Kolaco Solutions: Connecting a web server to a networrk
Objective
To allow customers to complete orders on the web using an application/order form and route order to appropriate sales representative depending on location and type of product requested.
Need Identified
The company was processing small orders of generic type products using the same process as the custom multiple product orders. An analysis of the cost of servicing this product line was not much different from servicing the larger items, however the revenue was ranged from 10 to 100 times less for the small orders. The Company needed to reduce the costs associated with these smaller orders, while maintaining the perception of face-to-face service.
Solution
We developed an Internet application to allow customers to complete these types of orders over the internet and upon completion route them through the Notes network to the appropriate sales agent. Since the sales network was running SPX, we set up a web server and connected it directly to the internet. We set the web server up using two protocols -- TCPIP to handle the web traffic and SPX to route the new orders into and around the main sales network when a new order came in. The client did not want to run TCPIP internally for fear of hackers so by setting up a separate server, we were able to connect the information to the web as well as the internal network, without risking any unwanted TCPIP traffic on the internal network.
Additionally, with Notes replication, the customer could have easily been able to access updated status of the order, however, the company opted not to set up registration and login security to facilitate that. Although the information is available, it is just not accessible without a Notes client today.
Benefits- Ability to receive orders electronically over the internet.
- On-line orders routed automatically to sales rep responsible for follow up.
- Reduced cost in processing smaller orders to be more in line with revenue ratio.
- Web server connected to internet to easily allow future applications to be added.
TimeFrame
This implementation, set up and testing with an early version of Domino required less than one week of implementation from start to finish.
Kolaco, Inc.
6 Hampton Road
Mendham, NJ 07945
P 973.543.2888
F 943.543.5339
sales@kolaco.com |
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