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The RAFT service layer is designed to fulfill two overlapping needs: create a RESTFUL application programming interface (API) to Cost Object data so that MIT developers can create custom applications and reports easily; and form the services RAFT needs to get Cost Object data and save user budget forecasts. This service API is written in PHP based on a standard PHP framework called Zend. This API provides two main functions: the interface for finding and displaying Cost Object data and the mechanics of turning database tables, columns and rows into JSON objects the presentation tier can read and display.
The database tier for RAFT is a layer of Stored Procedures written in PL-SQL that access Cost Object charges in the MIT Data Warehouse.