Living the Dream
Practical Web Applications

Introduction

Intranets vs. Internet

• Hype vs. reality
• People vs. technology

Current Limitations of the Web

• Security
• Electronic commerce infrastructure
• Reliability
• Stability

Advantages of the Web

• Networked distributed system
• Platform independent GUI
• Integrated services
• Simple development

Develop or buy

• Difficulty
• Costs
• Benefits

The Web at DSTC

Infrastructure

• Web servers and firewalls
• Electronic mail
• Newsgroups
• Web

Expense Request

• Replaces paper based system
• Improved efficiency
• Enhancements to meet requirements

Booking System

• Booking rooms and equipment
• Convenient to use
• Can be used for other purposes

Library System

• Catalogues and records borrowings
• Distributed library
• Additional features

Difficulties

• Incompatible browsers and markup
• Limited flexibility in user interface design
• People and practice

Future Directions

• Incremental enhancement and development
• Living the dream - today!