AtisReal is one of Europe’s leading real estate consultancies offering a full range of services for public and private sector organisations, occupiers and investors from 50 offices across Europe and New York.

Business Requirements:

Atisreal required a fully featured application for managing all aspects of the day to day running of their helpdesk. The software needed to be able to log helpdesk calls and then chart the work’s progress throughout the lifecycle of the job. The system also needed to function as a database, storing buildings, clients and tenants with a comprehensive range of reporting facilities.

Solution:
We developed a robust web application to be hosted within Atisreal’s network using a combination of ASP, Visual Basic and SQL Server technologies. All of the requirements were met and the project was delivered on time and within budget.
Atisreal had a clear idea of what they wanted to achieve so we needed to get a full understanding of their requirements and also gain an understanding of the property management processes as quickly as possible. Once the requirements were agreed upon the database was constructed and data was imported from some of their existing systems. This ensured they could be up and running from the go live date with all of their current data. The coding then began using a Rapid Application Development approach. This enabled the system to be built quickly and to a high level of quality whilst always staying focussed on the client’s requirements. The application utilises a web browser based interface which simplified the rollout process and was intuitive enough to minimise user training. An extranet area was also developed to enable clients to check the progress of their jobs which reduced the demand on telephone enquiries. The Helpdesk application has been in use for nearly five years and has recently undergone a phase two development introducing further features to streamline their processes. AtisReal strongly believe that this application gives them a real competitive edge.

British Sky Broadcasting is the operator of the UK's largest digital pay television platform and a leading broadcaster of sports, movies, entertainment and news.

Business Requirements:

Sky required a document management system to complement their online collaboration tools. The system needed to manage a wide range of documents from many of Sky’s departments and provide a host of content management facilities. The system would typically store and provide access to project documentation, corporate communications and marketing, training materials and industry news and information. The system would also provide employees with a selection of eForms to reduce administrative overheads.

Solution:

A system was developed using the technologies of the Coldfusion web application development language and a powerful Oracle database. The first stage of the project involved producing a prototype application for evaluation and approval. This enabled project leaders and users to test out various features in an actual working version of the application before the main phase of development began. The prototype was produced quickly and to such a high standard, that it actually became the live version following a few additional features. The project commenced with a period of requirements gathering. This involved talking to various department representatives about the features they would like to see within the application. This stage needed to be managed efficiently so as not to disrupt employees’ work schedules whilst obtaining the information. A specification was then produced and the development commenced with the database and application design. Next, the interfaces were professionally designed for usability and to conform to Sky’s branding and integrated with the application. The success of this system really takes advantage of intranet technology, providing Sky employees with a wide range of resources from sharing project documentation to producing HR forms. The content management module also provides easy to use facilities for departments to publish up to date information via a flexible approval framework. These types of systems will constantly increase in value as more resources are managed this way.

Hostelmania Ltd is one of the leading lights in the world of hostel booking. They have been involved in the hostel industry for a number of years and have an enviable market share in their field.

Business Requirement:
Hostelmania required a web-based multi-lingual booking engine specifically for hostel reservations. The availability of the beds and the text for each hostel was to be controlled by that hostel. This required a powerful content management system along with a reliable & robust commerce engine. Additionally various analytics and administration tools were required for both the hostel owners and the site administrators.

Solution:

The system was developed using Microsoft’s .NET technologies utilising the powers of interoperability that it offers. Initially Empire Systems performed analysis on the competition noting the good points and looking where improvements could be made. This information along with input from the client was used to build full business requirement documentation and from there a specification document was generated. A rapid application design method was employed, requiring individual areas to be developed, sign off approval was then required from the client to ensure that the project stayed on track. On completion of the initial development a fully documented testing plan was implemented concentrating on functionality, usability and stress testing. After 6 months the site was delivered on schedule, within budget and to the satisfaction of the client. After release Hostelmania.com retained Empire Systems to provide support to both the web and database engines, this is continued to this date. In a short space of time the site has recouped its development cost and is going from strength to strength in the hostel booking arena.