Data-Driven Web Sites

Data-Driven Web Sites

The core of any dynamic system, whether Web based, Client/Server, Wireless, or any other type of specialized application, lies in its database. Our staff have experience in all aspects of architecting and implementing Data-Driven systems. From the simplest poll or reporting site to complex eCommerce and legacy system integration targeting browsers, clients, or specialized wireless devices, Crisp knows how it all fits together.

Our broad expertise in technology enables us to guide our clients to effective solutions that suit their needs now, and can grow with them in the future. Since Crisp Data is not a VAR or OEM, we can pick and choose the right technology for your project, not the flavor of the month. And after designing a project, we can run the implementation, or manage partners to achieve the best solution in accordance with your needs.

Application Design and Implementation

Crisp Data has implemented systems in a wide variety of application environments, from dedicated database environments to client/server systems and today's more open Web standards. We can support your current application regardless of it's environment. Two of our primary application environments for development of new applications are PHP and Java, two excellent development systems. Of course, the key to both of these are their integration with Database systems.

Database Integration

Different applications require different sorts of databases. Crisp has implemented many successful "mission-critical" projects using Sybase and Oracle. But not every project will require these expensive, professional databases, and we also offer expertise in MySQL and Postgres, two powerful open-source solutions.

We also provide complete support for your operating environment using Linux or Solaris. Windows support is also available.

Wireless Services

Crisp keeps on top of the evolving wireless industry so that we can guide our clients to the best available solution, keeping in mind the rapid changes going on in the industry. Millions of users will be increasing their wireless usage over the next few years, and you can reach these people with our techniques. We support various wireless platforms, such as the wireless or cellphone-based Palm, WAP and it's successors, and SMS.

eCommerce

We have built a number of eCommerce sites. Each client is different in their needs. We have implemented sites from low-end browsing and ordering catalogs to the most complex sites for established retail operations requiring significant integration with legacy systems.

Streaming Video

Crisp has an active partnership with Streaming Video producers and providers that can drive audio and video over the web using data-driven information control techniques.

Open Source

Crisp Data is committed to working with the Open Source movement by supporting Linux and the wide variety of existing Open Source software currently available, including the Apache Web Server, PHP, and a myriad of other products.

Linux

For Data-Driven applications, nothing beats Linux for speed, stability, and flexibility.

OS/X

We enthusiastically support OS/X. OS/X offers all of the features of Linux, along with an unbeatable client interface. The two can interoperate easily, providing the best solution at the client and server ends.

New! We are proud to support the forthcoming Oracle on OS/X platform. Installation Notes are located here.

Windows

While Crisp Data is not primarily a Windows shop, we have wound up integrating so many Windows systems in so many ways, that it would be foolish not to mention this important platform. Crisp has integrated many Windows-based browser and client/server applications, as well as integrated with Windows server platforms.

Industry Standards: Oracle and Sybase

For mission-critical work that requires 24/7 operation, transaction recovery support, and real-time support from the most established vendors, Crisp Data recommends Sybase or Oracle. Both are extremely powerful, stable, and scalable database systems. Oracle, the industry leader, provides a wide variety of services and additional application systems. Sybase is a more focused product, with similar performance and capability, that provides a strong and capable DBMS environment. Crisp Data can provide complete development, installation, architecture, and administration services for these DBMS systems.

Power from Open Source: mySQL and Postgres

Many organizations can benefit from open source solutions. MySQL and Postgres are two Open Source DBMS systems that can provide an excellent solution for many projects, and an inexpensive prototyping solution for many others. One notable advantage of these products is the lack of licensing fees. Crisp Data has experience implementing these cheap yet powerful products. MySQL is excellent and wicked-fast for the non-transactional, non mission-critical data that comprises over 90% of web site data. Postgres provides transaction support and has started to win acceptance for mission-critical tasks. Red Hat is developing a custom version of Postgres for enterprise use.

Application Development

Applications vary in size and complexity. Picking the wrong model for the job can cripple your project. Crisp works with a variety of tools and application systems to create a project. Our primary environments for new systems use a powerful language such as PHP or Java, married to a powerful database from mySQL to Oracle.

PHP is a popular language for applications and sites that meet certain requirements. Although freeware and Open Source, PHP provides a remarkably fast and powerful, not to mention stable, application system. It's primary strength is its powerful database integration with Oracle and Sybase, as well as open-source solutions like Postgres and mySQL. PHP is remarkably useful for web sites which do not require overly complicated business object handling. It works well in a 2 or 2 and a half tier configuration, and scales nicely over multiple machines.

Java is a more complete applications development environment. A multi-tiered, object-oriented system suitable for the most complicated applications, it is built to be a real workhorse with allowing integration with external systems and a scalability suited for the most demanding application.

A Java application generally requires a Java Application Server to run under, and at Crisp we support BEA Weblogic, the leading Java application server, and Art Technology Group's excellent Dynamo Java application server, as well as the Personalization and eCommerce systems available for both. For less demanding projects, we also support JRun. The Tomcat server has promise for the future when it is sufficiently optimized to give good performance.

If you have any questions about our methods, or want to discuss a potential project, please use this handy contact form and someone from Crisp Data will be happy to get back to you promptly.