TouK - make IT simple

Rich Enterprise Applications

RIA → REA

They changed the image of the Internet at first. Now they undermine traditional thinking about the distributed corporate networks. The enriched user interfaces are becoming a standard in IT solutions inside companies.

When browsing the Internet, after visiting a multitude of traditional sites, the users run across a RIA (Rich Internet Application) application, they notice a considerable difference. Comparing the degree of Internet integration provided by a HTML site with the possibilities offered by RIA reveals a significant technological gap between the two.

A characteristic feature of RIA is that it combines intuitive interface, until now present only in the state‑of‑the‑art desktop software, with Internet access. RIA incorporates on one dynamic screen all the information needed at a given moment, sparing the user the need to wait for the sub‑sites to load. Such solution allows for an unimpeded navigation with economic use of server resources and bandwidth of the connection.

Aesthetics and functionality, appreciated by individual Internet users encountering a rich web application, may be available in the corporate environment. The same techniques for building software in internal IT systems result in REA (Rich Enterprise Application) – a modern working environment for a company worker.

Advantages over a thin Web client:

• economic use of server resources and bandwidth – lower running costs;
• intuitive, easy‑to‑learn interface – lower training costs;
• faster data presentation – more effective use of working time.

Advantages over a desktop application:

• installation of the application on a server or a group of central servers, without the need of costly installation of software on tens/hundreds/thousands of computers in the company’s network – shorter implementation time and lower maintenance costs;
• only any Internet browser required on working stations – cheaper workplaces;
• actualisations on the central server, without the need to disorganise workplaces – no stoppage costs.
  

TouK & REA

For a number of years, TouK has been introducing the REA model standards into corporate applications. We were among the pioneers - “taming” the new tool on Polish market, and starting with the very basics.

In 2006, facing the challenge of implementing an efficient application in dispersed points of sale, we used for the first time the open source Google Web Toolkit (GWT) library, which made it possible to create the REA‑type applications. Scattered service points throughout the country implied the necessity to solve the problem of diversely configured computers, and in smaller towns – of slow connections. The preliminary analysis revealed that this time the solutions we had used would not suffice. It was only GWT technology that permitted us to create an application performing perfectly under the circumstances. It was easy to administrate and, thanks to the intuitive interface, it significantly improved the effectiveness of the salespeople’s work. The unquestionable success of this pioneer implementation was confirmed by subsequent implementations of REA at other customers.

Today, without any hesitation, we recommend REA to all entities seeking a striking business innovation in the domain of business websites and distributed corporate networks. Our long experience let us tailor the applications to unique visions and specific business goals of our customers.

When designing corporate applications:

• we are equally focused on technological innovativeness and on the visual aspect of the project;
• we conduct automated interface tests simulating user behaviour;
• we take care that the application works well with different browsers;
• we attach great importance to keeping our customers’ data safe all the time when the application is used.