About DataGrid

For co-operative data. For co-operative grids.

The Problem

Co-ops want IP whitelisting

Defense in depth. Pantheon makes this expensive and inflexible.

PHP + SQL Server = pain

Many co-ops use legacy MS SQL Server. PHP does a poor job with these data sources. Integration projects are becoming more common.

Pantheon's "solution": $2,500 proprietary tunnel

Per project. Not turn-key. Not portable. Doesn't come with us if we leave Pantheon.

Pantheon vendor lock-in

At their mercy for database drivers and infrastructure. Bluebonnet's outage webform broke for 3-4 months when Runtime 2 dropped ODBC support.

No local development

Tunnel is on Pantheon. Locked out locally. Push code, cross fingers, hope it works.

Result: Expensive, difficult, slow-to-develop solutions and pricey vendor lock-in.

The Solution

DataGrid lets PHP do what it's good at (front-end display), and Python do what it's good at (data handling, API interop). We own the entire solution. No vendor lock-in. No surprise support drops.

Universal connectivity

SFTP, REST, JSONAPI, SOAP. Connects to Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQL Server and just about anything else.

Easy IP whitelisting

Static IP attached to our VM. Co-ops can whitelist immediately.

Portable forever

Co-ops own this solution for as long as they're members. Not tied down to any vendor.

Operational already

Deployed and working. Just need to migrate and build projects.

Simple Drupal integration

Just use Feeds with SFTP fetcher + Key module. Clean, straightforward and dead-simple to set up by any SHiNE team member.

Local development works

Devs can connect locally for development and debugging. No more crossing fingers.

Result: Click-in-place integration with a wide array of data sources and zero-friction IP whitelisting, saving $2,500 / project.

What This Means for Co-ops

More than brochure-ware

We can do serious data integration with tools designed for their systems.

$1,500 savings vs Pantheon

Portable solution they own for as long as they're members. Not tied to any vendor.

REST, JSONAPI, SOAP support

Common interchange protocols. We speak their data languages.

What This Means for Member Relations

A new tool that enlarges our digital footprint and technology leadership.

Recruitment

For co-ops who want to do more with their data and their site. We help them serve their members and not just display pictures and text.

Retention

Co-ops will rely on DataGrid alongside SHiNE and our other offerings.

Revenue

DataGrid is a collection of data connection services, spearheaded by the DataGrid Python microservice. We're more than just SFTP server shares now.

Real-time account data

Co-op wants it on their site? DataGrid connects it.

Custom development

Usage and billing data? DataGrid provides the feed.

Third-party integrations

Billing systems, CRMs? DataGrid handles secure access.

Analytics dashboards

DataGrid pulls the data. We build the experience.

Service that competitors don't have

Hear "data integration" or "IP whitelisting"? You have a solution.

Bottom line: We're not just a web shop. We're a technology partner offering real data services. This is how we compete and win.

What Now?

DataGrid is deployed and operational. The infrastructure is boring (in a good way). The exciting part is what we build on top of it.

Start conversations with co-ops about custom development, integrations, and data services.
Position TSE as a technology partner, not just a web vendor.
Explore new revenue opportunities with existing clients.
Build solutions that were previously too expensive, time-consuming or complex.

View Live Dashboard to see it in action.