Datastorm - Dexter's Data Collection Framework

Datastorm is an architecture comprised of software agents that can interoperate with just about any external system. Web Services, CORBA, terminal emulation, HTTP emulation, MQ, LDAP, proprietary middleware - we've done it all. An agent manager securely oversees millions of transactions per day - with automated scheduling, exception handling, and performance monitoring.

  The Application Core

The Application Core is our framework for developing web applications based on Microsoft's ASP.NET. This technology enables custom workflow systems to be configured and brought online with minimal coding. It means that every application has enterprise features right out of the box: an AJAX user interface, report library, user administration module, and logging of all user activity.

  RIA Platform

Many of our customers are now demanding superior user interfaces - something better than the traditional HTML based web applications. The software industry calls it RIA (Rich Internet Applications). We're very excited about this and have invested a great deal of resources in building a foundational library based on Adobe FLEX. Applications built on FLEX have the look, feel, and responsiveness of a desktop application. Our clients tell us this translates into higher productivity and reduced training costs.

  Automated Messaging

Workflow systems are all about moving the work to the person/team that is best suited to complete a task. In some cases that person is on the move, not just sitting at a desk waiting for work to flow in. So to increase your capability to reach out and connect to people, we've build a set of C# and java messaging modules that, when tied that business rules engine, enable Dexter to 'bolt on' email and text messaging functionality.

  Application Architecture

In software, architecture is a term used to describe how components fit together in totality. It specifies how data is stored, how data flows between components, and how the components are constructed. The right architecture leads to scalable performance, robustness, and supports change. A good architecture is the result of good technical and business judgment. Dexter has been developing workflow applications for almost twenty years. We know a thing or two about good architecture.

  Databases

A relational database is the foundation on which all of Dexter's workflow solutions are built. Our team includes SQL Server and Oracle experts that ensure data is normalized, searches are fast, and bottlenecks are avoided.

  Geocoding

Some of our clients have geographically dispersed customer bases and work forces. They wanted a map based interface to have a true line of sight to their operations. To overcome the limitations of WWW geocoding (which requires standard address formatting), Dexter built its own street address database based on USPS and TIGER data. This enables us to provide a higher level of flexibility and performance than many public or commercial packages. For the UI, we can provide Google Maps and Open Street Map solutions in an RIA package that enables users to drag work and drop it on the map!

We've also developed a series of algorithms to determine optimal routing and scheduling. This means when you have 50 technicians and 100 jobs, it can figure out the best assignment plan to minimize the total number of miles traveled. And it can do it in three seconds!