System Architecture Overview

Jollof.com is built on a modular, multi-layered architecture designed to deliver scalable, secure, and seamless lifestyle services across its microsites. The architecture ensures smooth interaction between customers, vendors, delivery partners, and administrators while supporting continuous innovation and platform growth.

1. User Layer

The User Layer represents all client-facing channels through which stakeholders interact with Jollof.com.

• Web Clients: Customers, vendors, and admins access the platform through web browsers.

• Mobile Apps: Dedicated apps for customers, vendors, and delivery partners.

• APIs & SDKs: Provide secure communication between user interfaces and backend services.

• Interfaces:

  • Customer App (Cuisine, Store, Events, Stays, Movies)

  • Vendor Dashboard

  • Rider/Delivery Partner App

  • Admin Console

2. Application Layer

The Application Layer provides domain-specific features and business logic, divided into modular components:

• Microsites: Cuisine, Store, Events, Stays, and Movies — each microsite offers specialized functionality within the unified ecosystem.

• Content Management System (CMS): Enables admins to manage and publish content across all microsites.

• Authentication Service: Secure user login and session management across roles (customers, vendors, riders, admins).

• Payment Gateway Integration: Secure payment processing via Flutterwave and Paystack, supporting cards, bank transfers, and wallets.

• Notification Service: Email and push notifications powered by Gmail SMTP and integrated messaging services.

• Booking & Order Processing Engine: Core engine for handling orders, bookings, reservations, and status updates.

3. Service Layer

The Service Layer consists of modular microservices, ensuring scalability, fault tolerance, and independent deployments.

• API Gateway: Central entry point for all external requests; manages routing, load balancing, API versioning, and rate limiting.

• Microservices: Independent services responsible for key functions, including:

  • User & Profile Management

  • Order & Booking Management

  • Inventory & Vendor Management

  • Payment & Wallet Service

  • Delivery & Logistics Management

  • Review & Ratings Service

• Integration Service: Connects internal microservices with external APIs.

4. Data Layer

The Data Layer ensures secure, fast, and reliable data storage, retrieval, and indexing.

• Database Server: MySQL stores structured data (users, vendors, orders, products, payments, events, stays).

• Caching Layer: Redis accelerates performance by caching frequently accessed data (search queries, order status, menus).

• Search Engine: Elasticsearch powers fast and accurate content search across microsites (products, restaurants, events, movies, accommodations).

• Data Security: Enforced through encryption, access control, and compliance standards.

5. Infrastructure Layer

The Infrastructure Layer provides the foundation for hosting, performance, and scalability.

• Load Balancer: Distributes incoming requests evenly across servers for high availability.

• Web Server: Apache serves static content and routes dynamic requests.

• Application Server: Hosts PHP-based business logic and service orchestration.

• Cloud Hosting: Digital Ocean provides scalable, containerized infrastructure with redundancy and backup.

• Monitoring & Logging: Real-time monitoring of system health, logs, and performance metrics.

6. External Integrations

To enhance functionality, Jollof.com integrates with trusted third-party systems:

• Payment Gateways: Flutterwave and Paystack for secure transaction processing and refunds.

• Email/SMTP Provider: Gmail SMTP for transactional emails, notifications, and marketing campaigns.

• Third-Party APIs: Additional integrations for maps/navigation (delivery routing), ticketing partners, or external vendors.

Summary

This layered architecture provides Jollof.com with a scalable, modular, and secure framework that can adapt to multiple lifestyle domains. By separating responsibilities across user, application, service, data, infrastructure, and integrations, Jollof.com ensures reliable operations, high performance, and flexibility to expand into new verticals as the platform grows.