> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.directenergypartners.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is NATS?

First of all, a brief explanation on what **NATS** is. NATS (Neural Autonomic Transport System) is an open-source messaging system
ideal for cloud-native applications, IoT messaging, and microservices architectures. It offers:

* **High Performance**: Handles millions of messages per second.
* **Low Latency**: Delivers sub-millisecond latency.
* **Scalability**: Scales effortlessly to millions of connections.
* **Simple API**: Features a straightforward, easy-to-use API.
* **Lightweight**: Utilizes minimal system resources.

### NATS in Power Platform Application

Direct Energy Partners employs NATS for two-way communication between its controller and external applications.
This setup allows applications like PMS to monitor and control power and energy resources efficiently.

### Communication Patterns

1. **Publish/Subscribe**: External applications subscribe to topics for updates like real-time energy consumption data or alerts.
2. **Request/Reply**: Applications send requests to the controller for actions (e.g., adjusting power settings) and receive immediate responses.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/directenergypartners/ihTIeg5TQ18HYBs4/images/nats_visualization.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=ihTIeg5TQ18HYBs4&q=85&s=bba60e5e556d1a6c654fbaaaa39aba55" alt="NATS" style={{ margin: 'auto' }} width="2000" height="1545" data-path="images/nats_visualization.png" />