Consulting: Application Architecture and Development

SYR Systems Inc. has had a continuous record of success in application systems development, an area where many clients are disappointed and many suppliers have been mediocre at best.

In our approach to systems development, we stress a number of critical issues with our clients, of which the following two are most fundamental:

• Systems development leads to a change in the way an organization will perform its business. It is imperative to fully analyse and confirm that the change is not only 'a technically better way', but preferably 'the best business way'. Management commitment to change and the active involvement of the affected user community through all stages of development is paramount.
• Confirmation of the critical system components through interactive prototypes is the most effective approach to ensure active user community contribution and buy-in prior to finalisation of system design.

In short, we emphasize the development not just of a computer system, but of a complete business re-engineering strategy.

We believe that our development reputation has been established based upon the following key areas of expertise:

Project management practices that engage the client organization through all stages of application development ensure awareness of progress and issues for all stake holders.

To achieve effective project management we utilize tools such as:

• Project planning systems
• Resource loading techniques
• Financial tracking and control
• Effective project and team meetings to ensure inter and intra team communication
• Project status reporting
• Steering committee organization and running
• Critical review meetings

Results

• More focused projects
• Better tracking of status and issues
• Direct involvement of all stake holders
• Building a cohesive team
• Active participation by all required levels

Comprehensive business understanding upon which an application architecture is established to address the essence of business operation as envisioned by the client executives.

We develop a comprehensive understanding of your current business

We challenge your business - its focus, its structure and its processes.

We help you engineer the "business vision"

We determine the business system

The Result

• A renewed streamlined approach to driving the business
• Improved responsiveness of your service units
• Improved efficiency of your operating units

Data and process architecture is the backbone of a successful application system and the basis of the client investment in computer systems that continues in spite of any future evolution of technology.

We strongly believe that data is one component of the business application that is used not just for the day-to-day running of the business but is the basis of all major business decision and the source of competitive advantage of an organization.

We pride ourselves with a unique ability to effectively model the business through its data and processes.

We develop comprehensive data architecture using up-to-date data analysis techniques, especially normalization processes.

We have interfaced with many Data Base Management Systems, from Sequential to Indexed Sequential to Network to Hierarchical to Relational. This makes us aware of the different physical aspects of data storage and retrieval.

The Result

• A comprehensive representation of the business through data
• A fully normalized logical data model
• A highly efficient database design considering the characteristics of the DBMS used
• A strong backbone to the application - building for the future

Even with an approach that focuses on the business rather than technology, we do not lose sight of the fact that technology is a major component that is the most venerable to evolution and change.

We use a large variety of the most advanced proven technology platforms

• IBM Main Frames: OS, MVS, CMS, ...
• Fault Tolerant: Tandem, Stratus, System 88
• UNIX based systems: NCR, DEC, HP, SGI, RISC 6000

We apply the latest design techniques

• Analysis Tools: Deft, Excelerator, IEW, Prototyping, Use Case
• User Interface: CICS BMS, MANTIS, JAM, Visual C++, WebSphere

We use a large variety of Data Base Management Systems

• Index Sequential: VSAM, CISAM, ...
• Network: Total
• Hierarchical: System 2000, IMS
• Relational: SUPRA, DB2, Oracle, Ingres, Sybase, Informix

We are experienced with a variety of communication methods and protocols

• Host applications: direct connect dumb terminals
• Client-Server: RPC, DCE, Message processing
• LAN/WAN: Ethernet, TCP/IP, Token Ring, NCR Star Link

The Result

• A high performance system
• A system that can be well maintained and opened to evolution
• A system that has a high level of availability

Development is a team effort that requires cohesive dedicated system engineers that are guided by a set of standards and reviews to ensure consistent and maintainable end product.

We have experience with traditional, Client-Server and Web-Based systems

• Language: COBOL, PL1, CICS, C, C++, VB, J2EE, Java

Solved mission critical systems issues:

• Code control and distribution
• Effective communication between the N tiers
• High performance On-line Transaction Processing (OLTP)
• Applications with independence from 6 components:
• User interface
• Client Operating System
• Server Operating System
• Communication Protocols
• Hardware of the Client machine
• Hardware of the Server machine

We develop and tailor development standards for the environment to coincide with the customer objectives.

We use a development kit that insures:

• Speedy prototype development
• Consistent adherence to development standards
• Effective utilization of the more junior resources
• Channeling expert resources to the more important development tasks.

We encourage the participation of a nucleus of systems staff as members of the development team:

• Develops an understanding of those who frequently will have to support the system following implementation.
• Ensures adherence to any established standards within the client's organization.

The Result

• Systems that satisfy user requirements for a long period.
• Systems easily ported from one environment to another. Protecting customer investment.
• High quality systems that are maintainable by in-house staff, with no dependency on our resources.
• Modular systems with building blocks for future requirements.
• Systems easily integrated with third party products.

This is a role independent of the development team, well suited for the business analysts and end users to achieve results envisioned through the analysis process.

We employ users as integral members of the project team

• Resolve the communication gap between the business language and the machine language.
• Users communicate directly with system engineers during prototype development.
• Users are directly involved in the development of user interfaces.
• Ensures user sign-off based on detail understanding of deliverables.

We use a structured approach to system and acceptance testing:

• Utilise test plans, test cases and expected results for the verification not just of the end product but during the prototype development.

We ensure that application functions of highest importance are developed first:

• Enabling a longer period of verification and change for core business functions.
• Ensures that the supporting functions are complementing core business functions.

We ensure that involved users are fully trained and participate in the development and delivery of training to user organization.

The Result

• Earlier implementation and attainment of expected benefits
• Lower system development cost
• Substantially higher return on investment over the life of the system
• Higher acceptance levels by user organization
• Lower inherent risks of development projects