In our recent web development and strategic consulting assignments we have been asked to solve a wide variety of challenging technical problems for our clients. In addition, our business evaluation assignments have helped us gain exposure to many solutions implemented by other development teams. This combination results in a broad set of technical experiences at Big Chief.

Recent technical accomplishments include:

Scalable Internet infrastructure. We designed and implemented a Windows NT-based server infrastructure for FocusEngine. Our implementation included server load balancing, multiple front-end servers and dual database servers running Oracle 8i in a hot standby configuration. For HopeLink, we helped configure and manage access to its Sun Solaris-based server infrastructure.

Internet enabled RFID platform. We implemented an RFID application platform for Philips Semiconductors. This platform consists of a scalable server system, application developer tools and a set of fully-developed applications. The developer tools support simple and rapid development for a wide variety of Web-based and Windows-based RFID applications using a wide variety of RFID tags. Our developed applications include access control, digital rights management, digital identity and secure e-commerce.

Database security, performance and availability. For HotDispatch, we analyzed its Oracle database and recommended a wide variety of improvements. Our improvements made the database schema more consistent and efficient. We also recommended improvements to database security. We assessed HotDispatch s needs and designed a hot standby solution that the company implemented to improve database reliability and availability.

XML and XSL. For FocusEngine, we designed and implemented architecture for separating technology from appearance using XML and XSL. This innovation allows FocusEngine to independently develop its application technology and deliver this technology with a customized user experience and branding for each of its customers. Customers can change the appearance without modifying the application technology. FocusEngine can update the application technology without compromising the investment in application appearance.

Web Services/SOAP.  For FocusEngine and for Philips Semiconductors, we have designed systems to access functionality over the Internet as a Web Service using the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP). SOAP is a messaging protocol based on Extensible Markup Language (XML) and is used extensively to connect disparate software and hardware platforms over the Internet. In particular, it is a robust way for server functionality to be driven by remote clients  a process known as Remote Procedure Calls (RPC).

Oracle Financials integration. Advanstar relied on us to integrate its business-to-business web initiative with its existing Oracle Financials implementation. The vision was to support e-commerce transactions and advertising sales and integrate them into the systems of Advanstar s existing print publishing business. We worked extensively to assess Advanstar s needs and recommend a solution that could be implemented quickly and solve key accounting problems.

Internet/SS7 integration. For Simulsync, we developed a system for integrating telephone calls on the SS7 switching network with Web site visits on the Internet. This system consists of a complex set of client, server and networking components. Primarily targeted at call centers, the Simulsync system allows telephone operators to show products and services to customers by driving the Web browser on the customer s desktop PC. Our software coordinated all the message flow between the SS7 telephone network and the Internet. It also managed Internet message flow between the operator and customer desktop PCs.

Desktop components for online health tracking. DiabetesWell offers its patients the unprecedented ability to upload Glucose Meter readings and track their health online. We developed a set of ActiveX components that are integrated into the desktop web browser, allowing patients to transfer meter readings to DiabetesWell. Corresponding server-side technology stores the readings in a SQL Server database and allows patients to track their progress with graphs and charts.

Document authoring and publishing server. For NearSpace, we developed the NearSpace.net Venue authoring and publishing server. This server allows authors to upload and manage NearSpace Venues, then publish them for distribution on Palm OS handheld devices. The server was written in Allaire ColdFusion and also contains custom Java interfaces. Venues are developed in XML and our technology is instrumental in translating XML files into binary databases for the Palm OS.