Why Waste It?
Make the most of the technology you already have
by Al Polanec, Blue Archer Principal
Most new technology projects involve new desktop and server-based software, new servers, new computers, and even more infrastructure for your network. It always seems like the newest technology means that we have to retire, or add to, our existing inventory of hardware and software. But this situation, although commonplace, is often not the case when it comes to some of the most advanced technology projects: Internet-based application development.
The most powerful software you have on your computer may be one you take for granted the most: your Web browser. No matter which browser you use, they share a few characteristics:
1. Web browser software is free. It even comes with the operating system of your computer.
2. When you want the newest version, you can always get it for free through the internet.
3. Browser software has the ability to run some very complex software.
Every Web-based program from large online booksellers to in-house intranet applications uses your Web browser to present and process information.
It is true that without the server-based Web software, your desktop's browser would have no information to present. But the basis for a Web-based application probably already exists on your companies network:
1. Any Windows-based server running Windows 2000 Server includes Microsoft's web server, capable of running full Web-based applications.
2. Any Windows NT 4.0 Server may have an older version of this Web server software, with similar capabilities as the newer servers.
3. Any Linux or Unix Server software also probably includes, and definitely has available (in most cases for free) Web Server software.
4. You do NOT need a database server to run an internet-based application. Smaller databases like MS Access 97 or 2000 can be used in conjunction with internet-applications. Although not as robust as larger database systems like Oracle or MS SQL Server, they can still support similar functions on a smaller scale than their big brothers.
Even if you have all of the pieces in place, someone must obviously create your internet application. But once again, much of the most common software available has excellent Web publishing tools available. MS Access has tools that allow a user to convert most Access database applications into internet-based applications. Most spreadsheets can save their contents to HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), a type of file that web servers host, and that Web browsers read. And all popular word processors have this kind of publishing capability as well.
One of the most useful applications of these common technology infrastructures is the corporate intranet. Although the term "intranet" can be intimidating, and implies the use of complex technology and applications, the real value of an intranet is in sharing corporate information.
Using only a Windows or Unix/Linux server or workstation, you can build and run an entire corporate intranet. Collections of documents, shared project information, employee information and more can be shared via HTML output from a suite of standard softwares. A collection of word processor and spreadsheet documents in HTML format can provide a foundation for your corporate intranet. If there are extended functions, such as searching or dynamically updating this information on the intranet, you can then decide if the need warrants the added complexity or expense of conducting a development effort to build this functionality. But the cost of entry need not be high.
When considering solutions to your everyday business and technical issues, consider not only costly brand new software packages, but also consider the software already running on your PC and company servers. Review the menus available in the software you use every day, or appoint an expert in charge of defining new uses and applications for each piece of software. Just because some software is free (like your Web browser) or is not fully used now, doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile and of tremendous value to your company.
For more information, Al Polanec may be reached at 412.353.1049, or at apolanec@bluearcher.com.
