Thursday 26 December 2013

Is BigData for Small and Medium Businesses?

Companies need real time information, information which can be good enough for them to come up with customised services for their customers, or else they loose appeal in the market. It is thus important for businesses to gather as well as analyse, even manage information related to customers, both internal and external. This would also include knowing about the suppliers as well as the partners too, or else how would a company expand in the large ocean of the business world? Monitoring of the company’s performance too is important on a periodical basis, which brings in real time feedback on the services or products doled out. This would mean finding means to bring down costs for the company and here is where big data adds a lot of value to small and medium enterprises. Information thus gathered would be easily accessible and can be used frequently as well.

The Real benefits

custom software development, software development services, Certified software developers
Data analysis along with management is important. It holds high value for any business in this day. This is because customers want to be treated on a personal note, and such tactics would allow companies to accomplish that. With the help of big data platforms or systems, SMEs can now do the following:

  • Collection of information
  • Storage
  • Management
  • Analysis of any amount of available information
  • Bringing down operational costs
  • Remain Competitive
  • Expansion into more territories

How it worked back then


In the days gone by, SMEs didn’t bank on big data systems or technological platforms, since they didn’t feel that large volumes of info would be of any help. However, as time passed by, companies were faced with the challenge of realizing the true needs of a customer or consumer, and hence started investing in expert advice as well as technologies related to large data to achieve the same. In the beginning, when such investments were done, it was expensive; however, with newer as well as innovative ways to play safe, technological developments have made it cheaper to use big data platforms or services.

In the past, there were issues when it came to harnessing and solving the large volumes of data that came in. This is because there were plenty of inaccuracies, traditional collection methods were of no use, and managing it all was a chore. In addition to that, companies never knew how to use the given data, especially for managerial purposes. With this hampering the status of the company’s mission on profit making, big data thus was churned to help with transactional, structured and unstructured data. It helped in a number of studies like consumer behaviour along with the services and products status in the market.

With this in place, small companies and SMEs better understood

  • Their stance in the markets
  • The demands for their goods or services
  • How it could improve on its offerings
  • How it could make larger appeals to customers worldwide
  • The ways in which cost effective methods can be used for production and operational needs
  • How it could manage a venture without hitches or glitches
  • How it could manage networking as well as business relationships with clients
  • The ways in which loyalty from consumers can be maintained
  • How it could make large profits

The scene now


With big data in place, SMEs now understand how important it is to identity in hand what the company needs when hiring such systems or platforms. Companies can use data frameworks as multiple options, for service support reasons especially. However, companies should do their homework to know if big data would help the company make more profits in future or not. The versatility of the system and platform too should be checked, since in most cases there are no complexities and it isn’t bulky.

With large data platforms in place, firms can compare what customers talk about or want. Companies now can decide on which demographics to target, how to maximise their promotional activities as well as the results their efforts would reap. Apart from this, companies can also focus on performance improvement, supplier related knowledge along with sales growth, especially for companies that indulge in B2B services. Custom software development teams can help you leverage the power of Bigdata for your enterprise.

We provide software development services. If you would like to talk to one of our certified software developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Wednesday 7 August 2013

11 Solid Reasons why developers choose ColdFusion

ColdFusion, one of the premier programming languages launched for making web application easy was originally the brainchild of Allaire. It was first introduced to the market in 1995 and subsequently went onto become an Adobe product, presently being sold as well as produced by Adobe. The web application development language today holds the credit of being in the market for the longest time. Well, it is to be noted that ColdFusion actually is two things rolled into one. It is not only a language, but also an application server.

The software makes use of the ColdFusion language commonly referred to as CFML (ColdFusion Markup Language) for writing applications that will be running on that server. However, the programming language can also be integrated on the top of several other application servers, offering a simple and alternate scripting syntax specifically for high-end servers. The CFML language usually facilitates the creation of powerful applications easily as well as quickly.

Some interesting facts on ColdFusion state it to be the top commercial application server as well as the second to ASP in published pages. The programming language is used in a range of applications that include e-commerce sites, dynamic websites, and portals. Data reporting applications along with Intranet hold a significant majority of applications of ColdFusion.

What Makes ColdFusion a Superior Choice against Other Web Application development Alternatives?

Here is a quick look at the reasons that make ColdFusion a top choice against all other programming languages along with applications existing in the market:

1. Rapid Development of Software and Applications - Well, ColdFusion holds the credit of producing best results in the shortest time without compromising on the efficiency as well as performance of the applications. It not only helps accelerating the pace of large development tasks, but also makes way for simple scripting tasks. Additionally, it also helps saving hundreds and thousands of dollars in respect to long-term development process.

2. Powerful and Able – The latest updates introduced by the software has made it possible to write the application in a way similar to Object-Oriented programming language making use of classes, methods, along with functions. Today, it also comes with a huge library of integrated services.

3. Supports Cross Platform Operation– The software provides a flexible hosting choice, which includes Windows, Mac, Linux, and UNIX.

4. Incorporation with Top Web Technologies – The web development language can effortlessly incorporate with the top web technologies of Adobe. It is considered as one of the most compatible and fastest development language when integrated with Adobe LiveCycle ES, Media Server, Flash, AIR, PDF, and Flex. Additionally, it also comes with many other integrated abilities that enable effortless association with the top Microsoft products like MSSQL, .Net platform, and MS office components.

5. High Performance –This particular characteristic stands as the biggest benefit of developing applications with ColdFusion. Once, configured properly, it supports rapid development of applications in less time and without compromising on the performance as well as efficiency of the same. The execution time is quite fast and sometime even gets better than several other web development languages existing in the market.

6. Debugging abilities – The application software also holds the finest debugging output in respect to troubleshooting. It extends immense help in the process with the support of the latest ColdFusion Builder.

7. Development Environments – Today, the programming language comes with its own Eclipse programming IDE tool known as ColdFusion Builder. This helps accelerating the process of application engineering making the entire procedure better.

8. Scalable and Robust – The web application development language not only helps developing applications for small businesses, but also for large enterprises.

9. Credibility – Well, when it comes to credibility, the development language holds to its credit some of the big names that have relied upon the same and received superior benefits.

10. Good Development Community - ColdFusion also holds to its credit of having a loyal development community that regularly hosts significant international conferences on the programming language as well as several related technologies.

11. Easy to Learn – The web application programming language is easy to learn. All you need to do is get hold of the programming principles and it will be a smooth sail henceforth.

Based on the above-mentioned explanations, it can be undeniably said that ColdFusion language has carved a good niche in the market. It is still being upgraded by Adobe regularly, as updated versions are being introduced to the web application development market at periodic intervals. Therefore, it can be easily stated that the web application programming language is doing very good in the particular domain and is expected to shine better in the years to come. The fact gets reconfirmed by the steadily increasing number of companies providing Coldfusion development services worldwide.

We provide ColdFusion application development services. If you would like to talk to one of our certified ColdFusion programmers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Thursday 1 August 2013

Discover Easy yet Powerful Development Capabilities with ColdFusion

Adobe has released the updated version of ColdFusion with a set of advanced features to meet the latest trends in rapid web application development. Some of these features enable web application developers to embrace futuristic technologies like HTML5 WebSockets, HTML5 video player, RESTful web services support and HTML5 enhancements. ColdFusion 10 also offers a set of features that makes it easier for programmers to build dynamic and interactive internet applications.

Along with saving the time required for writing longer lines of code, the features like strong encryption libraries, database enhancements, enhanced caching and security enhancements further make it easier for the developers to deploy the application in a hassle-free way. If you are planning to migrate to the latest version of ColdFusion, it is time to have a look at some of the key features that makes it easier to develop and deploy a variety of web applications. That will help you evaluate ColdFusion development services providers better.

Some of the Easy yet Powerful Development Capabilities provided by ColdFusion 10

1. Advantages of Java Libraries: The updated version of the rapid web application development platform is designed by integrating Java and ColdFusion. So you can load the Java libraries directly from custom paths without restarting the server. At the same time, you also have options to enhance your productivity by invoking ColdFusion components (CFCs) from Java. Also, you can create dynamic proxies from individual CFCs, and use these as Java objects.

2. Easy to Work with PDF Documents: Most web applications, nowadays, use PDF documents to share relevant information with users. But developers often have to write lengthy code to integrate PDF documents in their application. ColdFusion 10 allows you to work with PDF files efficiently without writing any extra code. You can also use the feature to easily add headers, footers, images and watermarks to the documents. Further, the data can be populated and retrieved from PDF forms, and also be shared with user by avoiding all types of security threats.

3. Enhanced Object Relational Mapping: Most developers find it a daunting task to develop and manage applications that are not dependent on databases. ColdFusion 10 supports enhanced object relational mapping that enables you to built and manage database-independent application without writing SQL queries. You can use named SQL queries and stored procedure to run the database-independent applications in a smooth and flexible way. Also, you can use the SQL logging options to obtain improved debug information.

4. Language and Script Enhancements: ColdFusion 10 further makes it easier for developers to build robust web application through script and language enhancements. A programmer can easily learn, and use tag-based CFML to build comprehensive web applications within a short span of time. The updated version also comes with enhanced support for CFSCRIPT. It also offers language enhancement to optimize the quality and readability of your code. At the same time, the language enhancements also enable you to use auto-constructor to initialize CFC properties, closures to have better control on your code, and CFC method chaining to boost your coding efficiency.

5. Rich Ajax User Interface Controls: Ajax UI controls are commonly used by web application developers to boost the user experience. So you may be looking for faster and convenient ways to use advanced Ajax user interface controls. ColdFusion 10 allows you to use a wide variety of these controls through CFML tags and attributes. At the same time, the client-side Ajax applications can be smoothly associated with ColdFusion components on the web server. These controls enable developers to make their internet applications more intuitive and compelling without putting any extra time and effort.

6. Adobe ColdFusion Builder Integration: Adobe has further included ColdFusion Builder, an IDE designed based on Eclipse to boost the experience of ColdFusion application developers. You can avail the integrated server management and enhanced functionality as CMFL extensions. With the ColdFusion Builder, you can accelerate the internet application development using a set of functions like code assist, code formatting, code insight, color coding, code snippets and quick fix.

7. Improved File System and Navigation: Most programmers look for advanced virtual file system to develop websites without frequent input/output calls. ColdFusion 10 allows generating dynamic virtual files, and getting these executed directly from FTP, memory, and ZIP or JAR files. At the same time, the XPath integration makes it easier for you to native through XML documents quickly. The built-in XSLT integration can also be used to convert your XML documents into XHTML and Xforms.

A developer can further choose the features and functionalities to meet the specific needs of his web applications. But the advanced features will make it easier for programmers to easily develop applications for clients belonging to different industries and regions.

We provide ColdFusion application development services. If you would like to talk to one of our certified ColdFusion programmers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Monday 22 July 2013

Crystal Solutions from SAP targets SMB Big Data Needs

SAP has geared up to deal with the big data requirements of small and medium businesses (SMBs) with the analytics edition of the SAP Crystal Server, which offers an integrated solution. It provides for the integration of one of the very well recognized reporting solutions along with the most prominently utilized database available within the market. When data integration and business intelligence are added in, it leads to a comprehensive enterprise solution within a small budget.

SAP Crystal solutions: Benefits

SAP Crystal Solutions provides a cost-effective, self-serve, open approach towards ground level business intelligence empowering users to safely view, explore, visualize, report and manage information. It offers the following overall benefits:
  • Comprehensive insight into the business through sharing accurate and updated data with users.
  • Assistance in decision making through exploring data by means of an intuitive user interface.
  • Extensive support for hands-on business decision and enhanced responsiveness through real-time performance monitoring.
  • Determination of instant answers to fundamental business questions.
  • Rapid sharing of information that needs to be acted upon.
  • Reduction in the cost of information technology resources through automation of information delivery and enhance system monitoring along with effective auditing.
  • Enhancement of collaboration that leads to better decision making within the teams.

SAP Crystal Server, Analytics edition, for SMBs

In order to clearly understand what impact the Crystal solutions have on the functioning of the SMBs, we first need to know the exact meaning of big data. The phrase “big data” indeed means much more that simply “a great amount of data”. According to Gartner Group, big data refers to a range of information assets with great volume and velocity that calls for innovative, economical sorts of information processing in order to enhance insight and the procedure of decision making. It is interesting to know that these demands and requirements are not simply limited to large enterprises. Businesses which run on a small or medium budget can also possess these requirements.

The analytics edition of SAP Crystal Server, is designed by SAP to address the requirements of organizations which utilize big data but have a small budget. This solution includes the following components:

1. SAP Crystal Server 2011: The core component of this solution is SAP Crystal Server 2011, which is in fact the upgraded version of SAP Crystal Reports Server, which facilitates the organization of dashboards, reports, and makeshift data exploration for controlled, self-serve sharing and access.

2. SAP Business Objects Explorer: This is a very crucial tool that allows the end users to go for guided searches and subsequent exploration of corporate data. SAP Business Objects Explorer amalgamates the simplicity and rapid pace of Internet searching along with the logical potential of business intelligence, for better decision making at a rapid pace. This empowers every user to search for and discover required information, thereby getting immense scope to see the larger picture and make appropriate decisions.

3. SAP Sybase IQ: This comprises the analytics server for business intelligence and data warehousing, and is very popular in the market, having a client base which is much larger than that of all the other column databases taken together. It is an analytics server that is highly optimized and designed particularly to deliver quality performance for mission-oriented business intelligence, data warehousing and analytics solutions on any typical hardware as well as operating system.

4. SAP Data Integrator: This enables organizations to mine, transform as well as feed data from any place maintaining any frequency level across the organization and even outside of the firewall, thus ensuring that data is not out of reach. Hence, small and medium businesses can now get connected to the organizational data, irrespective of where the data is or the fact whether the data is unstructured or structured.

The analytics edition of the SAP Crystal Server indeed proves to be one of the most innovative Crystal Solutions, empowering SMBs to avail the big data advantage within a limited budget. Now we can expect SMBs to boost performance through enhanced decision making leveraging crystal reports software development.

We provide reports development services. To outsource report development needs of your organization, or to discuss with an expert crystal reports developer, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Tuesday 25 June 2013

Things to Remember while Migrating To Improved ColdFusion Version

ColdFusion 10 is the latest release of the Adobe application and has successfully caught the attention of both developers and users. The launch of the latest version has made everybody consider running the application in their website. Now, the big question that stands in this aspect is how to upgrade or migrate to the latest version from the existing one. Well, a lot depends on the version that you have been using presently. If you are a user of ColdFusion 9 and want to switch to the new release, then it is important for you to remember some key aspects for securing a successful switch and upgrade.


Understanding ColdFusion 10

The latest release from Adobe witnesses the launch of a huge number of features helping in enhancing the productivity, seamless incorporation with the platform of Java™–EE, and smart integrated solutions involving HTML5 support. This particular feature enables the development of enterprise-ready web applications at a fast speed.

Moreover, such improved features also enhance the security bar of your website maintaining a standard of the same. Additionally, it also allows the creation of interactive and dynamic web applications for your organization. The integration of Tomcat and improved caching further enables a performance boost in applications.

Updating to ColdFusion 10 - Top Tricks to Follow

The introduction of an updated version in any application often triggers the use of the same and the story is no different for ColdFusion 10. However, it is not always easy to execute an upgrade process, as you need to remember certain facts ensuring a successful migration for businesses. Here is a quick look at things you need to remember while, migrating from ColdFusion 9 to the enterprise version of CF10:

1. Download the latest version: Primarily, you must download the installer of the newest version from the official site of Adobe. Following the download, you need to transfer all the live traffic to Web 1-v as it would allow you to note down Web 2-v without any interruption of the service. Now, you need to open the CF9 administrator and export all the settings to a CAR file. In the process, avoid including the JVM/ Java settings as these tend to differ in CF 10. Also remember to convert all the Verity collections to SOLR.

2. Disable the Previous ColdFusion Version: To disable the version 9 of ColdFusion from a website, make use of the JRUN Web Server Configuration Tool. However, you must avoid uninstalling the existing version as both the 9 and 10 versions can run separately owing to the use of tomcat by CF10 against JRUN. This would allow you to shift back to the previous version, if anything goes wrong. Shut down all the services of CF9.

3. Run the ColdFusion installer: To do this successfully, you need to follow all the steps underlined in the wizard.

4. Addition of ASP.NET, CGI, ISAPI: These items are all fundamentals for CF10 and apply to IIS installations. For a successful feat, you might need to leave the installer and then add the elements to IIS. To add them properly, go to the Windows sever manger and integrate them in the ‘Add Role Services’ under the ‘Web Server’ followed by ‘Roles’. If you seem to encounter any sort of error for the fundamentals of ASP.NET, CGI, and ISAPI, you need to continue running the installer following the addition of the services.

5. Take care of the post installation process: Go for a check with the Web Server Configuration Tool to confirm that CF10 is added to your website. In case, your CFIDE folder involves custom mapping, you must ensure updating the same pointing to the new folder of CFIDE under CF 10. Restore your instances under the latest version of ColdFusion. Remember, it is not possible to connect the latest instances to your website by making use of the connector tool in the start menu of the Windows. It needs to be run from the folder of the instance that you are connecting.

6. Import the CAR file: Import the file from the ColdFusion 9 to the instance of CF10. Restart the application and confirm the settings. This is to confirm that there is no interference with the startup.

7. Update the JVM/Java settings: Memory needs generally pertain to your instance/application. It is advisable to re-add specific type of class path essential for your application.

Following the above-mentioned approach is sure to help you migrate successfully to ColdFusion 10 from the previous version of CF9. This would help you leverage the benefits of ColdFusion development.

We provide ColdFusion support and maintenance services. If you would like to know more about our certified ColdFusion programmers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Saturday 22 June 2013

PHP Development for Quality Web Applications at Affordable Rates

When you see a dynamic website, the first thing that comes to your mind is PHP. It is almost the lifeline of dynamic websites wherein repeated sending and receipt of data to and from the database is required. In case of other platforms, the websites tend to become heavy consuming lots of time for loading and refreshing, but PHP mitigates the probability of such issues enabling websites to perform smoothly. PHP application development has become so popular that currently there are 20 million or more domains utilizing PHP. These include Facebook Wikipedia and other well recognized sites. Here we will discuss what triggers the popularity of PHP and how developers can make optimal use of PHP applications.

Benefits of PHP
  • Open Source: Since this programming language is open source, PHP application development becomes highly cost-effective. Backing by a large population of PHP developers is also available and there is continuous strengthening of the platform by means of updates and responses to queries by other developers.

  • Convenient Integration: It is possible to merge a third party application across a PHP-oriented website in a hassle-free manner. PHP offers seamless integration for a number of open source CMS (Content Management System) such as Magento, OsCommerce, Joomla, Wordpress, Drupal and more.

  • Cross Browser or Cross Platform Compatibility: PHP application development paves room for convenient database creation. Support is provided for various databases such as MS Access, Sybase, MySQL, Oracle, SQL server and PosterSQL. PHP is one of the best options for cross platform applications, since it lends support to key operating systems like Linux, Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows.

  • SEO Friendly Development: PHP development provides easy optimization of your site for search engines. A dynamic website leveraging PHP development is perhaps the best option for getting high search engine rankings.

  • Ease of Customization: There are many platforms for web application development which come with their own limitations while suiting to client’s needs. PHP applications score in this respect as they can be easily manipulated to meet client requirements.

Once utilized with efficiency, PHP application development becomes the best option for enterprise solutions, shopping carts, social networking sites, CRM and so on.

Tips for optimal use of PHP applications
  • Make use of PHP Core Functions: Functions that are already there need not be created again, because it calls for some effort on the part of the developer to create functions from scratch. The existing functions can always be utilized. Moreover, when there is an existing function to carry out a particular task, you need not go for building RSS feeds or XML parser.

  • Generate a Configuration File: Settings for database connections should be appropriately organized in a single master file which would put the settings in a nutshell and can be directly utilized within PHP scripts. Any modification can be done in the same file which is of immense help if manifold functions and constants are used across the entire script.

  • Sanitize Data: In order to sanitize the database inputs and safeguard the code from any kind of compromises, SQL injections need to be used. One should be continuously alert and aware about SQL injection attacks. There are a few significant functions that can aid the protection of your database as well as your site from XSS (cross-site scripting) attacks.

  • Turn on Error reporting: Error reporting should be turned on for ensuring a good view of any run-time errors as well as for tracking and identifying the error source. This is a very important feature, especially when development is in progress.

  • Do Not Over-Comment: It is indeed necessary to properly document the code with the help of comment, but do refrain from any kind of over-commenting. You may use commenting for the complicated sections. Make your coding self-explanatory with the proper naming convention. In this way you can do away with unnecessary comments.

Thus we see that PHP offers a world of benefits and through optimal use of PHP applications, developers can indeed create wonders! Take advantage of PHP development India and hire developers after checking their credentials.

We provide php web development services. If you would like to know more about our certified php developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Monday 10 June 2013

Benefits of Ruby over Other Programming Languages

Ruby is a dynamic, general purpose and object-oriented programming language which merges the syntax of Smalltalk with Perl. This programming language was developed with an aim to render productivity and convenience for the programmer by minimizing the issues with user-experience. First developed in the year 1990 in Japan by Yukihiro, Ruby has become very popular nowadays, as it has a number of advantages over other languages. The earliest version was Ruby 1.0 and recent edition is Ruby 2.0.

There are a number of programming languages which aspiring programmers (or even existing programmers) can select from. In case of beginners, selection of a programming language can be a difficult task. Some programming languages are gradually losing their popularity as they are usually tough to learn and do not have much applicability. One of the prime reasons for the growing popularity of Ruby is because of its striking feature known as Ruby on Rails, that serves as a convenient web framework, enabling programmers to accelerate the development process.

Ruby on Rails leverages an object related mapping layer called as the Active Record. Owing to this, programmers are not required to indicate the names of the database columns within class definitions. The information is automatically retrieved by Rail from the database which is based on the name of the class. There is also a testing framework enabling programmers to come up with test cases that lead to the creation of more robust and reliable code.

One of the major goals of Ruby is to facilitate the rapid and simple development of web applications. This programming language itself has the capability to satisfy this goal. Hence, Ruby involves much less tedious job as compared to other programming languages. Moreover, it comes free of cost and can also be used, copied, distributed and modified at no cost. Since Ruby offers space for modification, programmers are able to go for requisite changes without any hindrance. Another striking aspect of Ruby is its garbage collection mechanism which allows programmers to code without requiring maintenance of any kind of reference counts within extension libraries. In fact, extension libraries can be dynamically loaded in Ruby in case the operating system facilitates the same.

A Brief Comparison of Ruby with other languages

  • Ruby vs. PHP: Although PHP is object-oriented; often this aspect is not used. But when it comes to Ruby, it was developed from the beginning as an object-oriented language and is tough to utilize through any other means.
  • Ruby vs. Perl: Perl was designed to render a number of tools, paradigms and language features. However, most programmers prefer to work with a single paradigm and a number of unused features tend to create confusion for them. Ruby does not have any set of rigid rules and has its own set of conventions that can be used by programmers to explore the natural way of working it out with Ruby.
  • Ruby vs. Java: The most obvious difference between Java and Ruby lies in the methodology of code execution. In case of Java, the code needs to be translated into a virtual machine language prior to execution. For Ruby, the present implementations can be interpreted without the need for prior translation to a virtual machine language.
  • Ruby vs. Python: In terms of Syntax, Ruby offers more freedom than Python. In order to make everything regular and clear, Python avoids symbols and allows only a single statement of code for each line. Such restrictions make every Python code look alike and it is difficult to differentiate between two Python programs developed by different programmers. Ruby, on the other hand, maintains a free syntax, allowing manifold statements on each line and enabling programmers to indent the code whenever required.

  • Ruby, with its Rails web development framework facilitates the use of programming frames such as model-view-controller (MVC) which enables superior modularization and organization of code. As compared to other programming languages, Ruby offers more efficient programming within a shorter time span.

    We provide Rails development services. If you would like to know more about our certified Rails developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

    Sunday 9 June 2013

    Get Exclusive Web and Mobile Apps for Business through Java Programmers

    Programming languages such as Java, C#, C++, C, ASP.Net, PHP and Open Source are continuously being introduced in the online marketplace and the ever increasing popularity of these languages has lead to the growth of the online market at a very rapid pace. Each of these languages is loaded with a number of special features, empowering the developers to design customized applications in accordance with a clients’ need. Considering all of these languages, there is immense scope of Java application development, which is rapidly gaining momentum, along with Java programmers. In fact, hiring Java programmers who can efficiently leverage the exclusive features of Java can indeed give you effective web and mobile applications for business solutions.

    Key Features of Java
    Java is an object-oriented, open source, scripting language, particularly designed for developing client-server web applications. This programming language operates on C as well as C syntax and does not rely on any particular platform but can provide support to languages and services which can operate on cross platform. The following key features make Java a great choice for web and mobile applications:
    • Simple: Java is convenient to understand and write. Java programmers are not required to manage memory or work with pointers. In fact, the use of pointers has been eliminated for security reasons. The virtual machine associated with Java handles the memory management part and hence mechanically does away with the occupied memory once it stops being referenced. The programmer can presently focus on the necessary application logic without spending time or logic for these managements.

    • Object-Oriented: Many languages such as C and C++ are not entirely object-oriented while Java is completely object-oriented and adhere to every aspect of OOPs like Polymorphism, Encapsulation, Inheritance and so on. Everything can be considered as objects. It is also possible to treat primitive data types as objects by means of wrapper classes in order to render it totally object-oriented. The fundamental unit of Java is class which defines the prototypes for objects to follow.

    • Distributed: Java offers support to network programming for communication with remote objects spread across the network. In order to build network applications like CORBA and RMI, Java provides libraries.

    • Interpreted: Java is known as interpreted language due to the fact that its byte code, generated after compilation of the source code, gets interpreted by the JVM and transforms to machine based code that is alternatively known as native code.

    • Secure and Robust: Java applications are quite dependable. There is integrated time checking for early detection of bugs, run time checking, and the use of pointers is done away with to prevent memory corruption or unnecessary memory access. Moreover, the garbage collection management system automatically frees unused memories while there is also the provision for exception handling in order to take control of the situation if any error occurs.

    • Architectural Neutrality: Java creates applications that are system neutral and compatible with a range of Operating systems and CPUs. For doing this, the source code is converted by the Java compiler to the transitional platform independent code, known as byte code, during compilation. Any system embedded with JVM can interpret the byte code and hence it turns Java into an architecture neutral language.

    • Multithreaded: It is convenient to develop multithreaded applications (which can perform multiple tasks simultaneously) in Java using synchronization.

    Reasons why you should hire Java Programmers
    We have seen how the exclusive features of Java can enable businesses to develop effective mobile and web applications. On availing the services of efficient Java programmers, businesses can reap the following benefits:
    • Very little or no maintenance cost
    • Resources dedicated towards specified projects
    • Developers work within a high-tech ambience wherein all the essential resources are available
    • Developers have years of experiences and are very skilled
    • Total control over the offshore working ambience and the developer
    • Task reporting on monthly, weekly or daily basis
    So, for businesses planning to develop new mobile or web applications, Java programmers working on the flexible and robust Java platform is indeed the right choice. Whether it is a web application or a Smartphone application, java programmers can offer you the desired output within the stipulated time and at a competitive price.

    We provide java web development services. If you would like to discuss with an expert java developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

    Tuesday 4 June 2013

    Responsive Web Design and possibilities for data-heavy sites

    It aims at crafting sites to provide an optimal viewing experience, easy reading and navigation with a minimum of resizing, panning and scrolling—across a wide range of devices (from desktop computer monitors to mobile phones) and benefit rich content heavy sites as well.

    Importance of Responsive Web Design

    Responsive web design is a hot topic with the ever increasing popularity and widespread use of mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad. It’s difficult to ignore the fact that websites are being viewed across various screen sizes and it looks like the days of designing a site for one minimum resolution are almost gone. It helps the layout to get changed according to the user’s computer screen resolution. More precisely, the concept allows for an advanced 4 column layout 1292 pixels wide, on a 1025 pixel wide screen, that auto-simplifies into 2 columns. Also, it suitably fixes on the Smartphone and computer tablet screen. By now, with the amazing growth of mobile usage, every single website should be responsive to be able to attend to every user’s screen size needs.

    Responsive designing plays a vital role in the usability point of view, helping the images layout serve at different resolutions, ranging from larger screens to smaller ones. The scaled images appear to change fluidly with the help of updated developer tools and coding languages, allowing designs to look sharp in every context. It is remarkably different from traditional designing in terms of technical and creative issues and a careful use of this can do wonders while designing. Though the shift to mobile is happening at an extraordinary speed, Today, 30% of Mashable's traffic is mobile. By the end of next year, this may exceed 50%.

    Necessity of Responsive Web Design

    It’s becoming a necessity for websites today to get regular feature updates and add-ons, especially for rich data sites with heavy content like the e-commerce and Web apps. There’s so much data available on how people use your website that it’s an oversight not to adjust your user experience based on that data. At some point, maintaining and improving multiple versions of the same website means that time and money either go toward adding fewer features to both versions, or more features to only one (probably the desktop version). Many companies are still slow to invest the time and money into the development required to turn their antiquated websites into responsive websites, that renders perfectly no matter what device a person is using.

    As the internet transforms further into a platform of services and user interfaces that tie those services together, leveraging this technology in the future will allow companies to integrate a plethora of back-end services, such as Facebook, Twitter, Salesforce.com, Amazon Web Services. Responsive design makes the application look great on all devices without custom coding for each device and varied screen size.

    If you want to get ahead in the race with your competitors and don’t want to fall behind and watch your competitors launch responsive websites while yours is still stuck in an archaic age, this is the right time to get responsive with your web application development.

    We provide software development services. If you would like to know more about our expert web developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

    Friday 31 May 2013

    The Irony of JavaScript's Success

    As a hugely popular coding language, JavaScript is commonly used along with HTML language to develop all types of websites. Many experts even include JavaScript in the list of top ten widely used programming languages. Despite having similarity in syntax to Java, the interpreted computer programming language allows developers to develop cross platform web application. However, the popularity of JavaScript was affected temporarily due to launch of specialized web application development platforms by large companies like Microsoft.

    As each user has options to choose from a range of operating systems, web browsers, and devices; most developers, nowadays, use JavaScript as a powerful cross platform programming language. Also, each developer has option to choose from a number of cross platform versions of JavaScript, to target all major platforms including Mac, Windows and Linux. The similarity of its syntax to C, C++, C#, and Java further makes it easier for the code writers to write programs without putting much time and effort.

    What Makes JavaScript Popular as a Cross Platform Programming Language

    Making Websites Interactive: The frequently changing web browsing habits of users have made it essential for businesses to develop engaging and interactive website. As a flexible language, JavaScript enables you to make your website more interactive in adding drop-down menus and specialized text effects. At the same time, the powerful scripting language can also be used to develop interactive games, and full JavaScript chat rooms. Some of these features can also be used to improve the user experience by optimizing the navigation options that will encourage users to access the web application regularly.

    Compatibility with Major Web Browsers and Operating Systems: No developer can decide the way a user will access the web application. But each developer has to ensure that the application can be accessed with major operating systems and web browsers. As major web browsers like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome have built-in support for JavaScript; the end users can access the website without downloading any additional software or plug-ins. However, the script will change the look of your website based on the web browser used by the end-user. Regardless of their choice of websites, the users can enjoy the interactivity of the website. Also, a user also has option to turn the JavaScript code on and off to suit his requirements.

    Reducing the Web Server Load: Often webmasters and website developers look for options to reduce the web server load. Some web application development platforms like Microsoft Dot Net allows you to develop server-side controls. But developers still use JavaScript a dynamic client-side scripting language, The features further contribute towards loading and executing web pages directly on the web browser, without waiting for response for the server. The web browser will automatically download and launch JavaScript, and display the web pages to the user within a few seconds.

    Special Compilers Not Required: Unlike some other programming languages, JavaScript does not require any special compiler or editor to run. So a developer can easily learn the coding language without putting any additional time and effort. You can simply use Notepad, WordPad or any other text editor, and write the JavaScript code to achieve certain objectives. At the same time, the JavaScript code can also be inserted directly into HTML pages of a website. Further, the code can be uploaded to the web without using any specialized software or script.

    Already Integrated with Popular Web Technologies: The huge popularity of JavaScript has encouraged many companies to incorporate the scripting language with other technologies. For instance, the animation technology Flash integrates JavaScript into its XML-based technology. Similarly, JavaScript is also supported in PDF files by popular Adobe products like Acrobat and Adobe Reader. Further, JavaScript can easily interact with control java applets used in designing a web page. So a developer can use these advanced technologies to design interactive website as well as powerful internet applications.

    Before few years, many developers were using JavaScript to control the look and presentation of web pages and that marked the beginning of Javascript web development evolution. Normally, the scripting language was used for randomization of content, validating web forms, controlling cookies, and adding visual tricks to a web page. But the developers, now, use JavaScript as a full-featured and powerful language to develop web application compatible with major web browsers, operating systems and devices.

    We provide JavaScript widget development services. If you would like to know more about our expert JavaScript developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

    Wednesday 29 May 2013

    Crystal Clear Future for Crystal Reports

    Each organization wants to present information and data in a simple, clear and concise manner. Along with answering the what, whys and how, the reporting also need to target several types of audiences. So many professional explore the right reporting tool to convey the information in the most effective manner. An organization also has options to choose from a variety of online reporting tools to suit its specific needs.


    In comparison to other reporting tools, Crystal Reports is hugely popular among users as an advance and feature-rich reporting software package. Both advanced programmers and novice users love to use the functionality filled reporting tool to avail certain benefits. Regardless of your level of experience, you can use the simple wizards to make a variety of reports, and impress your clients with your knowledge and presentation skills.

    As a specially designed software package, Crystal Reports comes with features that allow users to create advanced and details reports within a few minutes. It retrieves data from all types of databases directly, and uses the information to make comprehensive reports. Once you learn and understand a few Crystal Reports basics, you can use the simple user interface to create both simple and complex reports. However, you have to learn and use some of the more advanced functionalities to make more detailed and elaborate reports. That is where a Crystal business reports development team comes into picture. Let us first try finding out the top reasons behind this craze for Crystal reports.

    Reasons behind the Huge Popularity of Crystal Reports
    • Connect to Any Data Source: Normally, a reporting tool retrieved information stored on a database, and use the data to create reports. So a developer often has to choose the reporting system based on the types and version of the database. But Crystal Reports enables you to make detailed reports by fetching information from a variety of data sources. Further, the end user can neither know the way the report is created nor modify the information presented through the report.

    • Reduced Coding Work: Many reporting tools require software developers to write lengthy codes to retrieve and present information. But the report layout and graphically design data connections provided by Crystal Reports makes it easier for a developer to make several reports just in a few minutes. You can use the designer interface to select and link tables from several databases, and eliminate the need for writing additional codes.

    • Option to Include Interactive Charts: The constant changes in the habits of modern people have made it essential for organizations to present the data in a stylish and interactive way. While creating reports, developers often find it a daunting task to target, and interact with several types of readers. Unlike conventional reporting tools, Crystal Reports offer certain features that make it easier for developers to create interactive reports. After fetching the information from various data sources, you can experiment with different formatting options. At the same time, you can easily incorporate charts and graphs to make the reports more interactive and engaging.

    • Convert Reports into Several File Formats: Each user wants to access information in a specific file format. Some people want to read the information in a document format, whereas others like the spreadsheet format. So developers have to convert a report into several file formats to meet the varying choices of their clients. Crystal reports has made it easier for you to export the reports programmatically into some of the commonly used file formats. Once you create a report, the same can be easily converted into several file formats including .doc, .rtf, .xls, .html and .PDF. The feature further makes it easier to post the reports on your website without putting any extra efforts.

    • Support for Major Technology Standards: The upgraded version of Crystal Reports allows user to make powerful report content in an object-oriented design environment. It also supports industry and technology standards like Object Linking and Embedding for Databases (OLE DB), Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), and Extensible Markup Language (XML). So you can easily make reports that will support all types of operating systems and devices. The same report can be accessed by the users on their computers, smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices.

    If you are using web application using Microsoft Dot Net framework, you can avail the benefits of the report object model of Crystal Reports to make your reports interact with other controls. The reports can easily interact with several controls on ASP.NET Web form, and make it easier for you to use the form information to make robust reports.

    We provide Reporting dashboard development services. If you would like to discuss with an expert Crystal reports designer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

    Friday 24 May 2013

    ColdFusion and its Future

    This technology builds on 1995 by Jeremy and JJ Allaire. The impact of ColdFusion progressed from versions 1 to 10 and has deployed best applications in the global market. The number of personal computers have already outsmarted the number of Smartphones and tablets. Nowadays every modern application taking the mobile device smart approach. Therefore ColdFusion possesses advanced features for enterprise integration and development of rich internet and rapid applications. And try to meet the demands of the current modern apps.

    Advanced Versions of ColdFusion:
    The key of the technological challenges that shall be addressed in the upcoming releases of ColdFusion are "Splendor" and "Dazzle", for the next two release versions in the near future which has some great features for new customized applications. For Adobe Splendor we look for an end to end content flow with unique mobile workflow where one can smartly build, test, debug and deploy apps. The future mantra of ColdFusion is easy to use and hard things made easy in the world by developing mobile application development. It will also focus on enterprise mobility performance, scalability and security. For social networking sites most of the time spent for over 22 % on these social networking accounts. Social approach changing the work of enterprises delivers customer service, engage with customers and enable collaboration across intranet and extranet. ColdFusion is a fast application-development platform and version 8 onwards is capable of asynchronous processing.

    It deals with functions like mobile - streamlined mobile application development, revamped and new PDF functionalities, enabling enterprise to easily integrate with social media streams, enterprise mobility, support for responsive multi-screen content etc. Adobe has also announced in the same roadmap upcoming cloud enhancements. It easily creates interactive web applications leveraging unique built-in HTML5 support. Make your websites more secure with formidable security standards.

    ColdFusion can very well gel with Java EE application, where ColdFusion code can be mixed with Java classes to create a variety of applications and use existing Java libraries. ColdFusion has access to all underlying Java classes, supports JSP custom tag libraries and JSP functions. It gives scripting platforms to allow Java developers by Jython, Jruby and Groovy. It even allows .NET Assemblies remotely through proxy. This allows ColdFusion users to leverage .NET without having to be installed on a Windows operating system. It supports cross platform oriented language and works on Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS X.

    Future of ColdFusion:
    Hence the future of ColdFusion is brighter as it can build vibrant sites in quicker time and can build modernize apps. As per the survey report there are 193,851 websites using Adobe ColdFusion. There are 36 categories that Adobe ColdFusion websites can be found in. Out of which 22% are business sites, 20% are shopping sites, 11%are travel sites, 10.8% health sites. ColdFusion is most likely to be found in use on HostMySite (21%), Rackspace (18%) and PEER 1 Hosting web hosting infrastructure (9.9%). We know of 2,016 websites using ColdFusion.

    Mark-up Language (CFML). Where 735 websites within the most visited sites on the internet and an additional 1,281 websites on the rest of the web. Websites using ColdFusion can be integrated into databases such as MySQL, Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server, can sit on every leading server and deploy richer applications. It delivers high performance in any language and build customized websites effortlessly.

    As ColdFusion comes with newer versions and approaches advanced functionality and features websites owners maintain a higher level of stability regarding their existing applications. The advantages developing websites in ColdFusion are diverse and will grow its popularity with the coming days ahead. Needless to say, ColdFusion migration projects are peaking in latest Google trends.

    We provide ColdFusion application development services. If you would like to know more about our expert ColdFusion developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire.