Symfony and Its Best Features that Help in Web Development

As an open source PHP framework, Symfony is being used widely for creating websites and web application. The framework is designed with the features to accelerate the development and maintenance of internet applications. Along with the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, Symfony also comes with a set of decoupled and reusable components. So many enterprises avail the best features of Symfony to accelerate the development and maintenance of complex and enterprise-level web applications.

What Does 2014 Hold for Enterprise Software Development?

The frequent changes in the lifestyles and changes of modern people have made web application development undergo many changes. The consumer devices and cloud computing further made it easier for users to access information and data anytime and anywhere. At the same time, new devices and operating systems also require enterprise software development to change. So enterprise software development will be affected in 2014 by many trends. We are highlighting some of the important trends that will drive enterprise software development in 2014.

5 Trends that will Drive Enterprise Software Development in 2014

1) Growing Popularity of HTML5

The rapid growth of HTML has made many businesses realize the advantages of this technology for enterprises. In 2013, many enterprises invested in HTML5. Also, many organizations converted Flash to HTML5 to make the advertisement, banners and videos more engaging. Most enterprises will now look for more customized HTML5 applications that works across web browsers. Also, businesses will look for innovative features like advanced drawing tools, multi-media playback, offline file storage, and drag and drop. Thus, more and more business web applications will be developed with HTML5 support.

2) Gamification of Business Apps

The concept of gamification is considered to be more effective in keeping the users engaged. As the concept has been used effectively by mobile app developers, enterprises will gamify their apps to deliver rich user experience. An enterprise also has option to boost the productivity and efficiency of employees by gamifying the business environment. Once the tasks are quantified, an organization can implement the primary mechanism required to complete the tasks on time. So many organizations will build integrated systems and software applications to reenergize the workforce through gamifications.

3) Client-Side Based Web Applications

The enterprise software applications, traditionally, are developed to run on the server side. But the popularity of mobile applications has made it essential for the enterprise software to function like a native app. So, most companies will build powerful and fast applications that run on web browsers. The reduced load on the server will further make the application run faster. The growing popularity of desktop-like website and web applications will compel businesses to develop enterprise software applications that run on the client-side. The enterprises, however, will use frameworks to build complex client-side based web applications at rapid pace.

4) Integration and Compatibility with Third-Party Applications

Earlier, enterprises were concentrating on enterprise software with the right features and functionalities. But most users, nowadays, want to avail combined benefits of multiple applications. Further, many individual users and enterprises are switching to Cloud computing. Therefore, the enterprise software applications have to be integrated with other applications and services to deliver rich user experience. However, the application must be integrated with several third-party services seamlessly to avail competitive advantage.

5) Shift in User Interfaces

The huge popularity of mobile devices has made the concept of typical user obsolete. As users can access internet on a variety of devices, the enterprise software must be accessible on a variety of devices. Along with the existing models of computers, cell phones, smartphones and tablets, the application must adapt capabilities to work on a variety of devices. According to many reports, the wearable devices will become hugely popular in 2014. So the enterprise software development plan must consider the emerging devices. Further, most users, nowadays, use their handheld devices to work on remote networks. So the enterprise web application has to support several operating systems and devices.

Earlier, enterprise software development was not impacted hugely due to new and emerging technologies. But it has become essential, nowadays, to plan enterprise software development by keeping in mind the emerging technologies from the consumer space. The new technologies also need to be implemented in various stages of the project to attract, impress and engage end users.

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Things to Watch while Doing SharePoint Integration with Java Web Services

Microsoft SharePoint is one of the most popular and preferred web application development platform today and most business enterprises make use of the same. Now, integration of SharePoint with the java web application can turn out to be real benefits. However, this integration requires one to take care of a number of aspects and consider certain essential factors. Only a planned and strategic approach towards integrating the two can lead to the ultimate success.

Let us begin by discussing the first few questions to which one needs to find answers. The version of the programming that is used is the first issue that plays an important role in the integration. The second point is regarding the version of the MOSS/WSS that is being employed and the third most important consideration here is the level of integration.

It can be assumed that for the purpose of the integration, Java 1.4 (J2EE 4) and the 2007/WSS 3.0 version of the SharePoint is used. With this, one can take the right approach to SharePoint and Java web applications integration. Here is an overview of the prominent requirements of the same.

Primary Requirements

To begin with, the IIS schemes for authentication support as well as the SharePoint/WSS remote access protocols support are essential. Alongside, the support for the best possible level of integration and integration based on LAN, where there is no such necessity of internet specific transport, is also required.

SharePoint Service Access Options

When it comes to the options of SharePoint/WSS service access, the MOSS/WSS products offer quite a good number of service based access options. This, however, is dependent on the version that happens to be in use. The options available are:

• XML-RPC interface on object API
• WS-* SOAP web service interface

It has to be kept in mind that the specific capabilities have to be chosen prior to deciding upon the versions.

Different Versions of Java Affecting the Integration

The integration is mostly dependent upon the version of Java used and here is a glance at the different integration options with the varying versions of Java.

Java 1.4 (J2EE 4)

The 1.4 version has limited support for the WS-* based services, found in the base distribution. Supporting for WS-* SOAP web services interfaces to MOSS/WSS necessitates extra web service framework. Now, out of the various java web service frameworks available, Axis2 is a highly recommended one, as it supports NTLM V1. With the Support for IIS authentication being a primary consideration, this particular version has XML-RPC in the base distribution.

Java 1.5 (J2EE 5)

The 1.5 version of the programming platform facilitates complete support for WS-* based services while XML-RPC interfaces are supported out of the box including that of NTLM V1 authentication.

Java 6

Java 6 is not always considered an option for integration though it provides full WS-* and XML-RPC support in the base distribution as well as facilitate NTLM V1 authentication.

Considering the Importance of Axis2

Axis2 comes with quite a few options for generating the proxy code of the client though the choice is largely determined by the particular SOAP data binding framework that one wants to use. Following are the available choices:

• AXIOM client uses the generic AXIOM classes for getting access to the web services. The same must work with raw XML.
• The Axis Data Binding is the default data binding frameworks which works well with the Axis2 web services but not with all the SOAP features.
• XML Beans is the functional schema compiler working with most of the WS compatible web services.
• JiBX, on the other hand, is flexible but involves a rather complicated setup process.

All the above- mentioned factors and issues are essential considerations in integrating SharePoint with Java Web Services. If you are thinking of SharePoint webparts development using Java web services, this can surely be helpful.

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Enhance Visibility with .Net Framework 4.5 Programmer

The .NET Framework 4.5 offers a brilliant development platform for creation of applications for Windows, Windows Server, Windows phone and Windows Azure. It comprises CLR (Common Language Runtime) along with the .NET Framework class library that incorporates interfaces, classes as well as value types that lend support to a number of different technologies. The .NET Framework creates a controlled execution ambience, easy development and installation, and synchronization with diverse types of programming languages which includes Visual Basic together with Visual C#.

Let’s check out the novel features that .Net Framework 4.5 has in store that will help you get visible:

• Development of Windows Store Applications: These apps are developed for particular form factors and they utilize the potential of the Windows operating system. The .Net Framework 4.5 programmer has a specific division available for developing Windows Store applications leveraging Visual Basic or C#.

• Portable Class Libraries: Visual Studio 2012 comes up with the Portable Class Library Project that allows the user to write and develop synchronized assemblies that function across a range of .NET Framework platforms. Using this Library project you can conveniently select the platforms you want to target.

• Garbage Collection: This framework enables enhanced performance through the system of background garbage collection for servers. Once this system is utilized within the .NET Framework 4.5, the background garbage collection is enabled by itself.

• Just-in-Time: The JIT or just-in time compilation may be made accessible on multi-core processors as an option, and helps to enhance the performance of the application.

• MEF or Managed Extensibility Framework: This framework provides a range of innovative features. Some of them are generic type support, convention-oriented model of programming that facilitates the creation of parts depending upon the naming conventions, multifarious scopes, and so on. Moreover, MEF has a downloadable subset that can be utilized to develop Windows Store applications.

• Asynchronous Features: Strikingly, in the .Net Framework 4.5 Programmer, some new kind of asynchronous features are added to the Visual Basic and C# languages. These exclusive features provide for a task-oriented model for carrying out a number of asynchronous operations.

• Useful Tools: With the help of Resource File Generator, one can utilize a .resources file embedded within a .NET Framework assemblage, to develop a .resw file that can be utilized in Windows Store applications. Again, one can leverage the Managed Profile Guided Optimization in order to boost the apps startup time, memory capability through optimization of the native image assemblage.

• Parallel Computing: The .Net framework several features that make parallel computing convenient. This leads to performance enhancement. Boost in controlling capability and support enhancement for asynchronous programming along with a brand new dataflow library along with active support for performance analysis and parallel debugging.

• Supportive Features: ASP.NET 4.5 has features that can support HTML5, unobtrusive JavaScript, WebSockets protocol, asynchronous handlers and modules and much more. In fact the .NET Framework enhances networking by providing an innovative programming interface highly suitable for HTTP applications.

• Windows Presentation Foundation: The Windows Presentation Foundation, available in .NET Framework 4.5, has certain improved features. There is the Ribbon control, which facilitates implementation of a ribbon user-interface which can host Application Menu, Quick Access Toolbar and tabs.

• Windows Communication Foundation: The addition of some exclusive features in the new version of .NET makes room for simplifying produced configuration files, capability for configuring ASP.NET in the compatibility mode far more conveniently, capability for generation of metadata within a solitary WSDL document and much more.

• Windows Workflow Foundation: The Windows Workflow Foundation within this new version of .NET Framework comes with added features like state machine workflows, improved workflow designer attributes, strong supporting framework for C# expressions and development of contact-first workflow solutions.

The .NET Framework 4.5, with its innovative features providing enhanced support for the web, is indeed here to stay. It is now much more convenient to translate synchronous codes into asynchronous ones, perform tasks without hindering the user-interface, carry our simultaneous tasks and implement polling as well as cancellation features.

While looking for an asp.net development company which can help you with the development of web applications, you can have a detailed discussion with them on what features you would like to use as-is and what features you would like to custom develop to harness maximum benefits of the .Net framework.

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