Client's Industry
Manufacturing and Distribution
Business Challenges
- Online Store Presence for B2B (primary) and B2C (secondary) markets.
- Integrate existing Enterprise System with eCommerce option.
- eCommerce application independent of existing network infrastructure with the exception of enterprise data warehousing systems.
- Web-based application using current enterprise data systems to supply user with unlimited information without manipulating current data structures.
Benefits & Results
- Streamlined business operations.
- Increased productivity.
- Reduction of in-house and server side staffing needs.
- Centralized data storage.
- Centralized control over data.
- Reduced costs.
- Manageable and efficient knowledge base for the client.
- User friendly.
- Reduction of costly annual product catalogs and telephone customer service.
Tools Used
- ASP
- BPCS/EPCS
- C++
- Cisco™ PIX™ technology
- COM/DCOM
- CSS
- Informix 7.31
- Java/JavaScript
- Lotus Notes/Domino
- Microsoft Information Server
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft Windows Server
- SSI
- SSL
- VBScript
- Visual Basic
- Windows API
Solution
Technology is evolving at the speed of light. New products and developments are introduced everyday, making it difficult for companies to justify investing in these new tools. When your company is not Internet based to begin with, you can encounter several barriers as you attempt to grow and evolve. Companies seek to protect their current technology investments, while adding new features such as funding and time warrants. No business wants to reinvent its entire infrastructure as new technologies are continually unveiled.
With the client outlined in this case study, Azavar™ Technologies engineered a way to protect the client's previous investment in its enterprise database system and Web presence, while simultaneously adding a new eCommerce option. The result was a pioneering technological achievement that integrates a front-end Web application with BPCS.
The technology utilized in this solution is consistent with the industry's highest quality standards, such as Microsoft's Servers and Application Development products, as well as our Three-Tier Architecture (server-side, middleware and interface).
The proposed solution was implemented with Microsoft Windows Server and IIS to host the website. To provide site functionality, we implemented a three-tier solution comprised of ASP powered user interfaces, a Business Logic middleware layer and a Database and Server layer. These tiers were designed for development in Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft SQL Server as necessary, ASP, which allowed the execution of server side scripts and object implementation, SSI, HTML, DHTML, JavaScript, CSS and VBScript.
To preserve the client's data integrity, Azavar constructed a data warehousing solution in a distributed environment with upgraded EPCS (primarily BPCS), Informix 7.31 and Microsoft SQL Server as necessary. Azavar, with partner SSA, determined the handshaking necessary between interfaces and server-side applications during the project design phase. Middleware databases allowed us to build an additional layer of customer and product data on top of current Informix-based data, without disrupting the current network architecture balance and security, yet still keeping data up-to-date in a real-time environment.
Data security and integrity was maintained by a custom designed authentication component that incorporates Windows NT and ASP based security as necessary. We also implemented additional levels of security such as SSL industry standard protocol that were customized for sensitive data areas This SSL encryption was used to "tunnel" ODBC connections between the network and the Web server. Cisco™ PIX™ technology was also used to control data access.
This solution seamlessly integrated with the network. We developed a robust Web presence that operated outside of the client's existing network and communicated in real-time with their accounting, inventory and customer data.
We used this solution for three reasons:
- This distributed network architecture allowed us to build a robust eCommerce application that was independent of the client's network with the exception of its enterprise data warehousing systems. This solution minimized the need for in-house staffing and server side management, but still gives them control of the site and its content.
- The second tier of database objects allowed us to use their current enterprise data systems, thus providing online users with unlimited product and customer information (e.g., product descriptions, white papers, data analysis, MSDS sheets, images and pictures, etc.) without manipulating their current data structures. When users navigate the site, they see data from two databases, tied in together through an OLE DB source. Microsoft SQL Server is tied to Informix using COM objects and APIs. A secured tunnel configured between Microsoft SQL Server and BPCS/Informix 7.x keeps the data private. In the end, the client was able to meet its goal of getting information to users easily and cost effectively.
- The solution was more company friendly, user-friendly and cost-effective. Paramount to any eCommerce application is the ability to purchase or navigate at anytime, from any computer, from any location. The client's users, the typical small business office, were using local ISP or AOL to connect to the Internet and would have had significant problems viewing the site if it was not based on lowest-common denominator industry standards. The primary rationale behind this recommendation was to keep the client-side Web architecture simple and elegant. From the client's perspective, ASP were more scalable and provided for easy maintenance by their staff.
The site was developed so that the majority of users could easily access the site and have a positive experience. Thus, this site was developed for people using Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or greater, viewing with a 15" monitor (a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels) or better and connecting at speeds of 28.8 Kbps or greater.
For pioneering this solution, Azavar has been recognized by SSA for our outstanding achievement in fostering the software's advancement into the Web economy.
The client mentioned here was equally impressed with our ability to protect their previously invested time and expenditure, while simultaneously creating new avenues for them to remain competitive in the world of Internet technology. |
