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Web Application Tools used by William P. Fritz
Also see "Use of Platforms", "Use of Basic", "Use of Cs", "Skill relationships", or return to the main menu

Typical Web Application Components
Progression of UI - Processing - Data Interfacing
Mainframes - Block Mode or streamed. Flexible I/O. Extreme use of asynchronous processing. Generally TTY (teletype)
Terminal Control Language provides forms programmed into terminals and random access of alpha and graphics.
Minicomputers - smaller words (16 bit) allowed faster processing with LSI chips; lower cost -> more sales - > lower cost
Microcomputers - smaller words (8 bit) allowed faster processing with VLSI chips; lower cost -> even more sales - > even lower cost
  • DOS TTY phase one - single user, no need for OS to share multiuser and multiprogram processing.
    Direct access to RAM used for alpha and graphics. Faster than above because no need for streaming through cable to display.
    Screen RAM often used for data storage. Floppy disks provided inexpensive storage of programs and data.
  • Windowing OS phase two - single user, multiprogramming, asynchronous handling of I/O
    Mouse became dominant over touchscreens for random screen addressing
    Despite initial requirement of the expensive Lisa for development, programming environments were vastly improved.
  • Windowing OS phase three - network / internet optimizations, multiuse of data, multiprocessing, vast development of interfaces
    Return to block mode acceptability because of HTML and CSS as the TCL of the W3C Internet,
    Constant use of TCP/IP exposes security risks and increases dependence on centralization. Cloud computing. Cell phone displays.
  • Windowing OS phase four - Return to Personal Computing. Blended use of the above technologies, such as Windows Metro
  • Click to see a demonstration of a generic web site.
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    Overview [Hide]
   
The computing environments of today are the result of several decades of evolution. Originally, computing devices were alternatives for data storage and the automatic compilation of that data. Didactic alphanumeric information recorded on paper or stone media has been represented on alternative media with progressive abstractions and progressive matching methodologies. For a half century, pencil and ink scripting was converted to stiffer paper through the use of holes punched into predictable patterns by computing machines. As collateral applications of analog sound recordings, in the 60s, these individual units of information were also placed onto reel to reel tapes and rotating disks with the progress magnetic storage and recordings. Very quickly, the advantages of random access by adjusting the stylus location and re-writing magnetically-stored information resulted in the combined characteristics of today's disk drives, which combine both magnetic storage capability of tape and random access of vinyl records. Transistor and silicon technologies altered the form of mechanical armatures into programmable processes which are unrecognizable from their mechanical prototypes. Processing instruction sequences became stored sequences that were indistinguishable from the data that they are designed to process. Non-volatile ROM replaced the last vestiges of switches and punched holes, making the switches, light indicators and paper tape obsolete in the 80s.

Through the 90s, applying digital technologies to analog waveforms has continued the migration of pattern abstractions. Music and pictures are generally available on digital media, using digital techniques to generate and render forms, rather than using the native analog methodologies of storage on wobbly grooves or chemically-treated papers. The speed of digital processing has refined analog emulation to levels which are equal to previous traditional methods. Parenthetically, it is noteworthy to remember that any digital emulation of inherently analog signal implies the loss of subtleties in the audio or visual signals of reality.

During the 90s, the architectural evolution of digital computing platforms expressed associated changes in solving issues related to data input, data retrieval and data processing. For instance, the human interface hardware has been essentially stabilized from the typing machines designed to stamp symbols on paper, but now activate buttons directly connected to processing devices. The prevalent random access (pointing) device has been the mouse, rather than the early rival touchscreen methods. Rasterized screens for visual output have changed little since the development of the CRT in the 1940s. Already "digitized" in the vertical plane, despite details of rendering and performance optimization, the two-dimensional output format has adapted to prevailing digital technologies.

For textual processing, standards have arisen which blend rival proprietary methods. Mainframe and Minicomputer Terminal Control languages have evolved into HTML which contains instructions for alphanumeric display and block-mode data transfers. Correlative TTY graphic addressing capabilities are absent in HTML definitions. Consequently, pictures are still represented in a variety of methods that suit specific usage of the data and the hardware rendering methods.

Software (programmed instructions) is now designed in layers which interface though standardized techniques which provide control of scope over code and variables, lifetimes of module instantiation, asynchronous threading, real-time emulations. As always, that inheritance results in instructions that are native to the machine language and fundamental environment of the hardware.

Those aspects of development were important during the execution of the following projects. They are each detailed elsewhere on this site

Chair Pros       2002 –Present

Chair Pros is a company that sells and services ergonomic office equipment, including chairs, workstations and accessories. The target markets are facilities that require high-quality 24/7 equipment at emergency centers and call centers.

Foundational Web Development Tools: Visual Studio, Interdev, J++, javaScript, Basic ASP, Photoshop, Excel, LinkPoint, SMTP, HTML, dHTML, CSS, MS File System Object

  • Complete design of site: look-and-feel, organization, UI and back end
  • Very efficient use of ASP with lots of client-sided javaScript
  • Product price lists are integrated with proprietor’s Excel methodology
  • One version for Browsers: iE 6-7, Mozilla/Netscape, Opera, Safari
  • Custom shopping cart that integrates with email and a quotation system
  • Custom leasing form that uses client-sided cookies for form restoration
  • Credit card processing
  • Animations throughout the standardized product displays

TQ Systems       1984 – Present

TQ Systems is an ongoing project which I originated at the advent of microcomputer technology. The flexible engine incorporates a design for automation of conversations, data collection, forms, or virtually any user interaction. It has broad application for desktop, client-server and web applications.

Visual Studio v3-6 to Visual Studio.Net 2005, various basics from MS Basic 1984 to ASP vbScript, JavaScript, IIS, Borland C/C++ v3.5-6.6, Visual C/C++, Photoshop, HPPCL, HP2648 TCL, 3-Com IEEE 802.3, bar codes and readers, Win16/32 API, GDI, Mac System 7, Symantek ThinkC, HTML, CSS, XML.

  • Sold first systems for taste-testing of foods in 1985. I was a VAR for HP.
  • Original system used HP Touchscreens for collection of data
  • System includes data maintenance, statistical analysis and graphing
  • Used for a commercially successful shrink-wrapped desktop application for planning (see Dynamic Pathways below)
  • Current implementation directed toward web application with ASP and javaScript, eventually migrating from thin client to thick client

Rick Graves, Videographer       10/2011 –Present

There were a number of challenging types of image displays that required innovative methodologies. Video, conventional still images, and unique extremely large images are displayed using HTML and javaScript.

Visual Studio 2008/2010, Firebug, JavaScript, HTML 4.01/5, dHTML, CSS 2, for Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari, & Chrome browsers.

  • Artistic look-and-feel defined by the artist
  • Displays all use "overflow:hidden," creating a Metro-style appearance
  • Images of any size can be displayed at original resolutions using a flexible mouseover scrolling method
  • Videos are displayed using HTML 5 and Flash fallback when necessary
  • The entire layout is altered by the client's video display capability
  • Image presentations of all types are contained on single page
  • Image and video selections are changeable by the artist using a text processor

Enrica Marshall, Printmaker       01/2012 –06/2012

Existing web site was entirely rewritten to improve displays and facilitate the changing of images.

Visual Studio 2008, Firebug, JavaScript, HTML 4.01, dHTML, CSS 2, for Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Chrome and cell phone browsers.

  • Artistic look-and-feel defined by artist
  • Images and thumbnails of categories are displayed according to the visitors display capabilities
  • Image and video selections are changeable by the artist using a text processor

Rob Gage, Photographer       09/2008 –Present

An existing Flash site was converted to HTML 4.01 for efficiency, economy and ease of altering individual images.

Visual Studio 2008, Interdev, Firebug, JavaScript, HTML 4.01, dHTML, CSS 2, for Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari, & Chrome browsers.

  • Artistic look-and-feel retained
  • Category selection and image presentation contained on single page
  • Categories and images are changeable by the photographer's staff using a text processor

LA Envelope       09/2009 –03/2011

LA Envelope is a company that converts printed paper into envelopes. The stacks of printed paper stock are received from printers and processed with cutting, folding and glueing machines. Their web site was designed to provide online sales, orders, credit card processing, and service. Various conversion options are displayed and information is collected. When paid, the customer is given a bar code that is associated with each order. These facilitate on-line progress reports and emails upon receipt of substrate, processing and delivery.

Visual Studio 2008, Visual Basic VB.Net, ASP.Net, C#.Net, ADO.Net, MS Sequel Server SQL 2005, SQL Studio, stored procedures, JavaScript, vbScript, HTML 4.01, dHTML, CSS 2, .Net version 3.5, IIS, iE & 7, Firefox & 3, Opera 9.1, Safari

  • Uses built-in .Net/SQL security.
  • Created 3of9 barcode fonts
  • SQL with stored procedures
  • Shipping charges from UPS are determined from the user's order. Javascript argorithms parse the Zip code, determine zones and calculate charges.
  • Progress reports include past and current projects with status

HarborObjects, LLC       09/2006 –03/2007

HarborObjects is a Microsoft Partner software development firm. Blending progressive, state-of-the art emerging Microsoft technologies with established .Net web applications.

MS XP, IIS, Windows Network, Visual Studio, Visual Basic VB.Net, ASP.Net, C#.Net, ADO.Net, Ajax, MS Sequel Server SQL 2005, SQL Studio, stored procedures, JavaScript, server-sided vbScript, HTML, dHTML, CSS, skins, MS FSO File System Object, .Net versions 2.0/3.5, IIS, iE 6 & 7, Firefox, Opera 9.1, Safari

  • Worked on several web application projects, including a presentation system for a training company and an in-house tracking and accounting system for a manufacturer of window coverings.
  • Wrote and optimized for .Net v2.0 CLR using VB.Net, C#.Net, ADO.Net
  • Database: SQL with stored procedures
  • UI: Web application development: HTML, dHTML, CSS, Ajax, IIS
  • Used both MS run-time and W3C v3-4.1 HTML controls
  • ADA guidelines were used when practical
  • In all cases, W3C standards allowed one version for all browsers and one CSS
  • Role definition & differential access rights with SQL mapping & .Net security
  • Master Pages, Business Layer, GridViews, DetailViews, etc.
  • I devised and implemented an interesting javaScript method to incorporate a tab-strip in a master page that is responsive at the client to changing conditions of access to navigational opportunities.
  • .Net development provides for simple use of one form per page, without simple control over the quantity of data that routinely makes a round trip. Consequently, there are many opportunities to increase efficiency by implementing many of the programming decisions that have been a priority in the use of "block mode" forms since the IBM 3278 terminal of 1975.
  • Ajax is an emergent technology that attempts to transparently deal with the above client-sided issues. Recall that using .Net routinely posts all form definition criteria for each page, unlike most traditional block-mode systems.
  • The original white papers of 1999 regarding .Net emphasized using the browser as the transparent container for client-sided threads of asynchronous execution, similar to the Apollo Domain of 1977. Version 3.0 of .Net appears closer to realizing this goal. We will hear more about smart clients in web apps. The Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) is a similarly interesting library of wrappers to make browser-based applications emulate desktop applications. The GDI of Win32 now uses DirectX, so WPF can be expected to provide hardware acceleration to client-sided graphics.

Gemshow-Online      5/2003 –4/2005

Gemshow-Online is a B2C web site for jewelry. I have been intermittently involved in backend integration and operations. The proprietor is another IT consultant that I met when we were both working for the same client.

Visual Studio, VB 5.0 for the legacy IBM DB2, sockets, sockets2, FTP

  • Provided a desktop application
  • Located at the site of fulfillment, operated by shipping personnel
  • Uses VB asynchronous methods for sockets using FTP protocols
  • Download of customer orders from a Unix server to a Windows network

EEE Chairs       03/2004–06/2004

EEE Chairs was an experimental use of novel product identification

Foundational Web Development Tools: Visual Studio, Interdev, J++, javaScript, Basic ASP, Photoshop, Excel, LinkPoint, SMTP, HTML, dHTML, CSS, Apache

  • Complete design of site based on customer’s requirements
  • Designed a 3-color brochure coordinated with the web site

Earthboards       09/2003–12/2003

This was an extended prototype system for online presentation of products and public interaction. Business problems at the company prevented them from carrying out any of the prototypes. Some of the material can be seen at my web site.

Visual Studio, Interdev, J++, javaScript, HTML, dHTML, Photoshop

  • Designs for site based on customer’s taste and products
  • Developed the use of rendering standard patterns onto different products

IWay Software       03/2003 –07/2003

This Manhattan software company is part of Information Builders (IBI). They enlisted my help for an adapter to organize HIPAA and HL7 medical data.

XML, xpath, Java, CCOW, meetings and documentation

  • Reviewed requirements for XML HL7 migration from HIPAA
  • Identified similarities and differences in data requirements
  • Provided synopsis of political considerations for practical sales approach

VentureABC.com      10/2001 - 09/2002

This was a design and implementation that was for a portal for those who apply for patents and trademarks. Related products and information services could be sold on line through a membership program.

Microsoft Visual Studio V6.0, J++, javaScript, Basic ASP, Verisign CC, SMTP, HTML, dHTML, CSS, Microsoft SQL server with stored procedures, t-SQL

  • Project plans and objectives
  • Continual adaptation to client’s objectives and requirements
  • SSL and credit card processing
  • Downloading of purchased products
  • Membership system using ASP, vbScript, javaScript, SQL server
  • General displays of patent information
  • Automated feeds from the patent office to maintain local data for searches

County of San Bernardino, Information Services  04/2001 - 07/2001

Modified and created a portal website for the San Bernardino office of the Jobs and Employment Development Department (JESD). Services in their one-stop centers were represented, including the California State Employment Development Department (EDD), and new business development. There was a job board for locally posted jobs that included interfaces for people seeking and offering jobs. Informational screens were included for services, activities and programs offered by the county.

Microsoft Visual Studio V6.0, J++, javaScript, Basic ASP, SMTP, HTML, dHTML, CSS, Microsoft SQL server with stored procedures, t-SQL

  • Managed team of programmers and a graphic artists
  • Frequent meetings with end users
  • Regular use of an alpha site resulted in daily reviews of progress
  • Emphasis on ADA compliance

Gauss        12/2000 –03/2001

Gauss is a turnkey provider of integrated business interfaces and document processing. They contracted for a method to collect and distribute information to truckers on the road. Kiosks were distributed at truckstops with touchscreens and keyboards.

Microsoft Visual Studio V6.0, Visual Basic, Win32 API, GDI, Borland C/C++ version 6.0, OWL (Borland Object Windows Library), Gauss/Opentext middleware libraries, RAS, Perforce Source Control

  • I modified and wrote executables with C/C++ for code that was downloaded to kiosks for UI presentation and form collection.
  • MS VB code was designed and written to allow trucking companies to create and edit presentations guiding truckers through the process, using the Kiosk programming.
  • The core Gauss library methods handled the copy machines, fax interfaces and document processing in each kiosk used for sending and receiving documents on the road: Bills of Lading, Invoices, Schedules, Orders, and other forms of operational information.

SEI Information Technology (SEI-IT)    05/2000 –12/2000

This Chicago-based consulting firm had 60 staff developers in a Los Angeles office. Although they are a Microsoft Partner company, projects included a wide variety of platforms ranging from classical MS/SQL to EJB.

Microsoft Visual Studio V6.0, J++, javaScript, Basic ASP, SMTP, HTML, dHTML, CSS, Microsoft SQL server with stored procedures, t-SQL, Rational Clearcase, Rational Rose, Rational Suite, dotNet alpha, VB 6.0, VC/C++, Photoshop, Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint

  • Reviewed requirements and wrote proposals
  • Met with clients and developers
  • Interviewed candidates for employment
  • Participated in many technical meetings among the staff
  • Previewed emerging .Net technologies
  • Used the Rational Suite for prototype development

Medipro (HealthELink.com)     01/2000 –05/2000

A startup funded by an HMO sought to use numerous tool to integrate data from and for hospitals, clinics, insurers, patients and pharmacies.

Microsoft Visual Studio V6.0, Visual Basic V6.0, Visual Source Safe, ANSI X.12: 350, 362, UB-92, HL7, HIPAA, Access, SQL

  • Designed ANSI X.12 output from UB-92 and various other forms
  • Assessed patterns of usage and user responses
  • Implemented screen scraping as an interface to a hospital
  • This start-up was applying for and received second-phase financing

Pacific Data Technologies     03/1999 –12/1999

This startup was the data center for thirty-six companies specializing in government records that were purchased and integrated. Assessor’s real estate data was gathered from each county. It was parsed, normalized and placed in a SQL back end for access in web applications.

Microsoft Visual Studio V6.0, Visual Basic, VBA, Microsoft SQL server with stored procedures, t-SQL, Access, Foxpro, COBOL, DataJunction, Brio, Word, Excel, Lotus

  • Devised parsing methodologies to extract components of the raw data
  • Wrote a large manual for Data Warehousing of these extremely variant data sources. Instructions, hints and snippets provided clues from experience on how to parse for specific address and name information. This became a reference for the dozens of production programmers who processed data.
  • Used DataJunction for most adaptations
  • Wrote desktop applications in VB for many data sources

ForeignLadies.com      11/1997 – 12/2003

This traditional catalog business made a transition to providing services on the internet. Initially, I provided programming services full time, and was later contacted periodically for advice and troubleshooting.

Microsoft Visual Studio V5.0, Visual Basic, VBA, Access, ASP and VB desktop, IIS, HTML

  • Wrote desktop applications in VB version 5.0 to qualify and repair data.
  • Wrote and modified the web presentation portion of ASP/HTML code
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