Development of the next version of Intervate`s intranet solution IntraCS is progressing well and according to the company`s MD, Migal van As, incredible focus is being placed on the new product`s underlying framework.
"The key objectives are to unify and extend IntraCS`s existing core framework services and further enhance scalability to provide serviceability to tens of thousands of users," says van As. "End users can expect an improved and more flexible user interface, with the most notable change being the responsive XML-based client."
The new version introduces many new framework elements as well as enhancements to the existing IntraCS components and development tools. Among these is a unique XML architecture that has been designed to achieve exceptional scalability and performance with regard to information delivery in very large distributed organisations.
According to van As, this architecture allows IntraCS web pages to be updated on the fly with only changed information rather than complete page refreshes, resulting in dramatically reduced processing loads on the server as well as an anticipated 90% reductions in bandwidth requirements. The XML delivery architecture also lays the foundation for providing an interface into handheld and mobile devices.
Client and server side caching, a global taxonomy, as well as web discussions, subscriptions and priority-based notifications have also been included as core framework components of the new product.
Another unique feature of the BoXster architecture is that it now allows for distributed IntraCS installations to operate independently and share selected, or all, content via replication among all installations.
This means that the system will function regardless of the state of WAN links, that globally shared content can always be accessed from the local site instead of across a WAN, the system will require less WAN bandwidth, will perform better, and users will have access to their information from a local site regardless of where they are in the world.
According to van As, the Rapid Application Development (RAD) tools will also see a substantial upgrade to leverage the enhanced framework and further enable the rapid and easy development of BoXster modules.
The next release also sees the existing IntraCS framework being updated to take advantage of a number of technologies, including Microsoft Active Directory, Internet Explorer 6.0, SQL Server 2000, SharePoint Portal Server, Office XP and extensive XML support for presentation services. IntraCS will also begin to leverage the emerging web services architecture as part of Microsoft`s .NET platform.
According to van As, more information will be made available in this regard with the technical preview release in January 2002.
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Intervate focuses on the development of strategic Internet products targeting the areas of knowledge management and collaboration. With a strong commitment to the Microsoft platform, Intervate as Microsoft Certified Gold Partner focuses development on leveraging platforms and products to build value on existing infrastructure, rather than creating bespoke developments for every client.
The core focus of Intervate is the development of the intranet and extranet knowledge management framework called IntraCS. Companies successfully using the IntraCS solution include MedScheme, Microsoft, Dimension Data, Anglo Platinum, Unisys, Deloitte & Touche, Prism, Hollard, AFA Systems, Software Futures and Alexander Forbes.
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