Software Futures, a wholly owned subsidiary of JSE Securities Exchange-listed MGX, has entered into a partnership agreement with Johannesburg-based SourceCode Technology Holdings to use and distribute its K2.Net workflow and process automation toolset.
The partnership gives Software Futures access to a rich toolset that will enable the company to build sophisticated workflow applications for its customers.
"Using a specialised and proven toolset like K2.Net allows us to focus on delivering functionality and improves productivity dramatically - a key driver in today's highly competitive marketplace," says Leon Jansen, product manager at Software Futures.
K2.Net is a process automation and workflow product that provides a toolset to automate role-based, person-to-person workflows and includes the capability to automate interfaces to line-of-business systems which form part of the process. Enterprise-wide processes, which span various departments and systems, can easily be developed and maintained using K2.Net technology. K2.Net architecture facilitates the separation of business process logic from underlying applications. This feature provides the flexibility to change business processes virtually "on the fly", without affecting the underlying systems.
Jansen says K2.Net technology will add significant business value to customers' businesses in three key areas: facilitating seamless process automation and workflow that will result in direct cost savings through improved operational efficiency; gathering of process metrics to identify bottlenecks, optimise processes and perform trend analyses; flexibility - K2.Net separates the business process logic from underlying applications and can easily be changed without having to change the application.
Jansen adds: "Software Futures plans to develop a process automation and workflow platform on top of K2.Net that will address vertical niche markets in the insurance, healthcare and financial services industries. A claims processing system is an example of a process intensive application that spans various line of business systems such as policy administration, customer relationship management and general ledger. K2.Net provides the toolset to automate these processes and will immediately raise the bar in terms of the sophistication we can embed in our solutions."
He says that because SourceCode is a local company, its software prices are not affected by the whims of the weak rand and this in turn allows for solutions that are more competitive than overseas offerings.
As part of the technical due diligence process Software Futures completed a proof of concept project where K2.Net was put through its paces on an existing claims processing system. The system was workflow-enabled within a week, underlining the flexibility of the K2.Net components in integrating with existing systems.
"The fact that our systems are designed using the Microsoft DNA Architecture principles, which separate the data, business logic and user interface layers, contributed to the relative ease with which the application was customised," says Jansen.
K2.Net is built using Microsoft SQL Server, SOAP (XML), Web Services and Common Object Model+ (COM+) technologies among others. It is comprised of several components ranging from K2.Net Server, a server-based process engine, to K2.Net Studio, the interactive process designer running under Microsoft's Windows operating system. From a development perspective the application programming interface (API) is exposed using COM+ and Web Services and it allows total flexibility in integrating process logic into an application. Client-side deployment is virtually technology independent and can be deployed on platforms such as Win32, HTML, Java2, WAP and mobile devices, Microsoft Exchange Server, SMTP inboxes and more.
Adriaan van Wyk, MD of SourceCode, concludes: "The partnership opens up new opportunities for both companies. Software Futures has shown great commitment to the technology, backed by a substantial training investment within a very short period of time. A very strong Microsoft competence, with a large number of highly skilled developers and disciplined project methodologies, will ensure successful delivery of the company's projects."
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MGX is a JSE Securities Exchange-listed, new economy company that represents world-class products and services and delivers measurable business outcomes for customers across business-critical areas of the information economy. Recognising that the strategic value of a company lies in its information, the company's focus is on information-rich business solutions that transform each client's unique business information into competitive advantage. MGX comprises six business value domains: MGX Enterprise Solutions, MGX Storage Solutions, MGX Consulting, Software Futures, MGX Business Continuity Solutions and MGX Content Management. With strong operational and strategic synergies, the business units create and implement solutions for business users across all sectors and industries. MGX has operations in South Africa, Botswana, Australia, the UK and US. During its five-year history as a listed company it has delivered consistent growth to shareholders. For more information on the company, visit www.mgxgroup.com.
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