Iocore`s Application Development division has provided consulting and mentoring services for the initial development phase of a suite of modern business systems at Potchefstroom University, utilising Fort'e application development tools.
Iocore`s Application Development division integrates world-class information technology (IT) systems for customers using rapid and cost-effective development techniques. These application-specific solutions, integrated with best-of-breed packaged software, help enterprises to be more efficient, competitive and customer-focused.
Attie Juyn, director of Information Technology and Management at Potchefstroom University, says the institution`s previous administration system, developed in co-operation with the University of Stellenbosch, became outdated and needed revamping.
"However, it was becoming increasingly difficult to find experts familiar with the outdated technology. Since the platform was based on proprietary technology it was also problematic to get modern software tools to interact with the database.
"After a thorough market analysis we could not find a suitable package that would fit our requirements," he says.
The decision was taken to embark on a new project to develop a sophisticated, but practical enterprise solution that could be implemented with available resources and proven technology.
Fort'e`s Application Development Environment (ADE) solution from Sun Microsystems, which delivers a modern, integrated programming environment with a full set of robust graphical tools, was chosen for the development of various basic internal administration and management applications.
Juyn comments: "I believe that Fort'e Enterprise ADE, which features an open architecture and portability between platforms, is a modern application development tool which will enable the university to develop systems for the e-business era.
"As we already have a large number of distance-learning students, the development will also enable the extension of student administration and learner support on the Web, which is impossible with the older systems," he adds.
The contract was awarded to Iocore, which, as Fort'e resellers and consultants, offered the most attractive and cost-effective proposal, according to Juyn.
It included the Fort'e set of application development tools, consulting on the design architecture, as well as technology and skills transfer for the design methodology to be used.
He notes that, from the start, a close communication developed between the Iocore experts and the university`s IT team, which assisted in the development.
Juyn says Iocore`s staff-mentoring programme has provided the university with a world-class experience in the best professional software development and integration tools.
" Iocore has been highly efficient in training the university`s in-house IT teams in Fort'e as well as in Object Oriented (OO) Analysis and Design application development tools. This has ensured our ongoing capability to eventually maintain and extend the implemented solution.
"We are very satisfied with the service Iocore has provided."
Additional strategic applications, specifically focused on student administration and related applications, will also be developed in-house by the university`s IT department in conjunction with a strategic partner company, iT3 Educational Systems, based in Durbanville.
According to Juyn, the complete application development project will take up to three years to conclude.
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IOCORE
With its roots going back to 1995, Iocore is a $100m high-technology group employing 1, 000 people worldwide. The Group is organised under four main divisions: Enterprise Business Solutions (EBS), Outsourcing, Application Development and Contracting and Recruitment. Key capabilities include e-commerce, billing systems, ERP, Supply Chain and financial applications. Iocore is strongly focused on delivering enterprise-class business solutions using leading-edge technologies and products.
Iocore is a key provider of technology and services to a wide range of blue-chip companies and parastatal organisations, in industry sectors ranging from telecommunications, banking and insurance, to manufacturing, distribution, tourism, education and government
Iocore`s success, both on a global and African scale, is attributable to a range of factors, notably its visionary approach to information technology, in which it leverages its strong entrepreneurial management style to focus on highly successful, growth technologies and industries; its strong vertical market experience; and its ability to attract and keep excellent people.