Web-Based Application Development - Case Study Example

?Technologies Introduction The use of web based applications has been widely adopted in recent times. The evolution of webbased applications has also experienced improved security and stability in the ways it has been implemented. Many organizations as a result have embraced it openly and this has been witnessed by vast migration from use of convectional stand alone software platforms to use of web based applications. Examples of such web based application are already being seen in email services through the use of online email clients, online back-up facilities as provided by companies such as IBM and Microsoft (Vincent Wade, 2006). Recently gaming is being developed to run on web based platforms usually through cloud frameworks. All these are just but a few of the approaches the web dimension is availing to provide alternative solutions to stand alone systems. Overview The Sanix case study Sanix is a major accounting firm with that deals with auditing of accounts for both medium and small scale enterprises (SME). At the moment they rely in their distributed branches situated in major cities in United Kingdom. These branches are more specifically located in Bristol, Chester, Derby, Leeds, Westminster and London which is the company’s headquarters. At the onset of automating its accounting business, Sanix outsourced development of its accounting software from Brists Software, a company that is a major software developer for large enterprise system. The software was fully licensed to Sanix and it was to facilitate the processing of accounting figures, generate graphical reports and charts, carry out financial analysis and keep track of all audited contracts. A copy of the software was distributed to all branches and performed its roles independently. Because the system was incorporated almost 10 years ago, Sanix have felt that the system has fallen short of addressing its new challenges. This has been greatly outweighed by new taxation policies and rates that have been introduced in the recent times by U.K government and which its legacy accounting system does not support. Furthermore Sanix have been outstretched by the accumulated data they handle that works beyond the system’s capacity which demands not only a scalable system but also a networked environment. Recently Sanix have also spread its operations to four other smaller towns in remote U.K and mangling these new centers has become rigid and cumbersome. This is accrued to the lack of real time based accounting systems. All these have created bureaucratic tendencies in how they track contracts as well as added costs in employing more IT personnel to support their systems from distributed points. Convectional organization of current system The diagram below describes how Sanix’s present accounting system operates Analysis of the problem From Sanix problem statement, with regards to the use of their convectional desktop based software, there are several needs that present itself. These are: the need for scalability that is the need for a system that accommodates flexibility as requirements evolve over time. Secondly is the need for control (Grove, 2009 ). This requires a system that supports a distributed operation but one which can be handled from a centralized point of view. Also the need for a cost effective solution that is affordable to acquire and maintain. Web-based Application as a solution Suitability of web based approach Web based approach comes along with immense solutions that justifies itself as the best option to Sanix’s operation challenges. These are as follows: First of all web based applications are cross platform. This is unlike the use of traditional installed software that has to be developed exclusively on given operating system. In this case Sanix have been running their accounting software on windows XP platform (Vincent Wade, 2006). This has often forced the company to rely on window based operating systems in order for its systems’ to run. With the adoption of a web based application, Sanix will be free to run their application across multiple operating systems be it Mac, Linux or Windows. The only requirement in this case would only be a web browser. Secondly the choice for a web based application is improved management. This is because web based applications are only set up from a single server thereby minimizing workloads on the end users workstation. This further allows for easier maintenance as well as easier updating of the system as it will be done from a central access point. Web applications are also ideal as they are highly deployable. This is so because of it manageability and cross platform support. In the case of Sanix, it would be ideal as it will incorporate remote sites visible from the dispersion of its entities (Grove, 2009 ). Users across its branched networks will now only be required to have log in privileges and internet access to make use of the system. The impact that comes with this is increased access to Sanix’s systems as well as improved relationship between Sanix’s headquarters and other branches. Considering the fact that most of Sanix’s data resided in its branches and which had to be moved around between branches and headquarters, this always comes with increased insecurity in how data is handled and accessed. However the use of a web based system provides a means through which data is consolidated at one spot and alleviates the need to have users access without the warrant of a backend privilege. Finally the use of a web based application is the lowering of costs as a result of minimal maintenance and support on end user system. This is majorly provided courtesy of the simple architecture rendered by web based applications. Web based technologies available Web 2.0 This is an integration of web features that allows for collaborative sharing of information, user based design and interoperability (Grove, 2009 ). The use of web 2.0 has seen the use of modern technologies and frameworks such as Ajax and Flash in making responsive web applications as well as standardizing web based services. Key to this, technologies such as Ajax has greatly provided rich user experience in developing web based applications. One of the advantages of Web 2.0 technologies that Sanix will find advantageous is the fact that most of them are open source and hence free. For example AJAX is totally free to adopt and use, this has also seen the rise of open source frameworks such as JQuery and Json adopt it. With such a core web technology at such minimal cost Sanix can rely of making use of it in developing and improving its web based application cost effectively. Cloud computing As the web has advanced over time so is the way in which computing has been transformed. Cloud computing is a concept that has revolutionized how web based technologies are availed (Zaigham Mahmood, 2011). This refers to a concept in which computing as well as storage is delivered as a service. This is achieved through entrusting user’s data, application and computation over a network. Thus users can always access web based applications through a web browser or a lightweight desktop application. In this case data and software are stored on servers remotely (Zaigham Mahmood, 2011). This enables business enterprises such as Sanix have their web based applications deployed faster with improved manageability with more flexibility as resources needs and demands changes over time. Justification of a web based application system The recommendation that warrants the adoption of web based application as a solution to Sanix’s convectional system is mainly supported by how a web based approach mitigates it present woes. First of all this is the only alternative to use of convectional installable software, this already justifies the lack of an alternative source (Grove, 2009 ). Secondly is how the nature of web based software best satisfies the demand as depicted under the current system’s constraints which are: web application is cheaper do deploy over developing stand alone software, web based application will support easier management of Sanix’s distribute network, also the fact that as the operational needs of Sanix change over time, so is the adaptability of the web based application to offer more scalability as its requirements evolve. Web based Application: System overview The development of a web based application to support Sanix’s accounting needs entails three phases. These are the server-side backend, the client-side interface and the database. The server-side backend refers to where the processing unit resides, in other words the codes and the logic that facilitates all accounting operations. This could be algorithms that perform accounting computations, report generation, data querying as well as user management and data analytics (Vincent Wade, 2006). Usually several server side scripting technologies can be deployed depending on the developers choice. This could either be accomplished by using server side scripts such as PHP, JSP or .NET. This could also be developed from scratch or through use of code libraries frameworks and tools that provide readymade algorithms that can be used for rapid Application development. The client-side interface is where users of the system interact with the application usually the simpler the design the better (Grove, 2009 ). In the case of web-based application client side scripting languages such as AJAX can be incorporated to make usability easier. In other words this is the part of application only accessible to end user of the system. It incorporates the use of forms to feed in data as well as visual interface through which users can view reports and data. Since this is a web-based application, this can only be rendered via the browser and it is essential that it is made as much browser compatible as possible. In order to access a web based application interface users have to be provided with an address. This can either be as a domain name, and IP number notation. Lastly is the database. Like the server-side backend, the database resides in the server side. In most cases it is provided by the host. It stores all user data in the case for Sanix this could be accounting and audit figures generated by the users. Databases come in different types common being Oracle, MSQL, SQL and Ms Access. Again, the choice of the database depends mostly on the developer’s specialty or the choice of license (Grove, 2009 ). Other influencing factors would include host support since not all hosts support all database management systems. The figure below illustrates a web based accounting system. Challenges that might accrue with use of new web based system Adoption of web based technology has come with it several challenges that have to be addressed if Sanix is to have its new web based approach running. They include: Visual design Web based applications represents a strange concept that picks its concept from the real software and the real website (Grove, 2009 ). Usability issues usually affects how the system is to be rendered, for instance is the system button present in convectional application be rendered as links or as buttons? Web based platforms further relies a lot on pixel concept that is highly depended on factors such as resolution and frequency (Vincent Wade, 2006). It is therefore up to Sanix to seek for designers well equipped in delivering visual aided system that is ergonomic. Interactivity challenge Since having knowledge on how users manage their screens is critical, one of the challenge posed is how all the data entry will be rendered. Considering the case of Sanix where data is mainly numerical and tabulated this it would entail long and detailed fields of entry. This yet begs the choice of how information can be logically ordered (Grove, 2009 ). The dynamics presented by this could very challenging unlike the use of convectional software that allows for ‘back and forth’ access within the same window. It is these simple concepts such as how a back button will be designed that makes developing web applications from a designer’s perspective a technical task. Securing web based applications Running an application on the web is a challenge, and with it comes many forms of attacks that come as a result of increased accessibility (J.D. Meier, 2003). However Sanix can always ensure stringent measures are put in place to secure they web based application portal. This will not eliminate the existence of such threats but will also minimize cases of cyber attacks such as phishing and hacking that are common with web based platforms. One of the security measures when considered during design phase is validation of input. This would eliminate attacks done by embedding malicious query strings through form fields, HTTP headers and cookies (J.D. Meier, 2003). This will also go a long way in eradicating SQL injection. Secondly is the use of sound configuration management. This should provide control on user accounts as well as monitor user privileges and access permissions. Other secure measures would entail use of secure protocols such as HTTPS that will ensure transmission path are encrypted even within virtual private networks eliminating the case of eavesdropping on the company’s data (Grove, 2009 ). Also on the data management side secure data encryption methods can be deployed to protect data access by attackers. This also goes without mentioning the fact that an awareness program has to be facilitated to make system users informed on the adverse effects that come with insecurity and how they can be empowered to mitigate such risks. Implementation of web based systems The implementation of a web based accounting system by Sanix entails several key steps that have to be analyzed (Vincent Wade, 2006). First is the deployment consideration phase. This will entail Sanix reviewing its corporate security policies as well as the infrastructure the application is to be deployed on. When designing such applications tradeoffs are required, for example as a result of port restrictions. This should also entail identification of constraints in the early design phase. Secondly is the implementation phase where the actual web based application is coded and engineered into a fully performing application. However there are several software development prototypes that can be used in the implementation phase. Developers of such system can either choose to use water fall model, spiral or even incremental approach depending on their preference (Vincent Wade, 2006). Once this has been accomplished hopefully through successful tests and quality assurance methods, the application can then be deployed through a hosting service. Deployment will entail either Sanix secure the service of a hosting company or a cloud based support. The later being more preferable as it provides for cost effective and scalable solutions. Furthermore cloud vendors are often known to provide thorough user added services such as security to their clients (Zaigham Mahmood, 2011). However the implementation of web based application should not be a onetime venture but should be a continuous life cycle whereby continuous improvements should be regularly implemented and the system be constantly evaluated so a to provide a means through which improvements can be made over time. Conclusion Evaluation In my own evaluation, I would recommend the adoption of a web based accounting suite as an option to convectional software. Considering the distributed nature of Sanix as an organization, this raises the need for a scalable system that will be able to accommodate their future expansion. The need for hosting a web based accounting system on a cloud network is one of the options I would put on their table. This is due to the robust architecture provided by cloud technologies over the use of convectional web hosting. In this case scalability is very much possible with cloud based platforms which is cost effective as well. Furthermore hosting on a cloud framework minimizes the security costs as these are easily availed by cloud vendors (Zaigham Mahmood, 2011). The choice of cloud based infrastructure has to be assessed from a professional point of view especially in choosing a cloud vendor. The need for an even more experienced consulting organization or individual has to be involved in this process. Also in my opinion staffs have to be made aware of this new platform as it comes with many new technologies as well as challenges that have to be understood. The need for training is more paramount than ever if the transition from a convectional platform to a web based platform is to be facilitated harmoniously. Recommendation After the evaluated of what Sanix’s new solutions entail, I am more convinced that a web based solution and particularity a cloud based one is the way to go (Zaigham Mahmood, 2011). Despite the challenges that this report has highlighted I find the realization of this solution attainable given the fact that every challenge came with it an amicable solution. I also further recommend that Sanix seek services of well established organizations in this case developers, consultants and service providers to make this solution viable (Zaigham Mahmood, 2011). It is only by working with such that great insights and mature solution can be developed and conceptualized to support the realization of a sufficient system. Professionalism I also have a strong feeling that the paper has followed all the professionalism that is required for the work of academic papers. The use of references is also evident with the references which are found at the end of the paper and the citations which are in-text. Future works It is my proposal the future should address the development and improvements of web based platforms. One of the most demanding areas is security. Still internet is under the constant threat of cyber attacks inform of identity theft, phishing and malwares that affect individual and organizational confidence in adopting web based platforms (Vincent Wade, 2006). It is also my proposal that internet base service providers seek to improve their service delivery be it security, technology or services be done so as to motivate the uptake of internet as the platform of choice. Of course all these are evolutionary processes, but all stakeholders should participate in making this vision a reality. Bibliography Grove, R.F., 2009. Web Based Application Development. Jones & Bartlett Learning. J.D. Meier, A.M.M.D.S.V.R.E.a.A.M., 2003. Design Guidelines for Secure Web Applications. [Online] Available at: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff648647.aspx [Accessed 16 May 2012]. Vincent Wade, H.L.A.B.S., 2006. Adaptive Hypermedia And Adaptive Web-Based Systems. 4th ed. Dublin: Springer. Zaigham Mahmood, R.H., 2011. 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