> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://community-test.logicnets.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://community-test.logicnets.com/release-9/platform-documentation/advanced-topics/external-document-storage/ess-basics/introduction-to-external-document-storage.md). # Introduction to External Document Storage External document storage refers to storing data outside of the LogicNets system; for example, structured data generated by a protocol running in the LogicNets Assessment Application might need to be stored in a system that is outside of LogicNets. Data (document) that is stored in the external system must be loadable by LogicNets to rebuild a previous protocol session. The LogicNets system can be started by the External System such way that the LogicNets system knows which document must be loaded or that the LogicNets system provides a UI that allows users to select documents stored on an external storage system. ### External Storage System (ESS) * (Optionally) Provides a UI to the user to create, open, delete documents * (Optionally) Implements document version management * Ensures that one document is opened by one user at a time * (Optionally) Handles access rights * Start the LogicNets system to create or edit a document * Offers a web-service for loading documents * Offers a web-service for saving documents ### LogicNets Systems (LS) * (Optionally) Verifies user authentication and authorization * Validates whether the document is already opened by another user or in another session * Loads the document from the external storage system * Creates a LogicNets session from the loaded document * Determines based on the start-parameters or the installed protocols which protocol needs to be started. When necessary it interacts with the user to select a protocol. * Starts the Assessment Protocol with the loaded document * Allows the user to interact with the protocol * Updates the document meta data in such way the document can be reloaded a next time * Saves the document to the external storage system --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://community-test.logicnets.com/release-9/platform-documentation/advanced-topics/external-document-storage/ess-basics/introduction-to-external-document-storage.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.