Reads data from source systems.
- Applies transformations.
- Loads data into target systems.
- Workflow Monitor tracks execution, logs errors, and provides reports.
Diagram Representation of Informatica Architecture
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| Client Layer |
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| Designer, Workflow Mgr |
| Workflow Monitor |
| Repository Manager |
| Admin Console |
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| Server Layer |
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| Integration Service |
| Repository Service |
| Metadata Manager |
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| Repository Layer |
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| Repository Database |
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Key Benefits of Informatica Architecture :
* Scalability – Can process large data volumes efficiently.
* Fault Tolerance – Supports failover and recovery mechanisms.
* Metadata-Driven – Centralized metadata repository improves governance.
* High Performance – Uses parallel processing for optimized ETL execution.
* Security – Role-based access control ensures data protection.
