Application Consulting

One of the core domains of Connect Interactive is application consulting for businesses. Interactive's consulting work covers the entire lifecycle of an Internet application, from feasibility analysis to the post-launch service level agreement.

What can an Internet application do for me?
An Internet application is an online system that has the functionality to carry out or complement your business activities and processes on the Internet. What it can do for you will depend on the nature and industry of your business or organisation. It can be an intelligent public website that allows two-way communication between you and your customers, a 24/7/365 shopfront, or a secured corporate intranet that enables centralised management of information assets as well as instant, cost-effective collaboration among your staff beyond geographical barriers.

Why Internet application?
An Internet application gives a unified method of access because they don't require manual installation of client software on individual client computers or terminals. Everything is available through just a Web browser and a network connection. If it's on the Internet, the possibilities are limitless.

The Project Lifecycle
An Internet application development project typically takes 6 to 12 weeks and involves the following processes in the planning, design, implementation, and maintenance:

• Requirements Analysis
  The Client's needs are identified and the feasibility of the overall project and individual requirements is assessed. Different options for architecting and implementing the solution are discussed. This process is vastly different from getting a quote on a vehicle or a manufactured product. Not only is it because an Internet application is worth more than a car, but because it is a strategic business decision and the requirements vary greatly from one client to another.

• Development Proposal
  Following the initial analysis, a formal development proposal is put together. It stipulates the scope of work, phases of implementation, estimated delivery timeline, and costs. In case the outcome of the project incurs a business partnership or a consortium, a memorandum of understanding between the concerned parties is also formulated.

• Procurement and Configuration of Software and Hardware
  Once the proposal has been signed off by the Client, the actual work begins. Interactive procures any necessary software and/or hardware as specified in proposal, especially if the application is to be housed in the Client premises. If, on the other hand, the outcome of the project takes advantage of the shared hosting facilities at Connect, no additional hardware or software will be necessary in most cases.

• User Interface Design
  The application is broken down to different functional modules and the user interfaces, navigation, and page layout of each module is constructed. While the existing corporate design identity is preserved, the overall look-and-feel of the application focuses on consistency and usability such that each group or type of users is able to access the application, locate the information they are after, and carry out their intended task with ease and in the shortest possible timeframe.

• Functionality Development
  The actual functionality for each of the modules is built around their respective user interfaces and according to the proposed specifications. A back-end database is constructed and populated as many of the modules typically interact with the database to store and retrieve information.

• Testing and Launch
  The application is made available at a testing location for testing across all user types and access levels to ensure the application delivers the intended functionality and performance. Once the testing has been completed and user feedback has been accounted for, the application is rolled out at the live location.

• Post-Launch Support and Maintenance
  Upon the launch of the application, arrangements for support and maintenance work are made between Interactive and the Client. This may involve a service level agreement that specifies support and maintenance terms, and also access to the Interactive Support System in which the Client can submit change/support requests.

Isn't it time you benefitted from your online investment? The solution may be a lot closer than you think. Contact our team, tell us your thoughts and let us work out a strategy for you.