What is ASP.NET? -Top 9 Advantages of ASP.NET

When choosing a programming framework to build our own website, the most important things which you should keep in mind are the benefits the framework brings in terms of security and scalability, the support it offers and the reliability it offers in terms of its community of developers. And ASP.NET framework incorporates of these and has a keen eye for precise performance. It is known as Active server pages which is the advanced version of ASP. This framework is responsible for web application development supporting inheritance, polymorphism and other standard OOP features. With the help of this open-source framework, developers build robust applications using DLL class libraries and other latest features of the web server.

Hence it does not come as a surprise that ASP.NET powers thousands of applications which are used world-wide. Be it a small business website or be it a mammoth backbone application for any large enterprise being used across geographies and accessed over distributed device network, ASP.NET powers them all. Since it provides all the features you could possibly require, you could build dynamic web applications which are easy to envision, create and maintain.

Let us look at the top 9 advantages which make ASP.NET the most sought after technology amongst programmers and why customers want .NET application development done.

Greater Speed: ASP.Net can build websites quicker by making use of richer controls which can create calendars, wizards, grids on the fly.

Higher Scalability: ASP.Net has some great scalability features built into it, including maintaining session state across servers and multi-processor load balancing, thus building interactive and scalable products.

Code Less: It is complemented by a rich toolbox and designer in the Visual Studio integrated development environment. It has some easy ways of deploying applications like WYSIWYG editing, drag-and-drop server controls. This powerful tool provides automatic deployment by making use of its advanced features. ASP.NET uses the multi-language abilities of the .NET Common Language Runtime, allowing Web pages to be coded in VB.NET, C#, J#, Delphi.NET, Chrome, etc.

Efficiency of web server: The web server continuously monitors the pages, components and applications running on it. If it notices any memory leaks, infinite loops, other illegal activities, it immediately destroys those activities and restarts itself.

User Authentication: ASP.Net supports forms-based user authentication, including cookie management and automatic redirection of unauthorized logins. ASP.Net allows for user accounts and roles thus providing a high degree of granularity for controlling access to objects and pages.

Object and Page Caching: ASP.Net objects and pages can be cached to dramatically increase performance. The caching system is very advanced, allowing you to specify what needs to be cached and what doesn’t and when to recall the cached information rather than perform a new request. Thus making it easier for the programmers.

Open Source: Its vision is to create a best practice architectural framework, leveraging the ASP.NET MVC framework with NHibernate and whole other Open Source libraries. All processes are carefully controlled and managed by ASP.NET, so that if the process is dead, the new process can be created in its place, which helps to keep your application constantly available to handle requests.

Enhanced Reliability: ASP.NET automatically detects and recovers from errors such as dead locks and memory leaks to ensure that your application is always available. For example, when a memory leak is detected, ASP.NET automatically starts up a new copy of the ASP.NET worker process and directs all new requests to the new process. Memory Leak, Dead Lock and Crash Protection are all controlled by this platform.

Security: The data-validation and authentication is well executed under ASP .NET framework. Using .NET inheritance, base classes can be developed which can serve the authentication purpose before displaying the information to a user. One can customize the page information regarding what the current user is entitled to view. If any page’s displayable data is not secure, that information can be secured by content encoding in ASP .NET framework. ASP .NET does a better performance by early binding and compilation, native optimization and catching facility which decrease security risks.

All smartphone apps and modern web apps are built in ASP.Net as it has many interesting application features, functionalities which are easier to use. It has gained a steady market due to its mass acceptance among corporate houses for providing reliable, customized solutions with custom web application development. Upgrading to ASP .NET will help us build richer and interactive applications. Therefore in the coming years it will give us more secure and versatile online applications dominating the web in a smarter way and helping our business to grow.

We provide .Net development services. If you would like to know what makes us expert asp.net developer, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Load Testing: The Ultimate Way to Control the Queue

As the current trend goes, developers are into the habit of releasing brand new mobile apps with an aim to generate a queue for the users before a comprehensive support system can be built up for their app to fix evident issues. From the usability point of view, implementing a queue is indeed a great idea. It generates a lot of excitement within your users and also succeeds in adding that exclusivity factor to an application while the developer can deal with the scalability concerns in parallel.

However, let’s have a look at the other side of the coin. Having a queue may indeed be exciting for a few days but making users wait for the applications while the issues are being sorted out may prove to be a very risky bet for the developer or application owner, particularly when the switching cost for a user is very low. This gives a lot of scope to the impatient user to cross out your application and switch over to the subsequent one, without even getting the chance to appreciate the quality of your application.

There is off course a brilliant way to reduce this risk factor, and that’s where Load Testing comes in. It is the process of subjecting your system to high load and participation and evaluating the response. So, before making your application/app public, try to figure out the application’s performance against peak load conditions, maximum anticipated load. This will help you understand whether all the systems will synchronize in the proper manner and manage the burden of the entire user base.

Significance of Load Testing Services The fundamental goal of Load Testing is to make sure than an application will register a good performance, in the production stage itself. With the help of load testing, you will be able to find out whether you application will cease to function or function inappropriately under heavy load and if the application is sturdy enough to fulfill the pre-determined performance levels. Moreover, load testing also gives a fair idea as to the number of users the website or application can simultaneously handle.


Some of the common performance issues that applications may face are the following:

• Issues related to software configuration (for database, web server, load balancers and so on)
• Problems arising from improper network configuration
• Imperfect software code
• Inadequate hardware assets

The sole means to identify these performance setbacks at the production stage is load testing, i.e., simulating a plethora of concurrent users. It also has a positive impact on the company’s Return on Investment by reducing the financial cost arising out of service interruptions and poor performance.

Generally speaking, this type of testing is most applicable to multiple-user systems, usually those operating on a client-server model, like web servers. But load testing can also be done for other software systems. For instance, you can always verify whether a financial package is suitable enough to process years of data and create a report accordingly or if a word processor can read an exceptionally bulky document. Things to consider while Load Testing

• The following things need to be considered in order to ensure that your load testing is successful:
• The load goals should be clearly defined and measurable in terms of relevant parameters like requests per second, concurrent users, etc.
• Specify the goals based on real-time scenarios. For example, when you are setting the load goals in terms of number of concurrent users, specify according to the expected number within a particular time span.
• In case your application is brand new and there are no previous or specified server logs, take help from those involved in the company’s promotional activities and decide the peak.
• Set the response time based on the user acceptance quotient.

Load Testing is the ultimate means to identify the shortcomings in your website or application before launching, to ensure that even the user who is the earliest in the queue, is not facing any performance setbacks. In the long run, this will help you rise above the low ratings and unfavorable reviews, and make your application seamlessly sail through.

We provide software performance testing services. Our certified load testers can help increase the robustness of your application. To know more how, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

How Often Are Doctors Switching From One EHR System To Another?

Similar to other professionals, doctors and medical practitioners also have to store, manage and process a huge amount of information and data. The medical information also needs to be organized based on certain grades and specific structuring. So many doctors, nowadays, use specially designed electronic database systems to access and process a variety of medical information smoothly. The electronic health records (EHRs) are used by large number of doctors to manage the electronic health information about a specific patient or certain groups.

As per the ISO/TR 20514 definition, EHR can be defined as, “Collection of computerized information referring to the health state of a certain subject stored and transmitted in complete safety, accessible to any authorized user. It has a logic pattern for information organization implemented, universally accepted and independent from the system. Its main aim is to assure continuous, efficiently and quality integrated health services along with retrospective and prospective information “.

So EHRs can be used to store, access and share a variety of medical data including demographics, medical history, medication and allergies, immunization status, laboratory test results, radiology images, vital signs, personal stats like age and weight, and billing information. The complex nature and constantly increasing volume of medical data encourage many companies to upgrade EHR by incorporating more advanced features and customized functionality. These features make it easier for a doctor to share a patient’s digital medical information across different healthcare settings.

At the annual conference of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society held at New Orleans in March 2013, the results of a survey conducted by American EHR was presented, which highlighted that doctors frequently switch from one EHR to another to achieve certain objectives. According to AmedNews, “A survey by AmericanEHR Partners of 4,279 clinicians, including primary care physicians, specialists and diagnostic professionals, found that user satisfaction declined from 39% in 2010 to 27% in 2012. The rate of those “very dissatisfied” increased from 11% to 21% during the same period.“ What Makes a Doctor Switch from One EHR to Another
Easy-to-Use Features:
The medical information of a patient is accessed by several professionals. Along with the physician, the digital media data is also accessed by the dietitian, nurse and other staff. As the technical knowledge and skills vary from one professional to another, most doctors look for EHRs that can be easily used by their staff. So many doctors choose EHRs that comes with a set of simple and easy-to-use features. These features further allow them to train the new staff without putting any extra effort.

Option to Access Information Anytime:
Similar to other users, a doctor also looks for option to access the medical information of a patient anytime, anywhere. Many doctors even look for fast and convenient options to share the medical data. So many doctors replace their conventional EHRs with the advanced systems that allow them to access and share the information over internet. Many companies have launched Cloud based EHRs to enable doctors to store all medical data in a centralized location, and access these at their own pace and convenience.

Integrating Data from Various Sources:
Each doctor wants to provide the best healthcare service to his patients. So, doctors often consult with external physicians and specialists to choose the most effective treatment for his client. As the choice of EHRs varies from one doctor to another, many professionals look for systems that can collect medical information from several data sources. Also, the EHR must be compatible with multiple devices, so that the doctor can easily access and evaluate a specific patient’s medical report.

Installation and Operational Expenses:
As the doctors are not sure about using an EHR for a longer period of time, they often avoid the expensive systems. Along with buying and installing the healthcare system, a doctor also has to put some amount of time and efforts in training other physicians, dietitians and nurses. So many doctors prefer investing in inexpensive EHRs to make it reduce their operational expenses. Also, the inexpensive EHRs make it easier for them to switch to avail additional benefits by switching to a more advanced system.

Some companies upgrade their EHRs frequently to overcome the common problems faced by users. The recent reports will compel many companies to standardize medical data processing, so that a doctor can change his existing EHR in a smooth and hassle-free way. And that is when need for healthcare software maintenance is felt.

We provide clinical software development services. To know more about the expertise of our healthcare software developers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

Why Dot Net Is the Most Preferred Framework in Application Development?

The constant changes in the lifestyles and choices of modern people have made it challenging for developers to make robust and popular applications. Along with the people using desktop and laptop computer, each applications nowadays also have to target the huge base of smartphone, tablet and other mobile device users. Microsoft has launched Dot Net with the intention of revolutionizing the web application development and related technologies.

The software platform works on Windows operating system, but it allows developers to choose from a wide variety of tools and libraries to develop robust web application without putting much time and effort. A developer can further create, deploy and manage the security enhanced applications to interact with different web services and computers connected to the internet. At the same time, the applications can be used by the end-users simply by installing the Dot Net Framework on their computers.

In addition to being more scalable and highly secure, the applications are also effective in integrating email, fax, phone services and other communication technologies. Since its launch, Microsoft Dot Net framework has been used by developers to make applications for clients belonging to different industries. There are also a number of reasons why Dot Net has become the most preferred framework in application development.

Support for Several Programming Languages Each developer has his favorite programming language. But the choice of the programming language often varies based on the software framework. Unlike the conventional frameworks, Microsoft Dot Net supports several languages. Along with C# and VB.Net, a developer can also write code using Java Script. So one can easily pick his favorite .Net framework-supported-programming-language, and make robust web applications that will run in a virtual environment. The apps will further complement all types of devices and hardware used by the end-users.

Compilation of Code to Intermediary Language Before execution of the code, all Dot Net supported languages are compiled into an intermediary language instead of a machine code. The lower level language is known as the Common Intermediate Language (CIL). The Common Language Runtime (CLR) engine only uses the CIL code. So a variety of languages become compatible to each other. Further, a developer has option to interchange components from multiple languages. The Common Language Specification (CLS) also makes it easier for languages to become compatible with the Dot Net framework, while enabling developers to sare arrays, strings, components and numbers across different languages.

Large Number of Ready to Use Classes Many developers also love Dot Net framework to due to its large set of ready to use classes. The system classes can be used by any app that is developed on the platform. For instance, the code written for your website using the system classes will make the apps run seamlessly on computer desktops and mobile devices. Further, Microsoft has developed the Dot Net framework based on object oriented architecture. So each tag or code written by you will be treated as an object. So you can easily retrieve an object, and use it to develop multiple applications, while writing lengthy codes and programs.

Innovative Web Services The asp.net web development service has made it easier for developers to make interoperable and distributed applications. The term web service is described as “component of programmable application logic that can be accessed using standard web protocols.” Your application can easily interact with other information providers, regardless of their running at the font-end or back-end. The service also enables webmasters to gather relevant information and data from various sources without worrying about the changes in the design and structure of other websites. A developer can use the web service feature to engage the website visitors by offering relevant, fresh and latest information.

In addition to developing web application using the Dot Net framework, a developer can further easily integrate the required changes and updates. Also, a single website can be accessed by users through their conventional PCs and mobile devices.

We provide .net development services. If you would like to know what makes us expert asp.net programmers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

Top Quark Xtensions & Why Should You Customize One?

QuarkXPress is design software for creating and editing complex page layouts in a WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get) editor. It supports 36 languages and runs on any mac or windows machines. Larger publishing houses and designers love using Quark Express as it can produce variety of layouts, from single-page flyers to the multi-media projects required for catalogs, magazines, newspapers and the like. QuarkXPress has significant marketshare about 95% for page layout software among professional users. It was released in 1987 for the Macintosh and got finer with more and more new, xtensive features.

QuarkXPress incorporated an application programming interface called XTensions which allows third-party developers to create custom add-on features to the desktop application. XTensions software cover a wide range of applications, from advanced spell check, pre-flighting and exporting products to translation applications, image-management software and many more thus help in customizing beautiful layouts. It was awarded as the best product of the year as “MacWorld Awards 2011: Grand Prix Winner” by many mac magazines. It offers layout synchronization, multiple undo/redo functionality, XML and web page (HTML/XHTML) features and support direct PDF import and output. The latest version QuarkXPress 9 offers cascading styles, cross media publishing approach and can be used to export to eBooks and native apps. Companies can enable printing copies with customized content digitally when they need them.This is what makes Quark Xtensions development so important.

Xtensions enhances Quark program, as it increases its overall performance. One can easily build an xtension from scratch by adding new feature as one desires thus enhancing and customising QuarkXPress extension that can specifically address to the needs of the document that one is creating. Xtentions come in variety of classifications and price ranges. Some top XTensions are productivity tools appropriate for nearly all publishing tasks.

OpenNow Pro is the best tool in QuarkXPress manages pictures and image links time get detailed and comprehensive picture information. It shows the picture attributes in detail- name and file icon, full path, file size, dimensions, scaling, format, color model, absolute and effective resolutions, date modified, picture status, color profile, preview resolution and default editing application. One can easily reveal the picture or any of its enclosing folders in the Finder, bring the picture up to date after it has been modified, change the preview resolution from high to low or vice-versa and open the Picture Usage window to search for missing pictures etc.

While there are a collection of XTensions that are simple and focused on just one or two feature enhancements, some XTensions are geared toward solving the more complex problems of a specific document type, such a Kytek’s Autopage, which auto-generates complex text books including sidebars, headers, footers, chapters and more. AutoCorrectXT allows users to mark misspelled words and correct common typing mistakes while typing, just like Microsoft Word. MadeToPrint enhances the reliability of PDF creation and optimizes print-output processes as well as exports to other file formats. FullMeasure is a powerful tool for controlling palette that gives you instant access to more than 160 functions, attributes and tools right at your fingertips. The FullMeasure strip has 12 panels that comprise text and paragraph formats, rule settings, picture information, document preferences and more. Xdata is used to auto-generate price lists and directories. This XTensions software enables you to import database text files into QuarkXPress and add style formatting on the fly. This is perfect for price lists, phone books and other types of directories. MadeToPrint XT and Annotator from Xinet enhances PDF optimise other print processes. CoDesCo are working diligtently on XTensions to auto-generate content for an iPad and other electonic gadgets. CloudForm is another XTensions module for QuarkXPress that allows users to quickly and easily add dynamic forms controls to define form templates and workflows. It delivers powerful forms management without the need for any programming.

Developers across the globe are developing products specifically for their markets or for their end users who are publishing documents designed for consumption by those countries. There are thousands of XTensions solutions for Quark software. It enable you to customise Quark software and meet your exact requirements. Support for Mac and Windows users, across the multiligual sites. Distributors around the world make it easy to find and buy. Quark Solutions contain industry-specific applications for enterprise publishers who want to cut costs while improving productivity and accuracy. These solutions are tailored to the particular needs of the industries but can be customized to suit almost any business.

It is beneficial for various financial services which focuses on the efficient publishing of real-time information to analyst reports and fund fact sheets. Improves client engagements, gain a competitive edge and drive more revenues with high-value, high-quality customer communications. Many government organisations build a secure publishing platform for both the policy-making and intelligence communities. Regulatory and legislative processes can be streamlined with Quark Solutions for eGovernment enables immediate and protected information sharing. Manufacturers meet customer expectations for product information. Technical documentation, marketing collateral and training manuals can be delivered quickly and accurately to print, in the web and digital devices such as tablets and the smartphones. It gives a complete solution for dynamic publishing that allows users of Microsoft Word to contribute content in unstructured or XML form. It automatically populate richly designed templates publications in hardcopy prints, web, digital and other electronic gadgets used today. It suffices all kinds of business needs.

To know more about QuarkXPress development services at Mindfire, or to know what makes us expert QuarkXpress developers, please visit us at Mindfire Solutions.

Pentaho’s Big Data Support: What’s in Store for You?

Pentaho’s strategic move in the arena of Business Intelligence is all set to power up the business world. Yes, the recent release by Pentaho extends support for Big data, that is sure to aid the business processes of small, medium and big enterprises. Well, before we explore what this open-source Business Intelligence provider has in store for you, let us see how businesses can leverage Big Data to their advantage.

Big Data Analytics: Benefits for Businesses The infiltration of big data analytics into the business territory is all the more powered by recent technological advancement which is one of the critical driving factors allowing small, medium as well as large enterprises to leverage big data analytics. But what is the significance of Big data? Well, getting access to good amount of information allows organizations to effectively comprehend the priorities of their customers and make clear-cut strategic decisions to attain their goals. With the help of big data analysis, communications between businesses and consumers can be interpreted in a better manner.

Large enterprises have always benefitted from Big data analytics, but when it comes to small and medium businesses (SMBs), they are also rapidly learning to draw advantages from big data. This is true even for businesses which are not operating in the technological sector. For instance, Farmstead Table, a restaurant based in Boston, effectively leverages data solutions for processing credit card payments and tracking client details such as choicest meals, anniversaries or birthdays. With more and more SMBs looking for data solutions, it is expected that these enterprises will constitute a considerable share of big data projects this year. As far as small or medium players are concerned, the focus will be more on incorporation and integration of information with the entire operation, with an aim to retain existing clientele and acquire new customers.

Regarding large enterprises, big data is adding a new dimension to innovation, growth and consumer surplus. Big data analytics has the potential to generate considerable value for leading players in all the prominent sectors like healthcare, public sector, retail and manufacturing. This is because of the fact that data has rapidly penetrated the different business functions in every sector, and has become a key factor in production. For large players, big data implies enhanced information transparency and usability, intensive segmentation of clientele, effective management decision, superior performance level and more focus on development of new generation services and products.

Pentaho’s Big Data Support: A Real Boon As big data continues to become one of the key growth and competition factors for small, medium and large enterprises, Pentaho’s support for Big Data is indeed expected to fulfill a much awaited solution for designing, modeling, visualizing and surveying data sets, especially those stocked in NoSQL databases like HBase, Cassandra, MongoDB. Pentaho for big data allows deployment of potent analytics for data stored in NoSQL databases, either through the process of interactive visualization or reporting or by simplifying the procedure of data extraction from NoSQL databases.

Pentaho’s big data support offers a brilliant business analytics and data integration platform empowering businesses to go for big data analysis through:

• Interactive web interfaces that enable quality visualization for impromptu charting, reporting and dashboards.
• Seamless exploration of data across different dimensions (geography, product and time) and measures (quantity and revenue).
• Capabilities for impactful predictive analysis leveraging complex statistical algorithms such as regression, classification, association and clustering.

So, Pentaho reports development for big data enables organizations to go for proper integration of the big data store within the remaining data architecture. Pentaho supports a range of big data technologies and organizations leveraging these technologies are empowered to shift data within and out of the data stores by means of a seamless graphical ambience. Interestingly, Pentaho’s support for big data extends to web services, flat files, columnar databases, conventional databases, hosted applications and so on. This indeed paves the way for effective big data solutions, implying a bright future for small, medium to large enterprises. And thus the quest for business intelligence vendors begins.

We are one among the trusted business intelligence companies in India. If you would like to know what makes us expert pentaho report designers, please visit us at Mindfire Solutions.

A Consistent Approach to Android Application Performance Testing

Android offers an open source software platform for mobile devices, initially created by Google and subsequently by Open Handset Alliance. The popularity of Android is on the rise as this platform is paving the way for a number of user-friendly apps. With more and more technological advancements, Android is making room for brighter features on Android phones. Irrespective of the time dedicated for Android design or the fact that an application developer is very careful with the programming part, nobody can deny the fact that mistakes can occur anytime leading to appearance of bugs. To reduce the impact of programming errors, and enhancing the productivity of the development procedure, it is crucial to adopt a consistent approach for Android application performance testing.

Phases of Efficient Android Application Testing Before going into the details of consistent performance testing, let us discuss the crucial phases involved in testing of Android apps.

• Software Validation Testing: This testing phase can be sub-divided into functional testing, followed by non-functional testing, and finally documentation review. Code walk-through is a significant component of functional testing which involves tracing of the source code with the help of a miniature test case. The state program variables are monitored manually in order to analyze the assumptions and logic of the program. Most of the tests done revolve around the call flow and user-interface, involving a final testing done to locate new bugs. The non-functional sub-phase involves testing of user acceptance, compatibility and usability. Finally we have documentation review wherein things like design document review and architect reviews are performed.
• Performance Testing: This involves two elements: performance elevation followed by performance consulting. Performance elevation involves testing of code profiling, database, endurance, end-to-end transaction and so on, while performance consulting comprises capacity planning and architecture validation.
• Test automation: This phase ensures the quality assurance and comprehensiveness of the software through establishment of an automation framework, test execution, scripting and regression testing.

Significant Components of Android app performance testing So far as performance testing is concerned a consistent delivery model needs to be followed across varying scenarios. This enables Android app developers to comprehend the performance level of the application on any given device from the end-users point of view. Let us understand the significant components of consistent performance tests on Android apps by taking a banking application as an example.

• Server Component: This component takes care of the business logic in case of the banking transactions initiated from a desktop browser or a mobile client.
• Network Emulator: This helps in the recreation of a range of network conditions like jitter, latency, packet error, reordering or loss, bandwidth restrictions, and so on, enabling developers to replicate environment like LAN, WAN, GPRS, 2G, 3G, etc. The network emulator helps in the determination of the traffic load that the application generates under diverse network conditions.
• Load Generator: This tool helps subjects the application to load under test conditions and evaluates the load times. Changes in configuration can be made like enhancing simultaneous users, increasing the load and boosting transactions occurring per second.
• Android Device: Both high-end and low-end devices are used for testing because performance varies and it is essential for a device to be configured accordingly.
• Performance Monitor: With the help of the performance monitoring tool ‘Perfmon’ which has windows mapping, the performance counters undergo configuration prior to the test. The data collector set once configured and started, leads to automatic data collection for every scenario.
• Android Debug Bridge: This is a tool that accompanies Android SDK, enabling interface with and control of the Android devices.
• Dalvik Debug Monitor Server: This tool for Android debugging makes room for things like screen capture, port-forwarding services, radio state information, location data spoofing, logcat and more.

It is very important to understand the plethora of resources involved before going for android app development. Performance testing is indeed crucial to understand how the application will perform with respect to satisfying the needs of diverse user groups.

We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to know what makes us expert android app developers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

Save Time and Money with a Customized FileMaker Pro Database System

The advancement in information technologies has enabled customers to easily gather information from multiple sources. Some people choose a product or service only after reading the user reviews and comments, whereas others use social media to gather feedback on the specific product. So the businesses have to keep the users interested and engaged by providing the most relevant information collected from various sources. Many companies sync multiple databases to provide updated data to the users.

The cross-platform relational database applications like filemaker pro have made it easier for the businesses to easily store, manage and update data by integrating a database engine with a GUI-based interface. The GUI-based interface enables users to keep the database updated simply by dragging the additional elements into the screens, layouts or forms. At present, a developer can choose from several versions of FileMaker Pro.

In addition to FileMaker Pro 12, FileMaker Server 12, and FileMaker Pro Advanced 12, you can also use the FileMaker Server Advanced 12 and FileMaker Go 12 for iOS. Based on the volume and nature of data, you can easily configure a version to suit your server, desktop and operating system. Many companies even offer customized FileMaker database development services to meet the specific requirements of clients. The easy-to-personalize features of the relational database application further help the businesses in saving a huge amount of time, money and resources.

Features that Contribute Towards the Huge Popularity of FileMaker Pro Faster Database Updates: Along with being a cross-platform relational database applications, FileMaker Pro also makes it easier for users to append, edit and update the databases. The Starter Solutions feature makes it easier for you to manage content, resources, projects and estimates without putting any extra time. The customized solutions further help developers to make powerful web and mobile apps that can provide the most relevant and updated information to the users.

New and Innovative Themes: The latest version of FileMaker Pro offers over more than forty themes to the users. Each of these themes can change the look and feel of your database within a few seconds. The layouts further make it easier for you to format the stored data differently based on their individual categories. At the same time, a number of design layout tools like image slicing, gradients and alignment guides allow you to achieve the desired level of design precision.

A Set of Advanced Solutions: A developer can use the advanced solutions provided by FileMaker Pro 12 to easily manage resources, projects, content and other important aspects of a business. The professionally designed further increases the pace of maintain and updating databases. Also, you can use the solutions to create a variety of windows to present the data in a stylish way. Based on the type of data, you can create a modal dialog or floating window. You can also use scripting to easily download and use the online content directly by inserting from the URL.

Simple Drag and Drop Option: FileMaker Pro was initially developed as a DOS based application. But the updated versions of the applications are popular due to their effectiveness in integrating a GUI-based interface with database engines. The interface further makes it convenient for users to update and modify the database simply by dragging and dropping the files to a database. The drag and drop features also enable users to render images quickly, store information securely, and manage the data externally.

Seamless Integration with SQL Database: Being a cross-platform relational database application, FileMaker Pro can easily perform a variety of SQL queries against your FileMaker solution. Also, you can use the application to sync information stored on different data sources. Based on your specific development and testing requirements, you can further link and redirect your ESS connection to a different SQL database. The feature helps users to retrieve data from various data sources within a few seconds.

Generate Powerful Reports: A user can also create comprehensive and eye-catchy reports using the Quick Charts provided by the application. Your reports will use the updated data gathered from various sources. At the same time, you can generate customized reports in a spreadsheet-like format, and enhance their appeal by inserting bar, line, area, and pie charts. The feature further makes it easier for you to make and change the charts by integrating with the set-up window.

App Development for iPhone and iPad: The Apple devices have become an integral part of modern lifestyle. Many companies launch new apps and update existing apps to target the huge base of iPhone and iPad users. The app developers often find it difficult to make robust apps that can seamlessly fetch information from different data sources. A developer can simply use the FileMaker Go 12 for iPhone and iPad to develop powerful apps. The customized iOS design and development tools provided by the application save the time and effort of developers. You can use the themes, design tools, calculation functions and scripts to develop and update a variety of apps.

We provide Custom filemaker development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our expert filemaker developers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

The story of JavaScript's Success

As a hugely popular coding language, JavaScript is commonly used along with HTML to develop all types of websites. Many experts even include JavaScript in the list of top ten widely used programming languages. Despite having similarity in syntax to Java, the interpreted computer programming language allows developers to develop cross platform web application. However, the popularity of JavaScript was affected temporarily due to launch of specialized web application development platforms by large companies like Microsoft.

As each user has options to choose from a range of operating systems, web browsers, and devices; most developers, nowadays, use JavaScript as a powerful cross platform programming language. Also, each developer has option to choose from a number of cross platform versions of JavaScript, to target all major platforms including Mac, Windows and Linux. The similarity of its syntax to C, C++, C#, and Java further makes it easier for the code writers to write programs without putting much time and effort.

What Makes JavaScript Popular as a Cross Platform Programming Language

Making Websites Interactive The frequently changing web browsing habits of users have made it essential for businesses to develop engaging and interactive website. As a flexible language, JavaScript enables you to make your website more interactive in adding drop-down menus and specialized text effects. At the same time, the powerful scripting language can also be used to develop interactive games, and full JavaScript chat rooms. Some of these features can also be used to improve the user experience by optimizing the navigation options that will encourage users to access the web application regularly.

Compatibility with Major Web Browsers and Operating Systems No developer can decide the way a user will access the web application. But each developer has to ensure that the application can be accessed with major operating systems and web browsers. As major web browsers like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome have built-in support for JavaScript; the end users can access the website without downloading any additional software or plug-ins. However, the script will change the look of your website based on the web browser used by the end-user. Regardless of their choice of websites, the users can enjoy the interactivity of the website. Also, a user also has option to turn the JavaScript code on and off to suit his requirements.

Reducing the Web Server Load Often webmasters and website developers look for options to reduce the web server load. Some web application development platforms like Microsoft Dot Net allows you to develop server-side controls. But developers still use JavaScript a dynamic client-side scripting language, The features further contribute towards loading and executing web pages directly on the web browser, without waiting for response for the server. The web browser will automatically download and launch JavaScript, and display the web pages to the user within a few seconds.

Special Compilers Not Required Unlike some other programming languages, JavaScript does not require any special compiler or editor to run. So a developer can easily learn the coding language without putting any additional time and effort. You can simply use Notepad, WordPad or any other text editor, and write the JavaScript code to achieve certain objectives. At the same time, the JavaScript code can also be inserted directly into HTML pages of a website. Further, the code can be uploaded to the web without using any specialized software or script.

Already Integrated with Popular Web Technologies The huge popularity of JavaScript has encouraged many companies to incorporate the scripting language with other technologies. For instance, the animation technology Flash integrates JavaScript into its XML-based technology. Similarly, JavaScript is also supported in PDF files by popular Adobe products like Acrobat and Adobe Reader. Further, JavaScript can easily interact with control java applets used in designing a web page. So a developer can use these advanced technologies to design interactive websites as well as to create powerful internet applications including java game development projects.

Before few years, many developers were using JavaScript to control the look and presentation of web pages. Normally, the scripting language was used for randomization of content, validating web forms, controlling cookies, and adding visual tricks to a web page. But the developers, now, use JavaScript as a full-featured and powerful language to develop web application compatible with major web browsers, operating systems and devices.

We provide java web development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our expert javascript programmers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

5 Solid Reasons Why SharePoint Intranet Projects Fail

SharePoint has been implemented in many organizations with huge success rates. As reflected in the count of successful Intranets built across the SharePoint platform, it can indeed be said without any hesitation that this software platform is having a positive impact on a number of organizations. However, there are certain crucial issues which should be taken care of while adopting SharePoint as your intranet platform. These issues are not purely technical but revolve around stuff like shared understanding, change management, technological configuration and fundamentals of project management. However, failure to focus on these issues during implementation of SharePoint may lead to a serious failure of the Intranet projects. Let us understand each of these problems and explore the reasons behind the failure of SharePoint application development projects.

1. Focusing on technological aspects rather than outcomes: Many organizations commit the blunder of implementing SharePoint platform without knowing their exact requirement and how they would be leveraging the platform. These organizations tend to ignore the specific final outcomes, driven by the misconception that SharePoint will act as a cure-all, ending all their technological problems. If organizations get lured by the impressive list of functionalities that SharePoint offers, without concentrating on the business outcomes that they need to achieve, it will only lead to some complex solution addressing some poorly defined problem. Hence, organizations need to go for an in-depth analysis of their culture, strategies and goals, so that they can determine the problem and then arrive at resolution techniques over the Intranet platform.
   
2. Making Room for Scope Creep: SharePoint projects are a storehouse of potentials and scopes. This is because of two major reasons. First, technically difficult stuff like intricate document management can be handled with great ease. Secondly, seemingly simple things might be very difficult to achieve. This mismatch between appearance and reality can create confusion among project team members, who tend to rope in a functionality that appears simple, only to understand at a later stage that they are incurring huge costs solely because the functionality is not matching the exact business requirement.Another issue is that even though certain things are technically easy to handle, they may prove pricey from the perspective of change management. For example, implementing User Profiles in SharePoint may make certain organizational processes easy, but the very task of making people create their individual profiles may involve huge costs so far as governance is concerned. The best way to avoid these problems is to focus on core business requirements and implement SharePoint Intranet accordingly.
   
3. Confusing between Collaboration and Communication: It is important to understand that an Intranet that is communication centric with some social attributes like tags, blogs, ratings, etc. is radically different in terms of objectives and outcomes from a collaborative solution focusing on a specific business issue. Many businesses commit the blunder of clubbing in communicative and collaborative aspects within one Intranet project. However, it is important to understand that collaboration involves a combination of organizational strategy, culture and basic processes within a particular framework, which requires spending of considerable time and effort by the right people. Hence it is vital to realize the scope of the Intranet project along with the fact that the challenges of communication and collaboration need to be addressed separately.
   
4. Using Improper Tools and Techniques: Most of the SharePoint elements are platform friendly and organizations tend to incorporate them without knowing the exact business value that they would provide. This in turn leads to failure in solving the basic business problem that the organization is facing. You can always go for the best Intranet elements from disciplines like Information Architecture, Business Alignment, Business Needs and Design but make sure that you carefully choose a SharePoint partner who can provide an effective balance between the technical and business perspectives.
   
5. Lack of Proper Education for End-Users and Content Authors: In order to properly implement SharePoint Intranet within your organization, you cannot neglect training or education for the content authors and end-users. While content authors need to be guided on the technical aspects of authoring content, communication tones and specific procedures and policies, end-users need some amount of training in the search functionalists, user profiles as well as the basic navigation and layout.
   

When leveraged in the proper manner, SharePoint can indeed pave the way for brilliant Intranets that add value to the organization with lesser amount of effort. The best thing is to concentrate on the outcomes and core business requirements to gain substantial value from this Intranet platform. We provide Sharepoint site migration services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our SharePoint developers India, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

Battleground Rich Media: the Conflict Between HTML 5 and Flash

Drawing a comparison between HTML5 and Flash is like comparing two dissimilar objects, the former being a specification while the latter a software. However, a comparison between these two is not out of place if we take into consideration the ripples that these two technologies have created in the Information Technology sector. HTML5 is the new version of Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) which incorporates native support for video and audio, a feature that has threatened the existence of Flash. Adobe Flash, ruling rich media for more than 10 years, has become almost omnipresent in the virtual world. Now, the conflict between HTML5 and Flash revolves around rich media, or even more particularly, streaming video. Let’s introduce these two technologies briefly and then compare them to see how each scores against various parameters.

HTML5 and Flash: a brief introduction
HTML5 is the latest version of HTML, The new HTML5 development platform which comes with a range of new mark-up features. The striking feature of HTML5 is that it is compatible with everything that operated in HTML4, thus ensuring seamless upgrading. The most striking feature of HTML5 is the newly developed media elements, the major cause of worry for Flash. These media elements enable video and audio support without the help of add-ons like the Flash Player.

Adobe Flash is a technology that operates on several platforms like web browsers, electronic gadgets and mobile devices. The technology is rampant over the web and is offered through the Adobe Flash Player. It is specifically used for interactivity, video and animation. All the major browsers have the requisite add-ons to support Flash, making this technology a standard option for producing rich video-based web content.

Comparison between HTML5 and Flash
Embedding Video: HTML 5 ensures sufficient flexibility with its <video> tag. Due to the availability of numerous options in native HTML code, embedding a video on a web page through HTML 5 is quite simple and convenient. Talking about Flash, it is indeed difficult to add a Flash video within a web page using hand coding. Hence, it is clear that the coding process of HTML5 is much simpler. Apart from a complex coding scenario, Flash involves a lot of moving components like the HTML page, the video, the Flash Player, Flash installation files, SWF files and JavaScript file.

Game Development: Performance is a crucial factor to be considered during game development because enthusiastic gamers will simply not tolerate any kinds of lags. When it comes to the gaming market, Flash has 70% of the share, so it’s obvious that HTML5 is yet to catch up. Interestingly, HTML5 was pinpointed by Steve Jobs as the choicest technology for iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone Browsers. So, the tremendous growth in the mobile market indeed implies a positive thrust for HTML5. Although Flash still has considerable monopoly in mobile gaming, it is expected that the game will turn towards HTML5 within half a decade, a phenomenon all the more evident with mobile game manufacturers already using html5 in game creation.

CPU Utilization: Although CPU utilization by Flash is more than that of HTML5 in some operating systems, it has been found that with access to components for hardware acceleration, Flash and HTML5 are on even grounds so far as performance is concerned.


As we compared Flash and HTML5 on parameters like video embedding, game development and CPU utilization, it seems that the outcome of the battle is still to come. It should also be that Flash, developed in 1996, scores higher than HTML5 on grounds of platform maturity. It is true that presently HTML5 is still in its developmental stage, but it can be a serious threat to Flash in the long term. Whatever happens, it is certain that this grueling completion will help the end-users.

We provide HTML5 development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our Expert HTML5 Developers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

Ruby on Rails: A Perfect Tool for Web Application Development

The developers frequently explore affordable options to develop and maintain websites. At the same time, the ongoing recessional phase of the economy has compelled many developers to curtail the development time, while providing enhanced and improved user experience. Since its public release in 2006, many developers are using Ruby on Rails (popularly referred as Rails) to develop robust websites for clients belonging to different industries and regions.

The popular scripting language was developed in 1993, and was inspired by several scripting languages like Python, Perl, Smalltalk, Ada, Lisp and Eiffel. But Rails is more object-oriented than Python and more powerful than Perl. The framework of Rails looks a bit similar to the PHP framework. But the well designed and unambiguous code structure makes writing codes and developing websites more enjoyable and fun.

Also, developers constantly work on improving the cross-platform open source framework to incorporate more efficient and effective features. Many developers also prefer Rails an advanced MVC framework. The entire application is divided into three layers, such as, the model, the view and the controller. The framework also consists of a wide variety of independent libraries. The combination of several layers and separate libraries makes it more convenient and easier for developers to write robust web applications within a short span of time.

Why Ruby on Rails Scores Over Other Frameworks?
Using Rails to build websites may not be a low cost or affordable. But the initial investment enables you to avail certain benefits like reduced launch time, easy to incorporate changes, and support of a robust community.

Reduced Launch Time: The recessional phase of the global manager has made it essential for software development companies to launch robust web apps within a very short timeframe. In comparison to other frameworks, you can use Rails to develop and launch the website within a very shorter period of time. As you can use the existing codes and plugins, it will be easier for reduce the time required to write comprehensive codes.

Easy to Incorporate Changes: With most companies launching web application at regular intervals, you have to constantly add new and advanced features to your website. Once you develop and launch the website using Rails, it will be easier for you to incorporate the required changes and add new features. These options will help you in improving user experience without putting much time and effort.

Enhanced Quality and Scalability: The reduced app development time and easy to incorporate changes will save you money on launching and maintain websites. While you can add new features to enhance the website quality, the option will further help you in achieving greater scalability and use experience. You may have to invest some funds to develop a large website using rails, but the website will get you high returns in the long run.

What Sites can You Develop Using Ruby on Rails?
You can consider using Rails to develop a wide variety of websites. Each web application will avail several benefits from Rails’ user-friendly and efficient features.

Ecommerce Portals: Many owners find it a daunting task to maintain and update their ecommerce websites on a regular basis. As Rails enable you to develop and maintain websites within a short time span, you can easily run a robust website using its modular approach and easy-to-use features. These features will also allow you to design the website by incorporating the features offered by expensive and high-end website ecommerce suites.

Social Networks: If you are planning to build a membership website or social network, it is important to concentrate on achieving high scalability and quality. Some of the features offered by Rails make it easier for you to build and maintain such website. Rails offer you a wide range of plugins to improve the user experience by overcoming all types of social networking challenges.

Content Management System: Rails also offers you the best solution to run a comprehensive online content management system. The content management website will be accessed by a large number of users, and deliver content in text, audio, video or multimedia formats. The easy-to-use features of the Rails will enable users to navigate the website in a quicker and smart way. At the same time, the features will make it easier for you to upload and manage content on a regular basis.

The huge popularity of Ruby on Rails can be determined based on some of the large websites designed using this technology. Some organizations like HP, NASA and Intel use the technology internally, whereas Rails is also used externally by popular brands like MTV, Twitter and YellowPages. This is what makes Ruby on Rails development so popular.


We also provide Rails development services. If you would like to know what makes us expert Ruby on Rails developers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

The Future of Ecommerce & Magento

E-commerce stands for Electronic commerce. This industry works on buying and selling of product or services which happens through web. This Ecommerce platform brews great profits for its reliable clients. With Magento - Your Business grows here from today. There are more than 150,000 businesses which choose Magento as their first priority e-commerce solution. It serves more than 125,000 businesses worldwide with flexibility and provides richer platform. Magento is a market leader because of its specific e-commerce functionality and constant innovations.

It helps enterprise customers develop & improve their e-commerce operations using their open-source software. Electronic commerce draws on technologies such as supply chain management, mobile commerce, electronic funds transfer, internet marketing, electronic data interchange, online transaction processing, inventory management systems and automated data collection systems. Modern electronic commerce typically uses the World Wide Web at least at one point in the transaction's life-cycle, although it may encompass a wider range of technologies such as e-mail, mobile devices, social media and telephones as well. E-Commerce has become an important tool for businesses worldwide not only to sell to customers but also to engage them. Leading country in ecommerce usage is China and it continues to expand. It leads to intensified price competition, as it increases consumers' ability to gather information about products and prices. Mostly growth of online shopping has also affected industry structure in two areas that have seen significant growth in e-commerce, bookshops and travel agencies.

A big team of informational gathering of suppliers, developers and retailers change online retail landscape. And in such a scenario – you need a stable, secure yet flexible CMS to power your web store. Magento is one of the best open-source shopping cart solutions available. It is popular for its features including flexible product display options, templates, transaction options, multi-store and multi-site functionality, user accounts and loyalty programs, product categorization and shopper filtering and discount and promotion rules. Many things are possible, from ecommerce platform document automation in supply chain and logistics, domestic and international payment systems, enterprise content management, group buying, automated online assistants, instant messaging, newsgroups to online shopping and order tracking, online banking, online office suites, shopping cart software, teleconferencing and electronic tickets.

It has advanced stats, customer groups management, tons of payment gateways, a nice admin interface and much more. Using Magento, you can enable direct selling to business customers on your website. Customers access the same tools that are used by your sales channels enabling you to provide a common platform to both and streamline the sales process. Your customers can also rate products, submit reviews and even post comments to social networks. From TV’s and phones to cars and computers, the mouse click has become the first step in our buying process. Some of the big companies like Amazon.com, Buy.com and many traditional retailers’ online sites, have captured this market by providing an easy to use, self-service and guided process for consumers. Varien, the company owning Magento, formerly worked with osCommerce. Magento is versatile than most e-commerce platforms at storing a large range of data it works wonder in designing smaller ecommerce websites to large ones which has sufficed multinational businesses.

Magento is a growing technology, the possibilities that this framework can offer a wide range of customers who wish to develop or enhance their online shopping presence. Magento was released in 2008 and is fast becoming the platform of choice for new ecommerce development and it is the future of ecommerce. It is going from strength to strength with every new version that comes out and as newer add-ons become available. It improvises for a better future with each passing day competing with the present needs of the Magento developer and user community.

Probably one of the greatest benefits of Magento is its scalability and its ability to grow with an organization as its needs change. It easily manages orders in a breeze with its easy to use dashboard showing lifetime sales, average sales amounts, bestsellers and most searched keywords. An expert Magento development India team can help you reap benefits of great features in Magento like Search Engine Optimization, Marketing Promotions and Tools, Catalogue Management, Catalogue Browsing, Product Browsing, International Support, Shipping, Customer Service, Order Management, Analytics and Reporting, Site Management, Mobile Commerce , Checkout ,Payment , Customer Accounts etc make it hot technology in the IT market. The future is always bright with Magento and it will continue to add more revenues to varied business sectors.


If you would like to know more about our Magento development services or you would like to know what makes us expert magento developers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

The Most Relevant Reasons Leading to Web Development Outsourcing

Today the entire IT world revolves around the keyword “Outsourcing”. A decade back, people shunned outsourcing and there were many more lobbyists than those who lobby today. Reason? More and more organizations are outsourcing their IT requirements to offshore locations as they do not want to lose out on the competitive edge they could have in their business. This is what mostly is driving businesses, all sectors of businesses to outsource. And they mostly start with web development. Their need to bring their business online and cater to a wider set of audience induces the need for web development. All industries create their own websites which market their products online.

With the help of a website, you can easily market your business, sell your products and services and in general increase the revenue of your business. To get a good-looking website, businesses are relying on outsourcing services. With the help of great developers, offshore IT Services companies are offering services which offer quality solutions at rates much lower than which you get onshore. Let us take a look at the diverse benefits of outsourcing web development requirements to offshore web development companies. The most prominent reasons to outsource web development requirements to offshore locations are as mentioned below:

24X7 Assistance: While the work on the project is under way, you can be assured that you will get 24X7 assistance. Whether it is a query or a suggestion, you will always find a person lending an ear. Moreover, even after the project is completed you can get in touch with them and get them to solve any issue with the site in a jiffy. All this is possible through Skype, conference calls, video conferencing, smartphones etc. Therefore distance never matters for outsourcing web development to offshore locations.

Custom Built Solutions: The offshore service providers first analyze your business requirements and then start working on a solution that is specifically built around your business requirements. They build customized websites which can fit to various screen sizes be it laptop, desktop, ipad, smartphones etc. With their expertise and long experience of creating web solutions for diverse business verticals, they are able to develop a web solution that is in-line with the requirements of the business and synchronize with the current online marketing strategies.

Cost-Effectiveness: Outsourcing services are really light on the pocket. Organizations and businesses are able to save a lot of money that would have been otherwise spent on infrastructure development, hiring resources, training them for the project and many other expenses. Further, businesses are able to concentrate on their core business activities while their IT requirements are fulfilled by professionals. This helps them to make profit in both the segments. Without compromising on the quality, you can get the work done in the cheapest rates possible.

Additional Services: Apart from web development, these companies also specialize in several additional services that only help improve your website. Thus, with the same company you can get search engine optimization, search engine marketing, viral marketing services, etc. Quality Analysts are appointed to check your product whether it is paid or unpaid. They are responsible to deliver high quality flawless product.

Fresh Outlook: The companies we are talking about are usually filled with young developers who have innovative ideas of web development. Working in an environment that favors their creative bent of mind, these developers can add value to your website in ways that you wouldn’t have thought was possible.


Mindfire provides expert web development services in various web technologies including SharePoint, ColdFusion, Rails, PHP, .Net and many other technologies.

If you have a web application development need or you are curious to know what makes us expert web developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.