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Summary The system runs on a central server, providing a cost effective solution with central maintenance and affordable redundancy. Users can connect to the central server through the local network of the company, or though a Virtual Private Network over the Internet. The AppWizard system uses little bandwidth for the basic systems, but specific applications which use large online documents or images may require more bandwidth. AppWizard has built-in security which is shared by all applications running on AppWizard. The security restricts which applications a user has access to, and can also limit the records visible to the user. Due to the web-based nature of AppWizard, it is ideal to use as a local Intranet, as an Extranet which allows customers and business partners access to information, or on a database based Internet site. AppWizard runs on a Microsoft SQL Server database which allows the integration with almost every other open database software. This gives AppWizard the ability to interface directly to most other software systems. The primary design philosophy of AppWizard is to keep everything as simple as possible to use, even if the programming to achieve this might be very complex. Another philosophy carried throughout all AppWizard applications is to capture and store data once only. This eliminates duplication and ensures the integrity of the data. The look and feel of AppWizard can be customized to fit into almost any corporate design, even though the basic functionality of AppWizard always remains the same. An AppWizard annual license fee is payable which determines the number of users who can use the system, irrespective of the number of applications installed. Basic AppWizard applications can be purchased separately. Some applications that might be considered are: Asset Management System, Action Request (helpdesk) System, Human Resources System, Leave System, Vendor BEE System, Telephone Management System, etc. Applications can be customized to cater for the customer’s needs. If required, specialized applications can be developed for a customer. An annual support contract can be entered into if specific response times or support hours are required; otherwise support is handled as customizations or development on existing systems. AppWizard DefinedAppWizard is a web based platform on which management information systems are developed. The AppWizard software provides the development tools with which the information systems are developed, and the environment in which the applications are used. AppWizard applications all share the benefits provided by AppWizard. AppWizard provides a common look and feel in the form of a web page, which ensures that all information systems follow the same design rules. Having a common feel to all the systems, and keeping it web based, ensures a much lower learning curve for users. Most users, after learning to use their first system, adapts very quickly to other systems on AppWizard. Security is central to the AppWizard software. All information systems are developed to rely on the AppWizard security interface. This ensures that, no matter how many information systems are running on AppWizard, all security is controlled from a single point. Central ServerAppWizard runs on a central server which is usually based and maintained at the company head office. This central AppWizard server is linked to an SQL Server database which is often hosted on the same server as AppWizard, but can also be running on a dedicated database server.
Here is a list of the benefits of having a centralized solution: With a central solution, any user with access to the network can effectively access the AppWizard software. Users on the Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or Metro Area Network (MAN) has direct access to the server through the internal network. External users can also have access to the AppWizard server through various technologies, of which a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is used most often. Through a VPN the users connects to the office network through the Internet. Specific connectivity for customers and business partners could exist, whereby their networks are directly linked using a secure link, can allow the external customers and business partners access to AppWizard as an Extranet. Low BandwidthAppWizard applications use very little bandwidth which reduces the need for a high speed connectivity. The AppWizard system was designed to work as effectively over the Internet as over a local network, with a reduced page size for each page called. In some cases there are applications that can require more bandwidth. These may use large documents or high quality images, which in themselves require more bandwidth to be downloaded or uploaded with AppWizard. Keeping the systems simple can greatly reduce the bandwidth required by the AppWizard applications. SecurityAppWizard has a built-in security module which determines the access privileges of every user. Each application is linked to a security group, ensuring that only users with explicit access to the security group will have access to the application. There are two possible methods for logging into the AppWizard system, both with their own benefits. The easiest method of logging in is by making use of Microsoft Integrated Security, whereby a user’s login to the company network will also give him access to AppWizard. The AppWizard system will recognize the user and grant the required access to various applications. The primary benefit for this method of access is the ease with which users can access the system. Alternatively a user can log in by providing a user name and password. This method is less secure if it is used directly, but it can be made fully secure by loading a security certificate onto the AppWizard server. Security certificates are used by banks to secure their Internet banking sites. The primary benefit to this method of access is that a user do not need to be logged into the network to use the AppWizard applications. Intranet / Extranet / InternetThe AppWizard solution is web-based, which means that it works over a network and is accessed using a web browser. Due to the nature of the AppWizard system it is often used as a company Intranet. The system accesses local databases of various systems to provide interactive, up to date, information to the internal staff of the company. Through secure access between company networks, external customers or business partners can access the internal system. This extended Intranet system is referred to as an Extranet when non-employees have access to the information on the system. Security features on AppWizard allow applications to be built in such a way as to only allow a user access to specific records within the system, even if they have full access to the applications. This ensures, for example, that a customer can only place an order against their own account code. AppWizard will work perfectly on an Internet page, allowing users access to specific content and applications over the Internet. In such cases the database is often on the internet hosting server. DatabaseAppWizard runs on a Microsoft SQL Server database platform. For smaller installations the free version of the SQL Server database can be used (SQL Server Express). Due to the open database connectivity available between database vendors, AppWizard systems can integrate with almost any other type of database. This ensures that existing data within the company doesn’t need to be duplicated on the AppWizard database, but can be integrated into the AppWizard systems by directly accessing the external data. Due to this extended connectivity between systems, AppWizard is often used as an integration tool between the applications, allowing for full audit trails and links between the systems. Application PhilosophyAppWizard was designed with two core philosophies in mind. Both these philosophies are applied when applications are developed on AppWizard.
Keep It Simple
Capture Data Once, Use Multiple Times Even though AppWizard has a basic structure, this structure can be customized to portray the customer’s specific design. A template on the AppWizard server is used to display all the content in AppWizard. A change to the template immediately affects every page being displayed. Portfolio of ApplicationsMany applications have already been developed using AppWizard. Some of the applications addressed a unique need within a company, which often becomes that company’s strategic advantage over their competitors. Many applications have been developed addressing common issues. These applications can be used by many different types of companies, and is often customized to adapt to the specific needs of the company. Applications evolve over time as more productive ways are found to perform the same tasks. Additional functionality is often added to improve on the systems.
Here is a list of some of our bigger applications: | ||||||
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