Client Requirement The client required community web application for traders and investors to view real time statistics online and offers up-to-the-minute information, news and user opinions on the latest happenings in the stock market. The specialty of this app is that it provides streaming videos with the feature for turning the sound on and off that provide users with information about the possible advantages and disadvantages of certain stocks. The site offers a host of facilities such as quoting, charting, managing portfolios and schedules. It also provides a range of premium services for users to take advantage of. The site also hosts contests and other interesting activities for users to create portfolios and engage with. Convenient features such as instant messaging, blogs, learning section and a store were added to the site with an aim to enhance user experience.
Challenges The team faced the following challenges
Managing up to date information, news statistics and related data. Real time updation of the website required the use of dependable and sturdy framework. The performance should not be affected when there are simultaneous logins of millions of users. Incorporating web usability principles with the use of AJAX to develop the numerous features for enhancing community experience. Load balance must be maintained while harmonizing various features. Safe and secure data transfer when RSS feeds are integrated.
Technologies Used Operating System
Windows 2000, Multi-Server Architecture with Staging & Production environment through Version controlling releases Load Balancer, Apache optimization, security and SSL implementation, scheduler for backups, alert monitoring system integration, server performance tuning at regular intervals, software firewall configuration and maintenance, email server configuration etc.
Development Environment
.Net VS 2005, Rational Rose Enterprise Edition, Microsoft VVS, Dream Weaver, AJAX, HTML, CSS, Java Script etc.
Database
MSSQL, DB Clustering, DB Optimization, High Availability, Master – Slave Replication, Query optimization, Slow Query Optimization, scheduler for backups, Alert Monitoring System integration, etc.
Manpower
Project Leader
1
Developers
5
Designers
2
Quality Assurance Testers
2
Planning
The Database layer: MSSQL Server Database, Tables, Stored Procedures.
The Data Access layer: consisting of the Data Access DLL responsible for accessing data from the database.
The Business layer: DLL consisting of all the business logic procedures for modules like User Profiles and Blogs etc.
The User Interface layer: Forms the Graphical User Interface of the website.
Architecture C# .NET was used for development and the Business Layer DLL included business logics for modules like Offices, Properties, Maps etc. were compiled to a single DLL that interacts with the UI layer. DLL consisted of all the business logic used for modules like Save [Add/Update], Delete, Get Single Object, Get Multiple Objects for listing and were designed to be capable of handling many more logics which were not related to the database. The Data Access Layer contained Data Access DLL used to access data from databases in order to build generic query for insert, update, delete and select depending on the business class. For complex data retrievals from multiple tables, stored procedures were used. These were not used with conditional syntax to ensure smooth performance of the website. The business layer and UI layer was separated and the business logic images, apps and data was called from their separate servers. Scalability was achieved by the use of various sub domains.
Development Highlights Usage of cutting edge technologies like PODS and the implementation of AJAX resulted in a feature-rich web portal with excellent customizations. Some features included the selection of different layouts, themes with drag and place content that is auto-saved every time the user logs in. Dynamic content was continuously displayed and RSS feeds were implemented which required the interaction with third party providers, parsing a wide range of content and then queuing it and presenting it to the users. The streaming videos for stock related information with the sound on and off feature were implemented and were stored and streamed through user plane. Use of a robust framework ensured smooth performance even at heavy load situation. Brand new technologies like AJAX amongst others were implemented. Web usability guidelines were stringently followed. Interface was made easily navigable through appropriate use of AJAX, CSS and HTML controls. The site was up and running within a span of 6 months.