CCH Software Development`s Durban-based software factory is in the process of developing the system software for a US Internet-based matching agency that goes online in July.
Eight applications are under development for the new Internet-enabled lonely hearts club, which expects to host over a million members within a month of going live.
Bobby Abraham, software architect at CCH in Durban, says development work centres on Java technology running on an Oracle database hosted on a cluster of Linux servers.
"We were awarded the contract by Florida-based Computer Management USA which discovered our potential through former CCH staff who emigrated to the US. Our reputation for delivering software on time and within budget was the deciding factor in our clinching the contract," says Abraham.
The software applications include the development of a system to match prospective members based on geographic locations using US zip codes and personal characteristics. An interface to a credit card, a verification company and PhotoNet, a division of Kodak, for photographic submission and an online advertising system have also been developed.
"An interesting aspect is that when members register on the site they can elect to have their details verified, giving prospective partners the confidence that their selected dates meet their expectations."
CCH implemented a combination of Java running on a cluster of Linux machines, with an Oracle database running on Sun Solaris as the architecture because of the scalability requirement. As the online dating agency grows, it can add more hardware dynamically to take care of load balancing, while reducing costs.
"We have undertaken several software development projects in South Africa and abroad, but this is our first entry into the world`s largest market for software, the US. Based on its success we have created further business opportunities there," says CCH Software Development MD Derek Hughes.
A later phase of the project is based on cellphone technology whereby prospective members can use their phones to access the Web through WAP-enabled technology. This will allow them to verify their prospective partners via their mobile phones.
"South Africa is an early adopter of mobile technologies such as GSM and WAP," adds Hughes. "CCH`s experience in these domains, with local network operators and other clients, gives us a significant advantage when pursuing international business opportunities."
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