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Our Forte & Our Skills
Contents
Computer Craft have over the past
29 years, fine-tuned the application development
process that enables them to move efficiently and effectively through the requirements
gathering, analysis, design, coding, acceptance and deployment phases.
We are able to take a leadership role in developing end-to-end solutions, as well
as supplying resources to meet needs and deadlines.
Our customer liaison skills are well tuned to listening to and (if necessary) provide
input to customer needs.
Custom developed solutions have provided our customers with a competitive advantage.
We say this because that's what our customers tell us.
Design & Modelling is the root to our success. We religiously go through a process
of conceptual -> logical -> physical design and modelling. We have the best available
tools to help us through this process, to ensure the customer will receive what
the customer expects.
Our Skills are numerous and varied. Fortunately this media (the web) provides ample
"screen real-estate" to enable us to elaborate, so here we go! The impression we
want to leave you with, is that, we are well versed with old and new technologies.
The Access database has a robust repository for customer data, which the customers
themselves can then query, using tools like Access or Excel.
Access has now been superseded by SQL Express.
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ASP.NET is a programming framework that enables the rapid development of powerful
web applications and services. It is part of the Microsoft .NET Platform, and it
provides a scaleable way to build, deploy and run web applications that can target
any browser or device.
This site has been developed using ASP.NET and C#. There are many instances where
the contents of this site comes from a database (like Excel or SQL Server), and
by using this methodology, we are able to provide Data Driven content.
Our Web Hosting options include Windows 2008, which is
required for running ASP.NET.
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This is one of the early database technologies, that was available shortly after
the birth of the PC. To this very day there are thousands of applications out there
that still deploy dBase files (dBase IV, Foxpro, Clipper, Visual Objects, Excel).
It's popularity grew because it was not expensive to deploy, and it was the first
of it's kind to offer relational files.
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Sometimes it is just nice to write that mean, lean module that, for example polls
the serial port. Then we make it a DLL and call it from our main application.
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C# (pronounced "C sharp") is Microsoft solution providing Software Developers with
a powerful and a productive programming tool. In the past there was C and C++ -
these are both powerful tools, but the productivity was seriously lacking.
C# is a modern, object-oriented language that enables programmers to quickly build
a wide range of applications for the new Microsoft .NET platform, which provides
tools and services that fully exploit both computing and communications.
The language enhances developer productivity and brings rapid Web development to
the C and C++ programmer.
We have been deploying C# as a back-end tool for Web Site development. This web
site is an example of that. Having an intelligent back-end on a web site provides
us with the ability to add niceties. An example of nicety is having the Web Site
wish our customers Merry Christmas in the Month of December, and on the days leading
up to New Year the messages changes accordingly. If there is anything on the Right-hand
side of this page (up the top), then that is because the backend logic has detected
a condition, which required a message or graphic to be displayed.
Today - C# is our preferred development environment, for both Windows Form and Web
based solutions.
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Our favourite tool when starting a new project is CaliberRM. CaliberRM is a powerful
requirement management system that enables a team to deliver applications that meet
end-users specifications.
With CaliberRM not only can we define the project, but it has exceptional requirement
change management, to allow us to keep on-track of all changes to a project while
under development.
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Clipper was our tool of preference, when developing DOS solutions.
As dBase grew in popularity, some young guys got together that wanted to enhance
the dBase product. They did this very successfully, by developing Clipper, which
was able to compile dBase applications. This was a huge breakthrough, as it allowed
developers to deliver to customers a (Royalty Free) runtime application. These applications
where very fast - which in those days was a highly sort after attribute.
We started developing in Clipper with the introduction of their Winter 85 edition.
To this very day, we have clipper applications that were designed more than
20 years
ago, still providing the solution that was intended.
Clipper provided the developer open architecture, memory management, dynamic overlays,
replaceable database & terminal drivers, high-performance variable storage classes,
full-featured compiler, pre-processor and user-defined commands.
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This technology comes in many flavours, and it came about from OLE technology that
has been around for some years now. The most common area of COM are DCOM, COM+,
MTS, MSMQ & ActiveX. We have written several solutions using all the common items
just mentioned, and their performance is pretty impressive.
COM is not dead, but if we were considering developing a new application today,
we would most probably develop the application using .NET remoting or Web Services.
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The Personal Computer became a Business tool in New Zealand, some years after we
started trading. So starting with IBM DOS, we have moved though the ranks of operating
systems, unitizing each enhancement as it came along. Our favourite was DRDOS, as
it had excellent Multi-tasking capabilities.
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We have used Microsoft Exchange in-house and are supporting the same product for
some of our customers. Since 2010 we have been promoting Microsoft Online Services. Using this link you can sign
up for a 30 day trial. If after the trial you like what you have experienced then
press the buy button. Put “Computer Craft” as your Supplier and we will then get
in touch with you to help resolve any change over issues you may have.
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Framework was a product which was ahead of it's time. It was around when we didn't
have MS Windows or MS Office and operated under DOS. It was the complete office
suite, and included a development language called FRED, which did some real magic
things which office products are only getting around to achieving today. The Ashton-Tate
organisation folded in 1996 and with it's departure went a huge amount of resource
and talent. The product was briefly taken over by Borland, and now is supported
and developed by Selections & Functions, Inc.
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Well if you are reading this page, can we assume you know what HTML is? We have
deployed HTML for writing Dynamic Web pages that are reporting in Real-Time.
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Jasmine is an Object Database, which differs from MS-SQL which is a Relational Database.
It is very common for software developers to create solutions deploying Object Orientated
mythology, but when it comes to the data storage tier, revert to a relational database.
Well, CA have said "there's something wrong here", and we have to agree. If you
are writing OO code then you should be depositing the results to an Object database.
Well the idea was good, but the practice never caught on? April 2008 saw the end
of any support for the Jasmine product, and relational data store will still live
on.
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The MySQL database has become the world's most popular open source database and
gains in popularity every year. Using the MySQL Connector for .NET, Computer Craft
are able to use My SQL as the Data Store for the .Net applications we develop.
Microsoft .NET is software that connects information, people, systems, and devices.
It spans clients, servers, and developer tools. The backbone to Microsoft .Net is
the .NET Framework which is a component of the Microsoft Windows® operating system
used to build and run Windows-based applications.
Computer Craft have in the past
10 years
developed solutions deploying the .Net Framework. We have had hands on experience
on the following core .Net Framework technologies:
- .Net Framework Class library
- ADO.NET
- Application Domains
- ASP.NET See
above
- Assemblies
- Asynchronous Programming
- Common Language Runtime (CLR)
- Configuration
- Debugging
- Deployment
- Designers
- Events
- Exceptions
- Formatting
- Interoperability
- Networking
- Remoting
- Object Orientation
- Security
- Side-by-side Execution
- Smart-Client Application Development
- Threading
- Windows Forms
- WSE 2.0
- XML
- XML Web Services See
Below
Prior to the release of the .Net Framework we were already familiar with many of
the abovementioned components, namely Com+, dCom, CGI, Soap, HTML, ASP, SQL Server....
.NET is simply an extension of these technologies
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We are well versed in setting up Novell networks.
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We have been doing Object-oriented programming now for
25 years. The technology
makes efficient use of data, logic and time. Objects have a unique power to accurately
represent any kind of information or activity. Allan has flown on several occasions
to the CA-World conference in the USA to present papers on Object-Orientation and
COMS development.
Object-Orientation software development and Relational Database Management System,
sit on two different plans. Developers have to put some effort into the architecture
and design required for the two to share data. The world has been holding out for
a Object-Oriented Database System, and we where very excited when
Jasmine II was release in onto the market.
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Office has always been our desktop software of choice since the conception of Office
95. We have also developed many applications that deploy MS Office as part of the
overall solution. Examples are report writing in Excel or Word format, or interfacing
diary notes with Outlook.
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In the early days of Windows (3.1), Multitasking (and Multithreading) in a GUI environment,
was a demand our users required. IBM provided a better solution at the time with
OS/2, and we deployed this operating system at some sites for serial applications,
and they worked a treat.
We developed in the OS/2 environment at the same time as we were developing DOS
Applications, and as a productivity tool, it was excellent.
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SQL Server is a very well developed product. We started using SQL since version
6.5 and have moved up the ranks since then.
We also provide a SQL Hosting Service.
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Superbase is a relational Database application tool designed by Precision Software
Ltd in UK, in the early 1980's. It was a very mature product, and we used it to
develop business solutions, which ran on the Commodore 64.
In 1989 a Windows version was released. The company claim it was the world's first
Windows database.
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We have been oriented to this protocol, since we were using Novell as well as the
introduction of the Internet.
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Visio is a diagramming program that can help you create business and technical diagrams
that document and organize complex ideas, processes, and systems. Diagrams created
in Visio enable you to visualize and communicate information clearly, concisely,
and effectively in ways that text and numbers cannot.
The Database and Software modelling tools in Visio are those we use the most here
at Computer Craft. We are able to produce diagrams that help us communicate clearly
and effectively with our customers.
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Going back some years now, CA-Visual Objects was our tool of preference Windows
95/98/NT/2000/XP development.
CA-Visual Objects is a fully object-oriented 32-bit development system for creating
sophisticated business applications. It is a tool we are very comfortable with,
because we know that whatever the customer challenges us with, VO will provide the
solution.
Our VO solutions have included the following:
- Win32 API deployment
- RDBMS
- Object-oriented programming
- Active X Server (previously known as OLE Automation Server).
- Distributed Processing - COM, DCOM (See above)
- Thin client technology
- N-Tier Architecture
- NT Services
- Soap
- Multi-Threading applications
- Customised Web Servers
- Serial Communications
- HTML, ASP, CGI, ISAPI
- ODQL - the native language of Jasmine
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VS2010 and ASP Net 4.0 are our default work platforms. All new work is undertaken
using VS2010.
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Web services are an approach that helps the business connect with its customers,
partners, and employees. They enable the business to extend existing services to
new customers. They help the business work more efficiently with its partners and
suppliers. They unlock information so it can flow to every employee who needs it.
They reduce development time and expense for new projects.
Web Services and more specifically Smart Client application are technologies the
we get quite passionate about. Computer Craft were crusaders to Distributed Application
Development and Smart Client definitely is simply the on-going path that we intend
to travel.
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Before Windows 3.1, we were avid DOS supporters, and we may have been guilty of
questioning the feasibility and appropriateness of Windows. DOS was faster, easier
to develop in and to this very day we have some DOS applications out there being
used on a daily basis. However windows had the GUI, and that's what the people wanted,
so that's what the people got.
Windows 95, became a stable platform to start developing solutions, that did not
fall over, so we moved into the GUI environment, and Object Orientation development
at the same time. Now we love it!
Windows 98, didn't even come out of the cellophane box.
Windows NT (after SP4) was even more stable than 95, so we changed our in-house
systems and deployed NT Workstation and NT Server.
Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 later became our operating system of choice
Today we enjoy the Windows Vista environment. In-house we deploy Vista and Windows
server 2008. Our Web Hosting service also deploys Windows
Server 2008.
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The following are case studies which Computer Craft have documented.
The contents of this site are detailed and lengthy, and we accept that you have
not read it all.
Our objective is that we may for one moment have captured your inquisitiveness,
and if this is true why not now contact us, so we can
discuss your IT requirements.
If you didn't see what you were looking for, don't let that deter you from
contacting us. It may turn out to be the best move you make today!
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