Microsoft is claiming to create an advanced new generation of software that will drive the Next Generation Internet. Microsoft says its purpose is to make information available any time, any place, on any device.
It appears the driving force behind Microsoft .NET is a shift in focus from individual Web sites or devices, to new groupings of computers, devices, and services that work together to deliver broader, richer solutions, so that people will have control over how, when, and what information is delivered to them. Computers, devices, and services will be able to collaborate directly with each other, and businesses will be able to offer their products and services in a way that lets customers embed those items in their own electronic systems.
It is clear the Microsoft .NET platform will fundamentally change the way that computers and users interact. By bringing employees, customers, data, and business applications into an interactive whole, .NET will allow businesses to benefit from radically increased productivity and efficiency.
Some might say that these facilities have been available for some time in the form of Citrix Winframe and more recently Terminal Server. This is simply not the case. Both these solutions enable standard desktop software to be operated over the Internet using a form of terminal emulation. They both place a very large overhead on the server, which must have at least 32MB of RAM memory for each concurrent user, which radically reduces its scalability. . NET is designed to be infinitely scaleable and minimise calls on the server. . NET also provides an infinite advantage in cost of ownership.
When you investigate the opportunities represented by modern thin client solutions and low cost wide area networking, be sure that you clarify your requirement and understand the technology proposed for you. Citrix and Terminal Server are valid solutions in certain circumstances but they are in nothing to do with the vision Microsoft have expressed for its .NET technology.
Access Accounts recognised the value proposition offered by Citrix Solutions when its dealers started offering them to end users two years ago. Since then Access have become Citrix accredited and offer both Horizons and Dimensions through dealers as a remote hosted service. However there can be no doubt that the reduced server infrastructure required by a true thin client solution is where the future of remote hosted financial systems lie. It may be more expensive and time-consuming for the developer but the benefits to the user make it a very valid investment.
Access Dimensions.NET is the first product in a complete range of business and finance software from Access Accounting Ltd that fully embraces the Microsoft .NET vision to deliver software that is 100% operable through a web browser.
This new product delivers all of the power and flexibility of the Access Dimensions client/server business and finance system - but over the Internet. It allows transaction entry, direct into the back office accounts database, from anywhere in the world using no more than Microsoft`s Internet Explorer browser software on the remote computer.
The concept of this product is not new. What is new and exciting is the way in which features of the desktop software are faithfully replicated in a browser with real time validation of all data as it is entered. The speed over a standard telephone line is quite exceptional due to the exclusive use of XML for transportation of data. There is no requirement to download applets or scripts into the remote computer. Users simply log onto the Internet, key in the web address of their accounts system, enter their user name and a password and then operate the software as if they were using the conventional desktop version.
There are many benefits to be derived from this technology: It allows low cost delivery of custom transaction entry forms that can be deployed into customer and supplier offices. Entries made in the remote customer and supplier site are instantly validated in the host accounting system. This allows every organisation to deliver exceptional customer service and demonstrates the true benefit of B2B solutions deployed in the real world.
Access Managing Director Alistair O`Reilly said, "We were the first in the market to introduce mid-range accounts software for Windows, the first to introduce a client/server accounts solution for the mass market, the first to introduce end to end e-commerce in an affordable package and now we will be the first to introduce the exciting new .NET technology to SMEs. This is the future of business and financial accounting software."
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ASYST International SA is a subsidiary of UK-based ASYST International, providing experienced Consultancy, specialising in the provision and improvement of Business Information Systems. ASYST International is an established expert in financial and business intelligence software systems, providing solutions to improve business efficiency, reduce operating costs and increase profits, and believes in a hands-on approach, from a tailored proposal, through to the best software design and systems configuration, to providing on-going training and support. It is also the sole distributor of Access Accounts in South Africa and Mauritius.
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