Cloud Migration and Integration

In these difficult economic times, small as well as big businesses are looking at cost cutting and scrutinizing their basic expenditure. This includes cost cutting on manpower, office equipments and most important, the technology used. But to let business move on uninterrupted, organizations are constantly seeking more cost effective product development models. This led to the evolution of the idea behind using “Software as a Service” (SaaS) where end-user access can be shared to reduce the cost and time of product development.

With time “Software as a Service” was popularly known as SaaS. It represents a method of using the software hosted by some companies and delivered to customers through a web browser on the Internet. With this, software hosted at a central location by its vendor can be made available to numerous users worldwide.

What is a SaaS Model?

SaaS model is a hypothesis of software deployment that includes providing a software application as a service to customers across the internet. SaaS model, therefore, can be considered as “renting” the software to global customers who can access it via the Internet.

SaaS model providers evaluate the existing business model to determine the feasibility of the SaaS model, build the product using right development techniques and design architecture, deploy the correct SaaS solution and market it through social media marketing techniques. Software users through a SaaS model get the benefit of subscription pricing, hosted delivery, and outsourced technical expertise. This way the end-users save on costs, and utilize latest technologies more effectively. A well-designed SaaS model also ensures users of cost-effective access to updates.

Advantages of SaaS Model

Companies that choose a SaaS model gain the following business benefits:

• IT infrastructure cost will be significantly reduced
• No need to purchase any software or hardware
• Business risks can be shared among users
• Rapid deployment reduces the installation or maintenance cost
• Hassle-free implementation at multiple locations
• No need of any additional hardware or software infrastructure support
• Capital expenditure is reduced as the subscription fees can be paid easily
• System can be accessed anytime, anywhere
• Easy access to comprehensive security, back-up, disaster recovery and support services.

When comparing the costs of a SaaS solution and a traditional, premises-based software solution, people often fall into the trap of simply comparing the subscription fees of the SaaS against the software license fees of the traditional system. The application license fee is only a small portion of the total cost to implement, customize, manage and support traditional software.

Leo Technosoft provides a lower cost of ownership over software by offering SaaS model services. As one of the few leading companies that provide comprehensive SaaS solutions, the company offers easier migration to a SaaS environment as well as scalability.

Liferay Portal has proved itself as the world’s leading open source portal platform in open source web development. Because of its reliability, cost effectiveness and capability to support the development of innovative internet-based applications, Liferay portal is increasingly being used globally across industries for their most challenging information technology needs. Liferay Portal is the only open source portal that is compatible with any application server, database server, or operating system. It also supports many different servlet containers.

Liferay Enterprise Edition Vs Liferay Professional Edition

Liferay Portal comes in two flavors: Professional and Enterprise editions. Below is a brief comparison between the two.

• Liferay Portal Enterprise edition is based on Java Enterprise Beans whereas the Liferay Professional version is based on POJO and uses Spring framework. Thus building EJBs should only be done using Liferay Portal Enterprise.

• Liferay Portal Enterprise requires a complete J2EE application server whereas Liferay Professional can run on any simple servlet container.
• Liferay Portal Enterprise Edition (EE), being the most stable version of the product, serves companies targeting to maintain one stable version of the product for an extended period of time.

Companies worldwide have been using Liferay Portal because of its high-end functionality, compatibility with most major application servers and database platforms, and scalability. One can consolidate, organize and access all the data and applications via a single point of access that the Liferay portal provides. Single sign-on allows end-users to log-in just once to access all their information needs. After signing in, it allows you to customize and gives controlled accessibility to users of sensitive information and add-on functionalities.

Following are some of noticeable benefits of the Liferay Portal solutions:

Liferay Portal is the world’s leading open source enterprise portal solution using the latest in Java and Web 2.0 technologies. Liferay Portal offers dynamic, intuitive and time saving features:

• It provides out-of-the-box tools offering over 60 portlets
• Liferay CMS and Liferay Collaboration offers content management, web publishing, collaboration and social networking options.
• Based on SOA strategy for enterprise application integration of existing systems
• Role-based access granting varying levels of control and editing rights
• Users can be grouped together with each group having their own separate mini portal
• Offers drag & drop feature allowing users to move different elements around in the portal.
• Out of the box support for 22 languages
• Personal space for users that can be customized for accessibility and look and feel.
• Can run on all major application servers, databases and operating systems
• Benchmarked among the most secure portal platforms

Created for enterprise use, Liferay Portal provides a virtual space where you can centralize, share and collaborate. Built with the end user in mind, user interface developed using Liferay Portal is easy to understand even by the technically ignorant user.

We Provide You the Solution

Leo Technosoft’s Liferay Portal solutions integrate your systems into a unified and seamless web experience providing your end users to access all their information at one place. We have carved a niche in delivering cost-effective portal solutions customized to help you achieve your strategic objectives. Leveraging your existing IT environment, Leo Technosoft’s team of Life Ray experts offers you customized solutions to keep track of your goals, investments and budget.

We provide development, integration and support services using this enterprise-grade, open source portal. With an ever-growing list of features, Leo Technosoft can deploy Liferay Portal based business solutions with minimal time and effort.

To know more about our custom portlets and Liferay platform based website solutions contact Leo Technosoft at +91 20 2611 1560 or email us at info@leosys.in.

In these difficult economic times small as well as big businesses are eagerly looking for cost cutting and scrutinizing their basic expenditure. This includes cost cutting on manpower, office equipments and most important, the technology used. But to let business move on uninterrupted top brains in organizations are in a constant lookout for a more cost effective way for product development. This led to the evolution of the idea behind using “Software as a Service” where end-user access can be shared to reduce the cost and time.

With time “Software as a Service” was popularly known as SaaS, which presents a method of using the software hosted by some businesses and delivered to various customers through a web browser on the Internet. With this, software hosted at a central location by its vendor can be made available to nuremous users worldwide.

What is a SaaS Model?

SaaS model is a hypothesis of software deployment that includes providing a software application as a service to customers across the internet. SaaS model, therefore, can be considered as “renting” the software to global customers who can access it via the Internet.

SaaS model providers such as Leo Technosoft, evaluate the existing business model to determine the feasibility of the SaaS model, build the product using right development techniques and design architecture, deploy the correct SaaS solution and market it through social media marketing techniques. Software users through a SaaS model get the benefit of subscription pricing, hosted delivery, and outsourced technical expertise. This way the end-users save on costs, and utilize latest technologies more effectively. A well-designed SaaS model also ensures users of cost-effective access to updates.

What’s in it for me?

According to a recent research done, the SaaS market is growing twice as fast as the overall enterprise applications market through 2011. Largely because of its cost effective nature, SaaS model is gaining the trust of many industries over traditional enterprise applications.

Advantages of SaaS Model

Companies that choose a SaaS model gain the following business benefits:

• IT infrastructure cost will be significantly reduced.
• No need to purchase any software or hardware.
• Business risks can be shared among users.
• Rapid deployment reduces the installation or maintenance cost.
• Hassle-free implementation at multiple locations.
• No need of any additional hardware or software infrastructure support.
• Capital expenditure is reduced as the subscription fees can be paid easily.
• System can be accessed anytime, anywhere.
• Easy access to comprehensive security, back-up, disaster recovery and support services.

Leo Technosoft provides a lower cost of ownership over software by offering SaaS model services. As one of the few leading companies that provide comprehensive SaaS solutions, Leo Technosoft offers easier migration to a SaaS environment as well as scalability.

When comparing the costs of a SaaS solution and a traditional, premises-based software solution, people often fall into the trap of simply comparing the subscription fees of the SaaS against the software license fees of the traditional system. The application license fee is only a small portion of the total cost to implement, customize, manage and support traditional software.

To know more about Leo Technosoft’s solution based on SaaS model, log on to http://www.leosys.net/saas-development.aspx. You can also call us at +91 20 2611 1560 or email at info@leosys.net and we would help you analyze a suitable SaaS model specifically for your business.

Forward-looking companies of all sizes are now looking at the cloud computing model to reduce infrastructure costs and increase computational capabilities.  In spite of recession, work must continue and hence it’s not surprising that there has been no let-down in outsourcing. In the light of the current economic downturn, more and more companies are planning to outsource either because they’ve cut full-time staff or because they’re simply unable to hire full-time staff.

Making the best use of Outsourcing

Achieving operational efficiency to mitigate bottom line pressures, and adopting stringent cost cutting measures are the need of the hour for companies reeling under the effect of the economic recession. Off shoring is a practical solution to stay afloat during recession, by making use of the services of external providers. Some of the strategies which companies can follow to maximize returns from outsourcing are highlighted below:

During an economic down turn, buyers may need to reduce the number of offshore suppliers they use and partner only with those companies that have high levels of project management skills and the ability to deliver solutions at competitive rates. This strategy is important to remain viable and retain customers in the long run.

Opt for flexible payment structures and shorter contracts.

The benefits of outsourcing far outweigh the initial challenges that companies may encounter while opting for this business practice. Outsourcing non-core functions allows professionals to attend to key business needs. Companies have also discovered that adopting outsourcing as a strategy to reduce costs is the ideal solution in the bid to sustain their shrinking profit margins and IT budgets. Quality improvement is also cited as one of the biggest benefits of global sourcing.

Closing Thoughts

The maturing of the off-shoring industry over the years has lead to a scenario where outsourcing is no longer regarded as a mere tool for cost-cutting but is being accepted as a strategic tool for business growth and overall business development.  This is further aided by the fact that generally outsourcers are equipped with higher skill sets and are subject matter experts in their specific fields.

Recession will not derail outsourcing. The outsourcing experience has been overwhelmingly positive for most companies who now make smarter decisions in choosing offshore service providers capable of delivering the best results at cost effective prices. Outsourcing is on the upswing and a recession economy is only one reason for this trend.

Companies looking at outsourcing software development projects are continuing to favor India as an outsourcing destination. IT professionals here are at par with the best in the world, yet they come at a percentage of the cost. Leo Technosoft established in 2001 was set up to meet the increasing global demand for high-quality, affordable custom software development and e-commerce services. Based in Florida, Leo Technosoft has highlighted the possibility of efficiently and cost effectively working with geographically dispersed teams, providing high quality, software outsourcing services.

Web 2.0 is changing the way online businesses are being conducted, facilitating interactive information sharing among users and collaboration on the internet. Social-networking, video-sharing, blogs, podcasts, Twitter, Facebook are all user-based interfaces, technologies and communities that come under Web 2.0. Web 2.0 represents an important step in the development of Internet-based tools and is the new way of spreading and sharing information online.

Businesses world wide are on a cost-cutting and downsizing spree and this has spurred the adoption of low-cost Web 2.0 solutions. Organizations are waking up to the importance of meaningful, secure customer interaction online due to which Web 2.0 technologies that help install online communities and forums have become absolutely mandatory to build web based solutions. Moreover Web 2.0 is the backbone for significant advances in the iPhone, smart phones and integrated devices platform translating into an increasing use of mobile platforms and devices.

The defining elements of websites updated with Web 2.0 functionality include:

• “Rich” Internet Applications (RIA)
• Community features, social networks, and user-generated content
• Mashups
• Advertising as a business model

Web 2.0’s unique features set it apart from other technology platforms:

Simplicity – Even a non-tech savvy person can create visually-pleasing websites

Easy Navigation – Fairly easy tools help the viewers navigate throughout the website. Web 2.0 design styles use fewer columns due to which the website becomes more visible and clear.

Color Friendly – Web 2.0 design styles allow adding of reflections and shadows through changing of color gradient.

Revamp and Revitalize Websites

Leverage the power of Web 2.0 and transform your business landscape by cross promoting products and issues, and integrating online and offline marketing strategies. The web as a platform helps to connect and collaborate on projects and problem resolution, connecting companies to partners and clients, enabling linking of individuals around a business task. Web 2.0 gives the flexibility to tap into solutions or experts anywhere at anytime. Content and other relevant data can be securely shared with site visitors and partners leading to increased productivity.

Today people rely more on friends and network recommendations to help in decision making. Other people’s opinion about a product or service has more credibility rather than ads and marketing messages. This means that web platforms to express, self-publish are gaining immense popularity and will continue their exponential growth in the future.

Leo Technosoft is one of the earliest adopters of Microsoft Azure cloud platform (currently in beta), primarily for clinical application development. Backed by technical experts with a deep understanding of the Microsoft Azure Services Platform and vast experience in executing an array of cloud-based projects, Leo Technosoft is well equipped to drive cloud deployments.

“We are very pleased to offer clients cloud services in Microsoft Azure by offering on-demand storage to host and manage web applications through the internet. The Azure platform enables seamless hosting and management of highly-scalable, cloud-based applications. With Leo Technosoft’s proven track record of implementing successful software solutions for clients’ world-wide, supported by our Azure Development team we are confident of providing efficient cloud hosting solutions to our new customers.” observed Mr. Satyen Jain, Managing Director of Leo Technosoft.

Leo Technosoft partnered with one of the biggest training organizations in Chile to provide them with LMS Solutions.

Leo Technosoft tied up with a leading training company in Chile to provide them with effective elearning solutions in a SAAS set up. Our elearning technology solutions enable our clients to focus on their core business.

Leo Technosoft, added one more new customer in the health care domain to design and develop the next version of an online x-ray tool. Leo’s product development team has built the next version of an online x-ray tool based on latest technology and a SAAS platform, viewable anytime, anywhere. This web based solution provides a secure hosting service to track, monitor and verify the x-ray process. It helps maintain patient information, stores digital images, creates radiology reports and manages online accounting functions like billing and payment.

Leo Technosoft expanded its RIA development services to include Silverlight technology and iphone services.

Leo Technosoft’s dedicated Silverlight division is skilled in developing cross-browser, cross plug-in Silverlight applications, offering real time video streaming, cost-efficient media hosting and other interactive solutions using this technology. “We are very pleased to offer Silverlight as our primary tool for delivering high-quality video content over the internet. With Leo Technosoft’s proven track record of implementing successful software solutions for clients’ world-wide, supplemented by our expertise in product development, we are confident of providing customized media streaming solutions to our new customers.” observed Mr. Satyen Jain, Managing Director of Leo Technosoft.

We also develop applications and value added services for popular mobile platforms like iPhone.

As a product development company are you finding it increasingly difficult to:

• Face rising competitive pressure
• Deal with shorter product cycle times
• Rush into new product introductions
• Maintain an IT infrastructure
• Find and retain scarce technical resources
• Control rising IT expenditures
• Deal with periodic software bug fixes

Software-as-a-Service also known as SaaS offers a highly scalable solution to deal with all these issues and is the best alternative to buying expensive software and paying for periodic upgrades. For companies, this means that they do not have to worry about building an infrastructure for the software they propose to develop. Instead, the software is available through a hosting company via the web browser in exchange for a subscription fee.

SaaS provides a viable alternative to paying for and maintaining technical resources and infrastructure. Companies leveraging applications delivered via a (SaaS) model not only move the business forward but can also effectively tackle issues arising out of the current economic crisis as well.

Areas of SaaS Usage

SaaS can be adopted for new product development, for specialized applications in customer relationship management (CRM), ERP, accounting, payroll, content management systems and other collaborative services made available on a pay-as-you-use or time-based pricing model via the Web. It is the best bet for on-demand application hosting, providing a cost effective alternative to traditional licensed software.

Companies both large and small are increasingly adopting SaaS for its cost savings, effective security and simplified software management (for both maintenance and upgrades) and the flexibility it provides for supporting business needs.

SaaS solutions provide the best alternative to avoid up-front investments in new software platforms by offering “renting” on-demand applications that would provide added returns where most needed.  It empowers IT teams to facilitate cost-effectiveness with productivity that has to be retained particularly during a recession and in times of financial crisis. SaaS allows management to focus on core business rather than IT.

Benefits:

SaaS is a viable software model that has distinct operational advantages:

• Reduces IT infrastructure and management overhead
• Lower licensing and maintenance costs
• Easier upgrade to new future versions
• Instant access to technology updates
• On demand scalability

SaaS is providing a faster and more economical option for organizations to deploy, run and utilize software. Leo Technosoft provides next-generation SaaS product development in a cloud setting. Get in touch with our SaaS product engineering team for full life-cycle SaaS product offerings at cost-effective rates.