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StatusOngoing
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Status date2008-06-20
Objectives
The project aims at the development of a unique software tool, based on INNOVIS' BizSmart" workflow and Enterprise Application Integration platform and utilizing satellite communication technologies. The new tool, named BizSmart SAT, will allow the execution of tasks and process steps anywhere in the world, irrespective of the communications device the task assignee has access to.
A full set of actions will be performed with particular enhancements aimed at speed and time-processing improvements, when the user has full access through a PC connected to a satellite communications terminal.
In cases where the user is not able or does not want to carry a PC, a lesser, but still substantial, part of his/her tasks will be performed through a specific character-based interaction language and satellite messaging services.
The BizSmart SAT system will be targeted to large corporations and organizations, willing to set-up their own workflow and integration suite and will practically allow them to 'satellite-enable' all of their existing software applications, that conform to certain standards, and at the same time streamline their operations. Examples of such potential customers include maritime management companies, ship owners, construction companies, disaster aid and recovery services, military and paramilitary organizations, law enforcement units, etc.
The BizSmart SAT solution will also be targeted to satellite and internet service providers, so that they can build their own service offerings, based on the platform.
Users of the BizSmart SAT services can be located anywhere on Earth, where satellite reception allows either an Internet or data connection or
Challenges
The key issues addressed in the project are:
- Process execution from multiple geographic locations. Remove limitations and constraints
BizSmart SAT aims to develop the tools that will allow automated process execution in the context of an enterprise, which activities are spread in multiple geographic locations, utilizing satellite networks in order to eliminate the obstacles that are raised from the absence of traditional communication networks in undeveloped or remote areas.
- Performance Improvement - Operational/Usage Cost Reduction
A full set of actions will be performed with particular enhancements aimed at speed, data volume transfers and time-processing improvements, when the user has full access through a PC connected to a satellite communications terminal in order to provide a better user experience at minimum costs.
- Enterprise Application Integration. Move to new frontiers
BizSmart SAT includes, by default, the Enterprise Application Integration functionality of BizSmart". It is a tool used for the exchange, transformation, and control of data between databases and heterogeneous applications. BizSmart SAT will standardize and facilitate the exchange of data and will provide management of and real-time visibility into business processes across companies and across interactions with remotely operated systems.
- Commercial Feasibility
The project will analyse the commercial feasibility of such an offering to the market.
Benefits
The main Benefits that BizSmart SAT will offer to its users are:
- Process execution from multiple geographic locations
BizSmart SAT allows for automated process execution in the context of an enterprise whose activities are spread in multiple geographic locations. Users of the BizSmart SAT services can be located anywhere on Earth, with the only condition being the presence of a satellite or another type of connection.
- Enterprise Application Integration functionality
BizSmart SAT includes by default the Enterprise Application Integration functionality of BizSmart". It is a tool used for the exchange, transformation, and control of data between databases and heterogeneous applications. BizSmart SAT will standardize and facilitate the exchange of data and will provide management of and real-time visibility into business processes across companies and across interactions with remotely operated systems.
- Satellite Communications Utilisation
BizSmart SAT, utilizing the most appropriate satellite communications service provider that is available in the area, will allow organizations to communicate more effectively with their distanced employees/customers/partners. In specific, BizSmart SAT will allow the corporate or organization user to make use of satellite communications in areas where there is no access to any means of communication, or in areas where the available communication networks for which there is access supported, are not reliable or they are too expensive.
- Crisis Management
BizSmart SAT is the ideal information system for effective crisis management. Even in cases where local telecommunication networks are destroyed, with the help of BizSmart SAT, an organization has, at its disposal, an alternative communications network, able to support the regular execution of its processes, as well as its sound operati
Features
BizSmart SAT is comprised of the BizSmart" Workflow Management System of Innovis and a number of add-on modules that will be developed during the project in order to allow the use of BizSmart" applications effectively within existing satellite network infrastructures. More specifically, the implementation will focus on:
- implementation of a messaging 'protocol' that will allow users to query BizSmart" services from satellite terminal devices such as Inmarsat C, and Iridium with the use of short messages.
- implementation of a new BizSmart" application client, focusing on the effective use of application layer internet protocols such as HTTP over satellite network infrastructures (e.g. Inmarsat GAN and Iridium data links) that will allow the query of BizSmart" services.
- implementation of a comprehensive guide for satellite communications set-up for BizSmart", in order to allow the implementation in the most common satellite networks.
| The building blocks of the BizSmart SAT are presented in the diagram at right. |
Plan
The project Plan consists of three phases, sequentially executed, namely:
- Preparation Phase (January - March),
- Development Phase (April - July)
- Validation Phase (August - December)
- User Requirements
- Architectural Design
- Detail Design
- Test Plans
The Development Phase consists of two work packages
- First Prototype Implementation
- Test Procedures
The Validation Phase consists of two work packages
- Release Version Development
- Validation Qualification
Current status
The project started in January 2004 and had its final review in February 2005. In that review the Final Release of BizSmart SAT was demonstrated together with the results of the acceptance tests of the pilot trials and the final version of the commercial feasibility analysis.
- BizSmart SAT Web Services
- "Internet Enabled" Terminal Devices
- BizSmart SAT Message Services
- "Messaging Only" Terminal Devices
The User Group of the project consisted of 3 (three) organisations. These organisations participated in and supported the three pilots of the project: maritime, construction and health/insurance. The pilot trials were executed successfully, utilising Inmarsat and Iridium satellite networks.
Apart from the tests performed at the pilots using the above-mentioned satellites, BizSmart SAT was also successfully tested with HellasSat.
Two of the pilot users have decided to use the system after the end of the project. In one of them, further implementations are taking place expanding the solution to more business processes than those used in the pilot phase. A number of demonstrations of BizSmart SAT have been made to potential customers after the end of the project and even if their decisions of using it are pending, the acceptance of the system is high.