Business Systems ›

Application Extension

Goal...

Our goal for Application Extension is to extend an existing system to a different platform, such as BlackBerry or Windows Mobile devices.

Key Features...

• Understanding the business needs for extending a system to a different platform.
• Designing system extensions to meet these needs, while not compromising the existing system's base functionality.

Deliverables and Approach...

These may vary, depending on the type of project and our level of involvement:

• Definition of the business results desired from extending a system to a different platform, and the related requirements and features.
• Functional design to implement these requirements and features.
• Technical specifications that translate the functional design into high-level program descriptions for software development.
• Development of appropriate software that extends the system to other platforms.
• Management of the software development process.

Plan

• Identify and meet with project stakeholders and team members.
• Prepare project plan, timeline, and budget.

Analyze

• Understand and document the business needs to be met by extending the existing system.
• Define how existing processing will be modified to meet any unique requirements of the target platform.
• Review the file and table layouts for the existing system, and discuss with system vendor, to determine the technical approach for extending the system to other platforms.
• Prepare functional design — including mockups of menus, screen layouts, and other key features — to show users how their needs will be addressed.

Design

• Plan the overall structure for the application extensions.
• Define the technical specifications to cover the extended functionality.
• Develop detailed scenarios to be addressed while building and testing the system customizations.

Build & Test

• Develop the extended features in small units, and review these with client personnel.
• Perform unit testing to ensure that the module is working properly.
• Perform system testing to ensure that all the modules work together and meet the overall requirements.

Implement

• Launch production of the extended software.
• Support the implementation by being on site.

Review

• Conduct post-implementation review with users.
• Resolve issues.

How we work with you...

Application extension projects are performed by a consultant — or a consultant team — who understands the many complex activities required to successfully extend a system to different platforms, drawing on the strengths of the new platforms, while still permitting efficient upgrades to the base system.

Our goal is to become a valued member of your team — working with your people and your business to help you accomplish your goal of an efficient and effective application extension.

Results and Benefits...

• Extend systems to new platforms, to allow new or enhanced business processes.
• Decrease cycle time by allowing quicker attention and action on important items.
• For projects affecting customer service or customer-facing systems, can provide a competitive advantage to enhance customer satisfaction.

For Further Information...

To discuss whether this service could benefit your business, please call us at 336.297.4200 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.