Developing Native Windows NT Applications: Challenges, Benefits, and Result
Presenter: Steven Blind, Senior Systems Analyst, Gaylord Information Systems
Authors: Michael J. Frasciello, MPC, Senior Technology Writer, Gaylord Information Systems and Steve Blind, Senior Systems Analyst, Gaylord Information Systems
Before developing an application native to the Microsoft Windows NT operating system and processing environment, the development staff must determine the benefits of deploying an application on the NT platform. These benefits are based on business goals, system objectives, market demands, and technology trends. A comparative analysis of operating systems and processing platforms should be conducted prior to development.
Understanding the possibilities of the Windows NT processing environment is the first challenge in developing a native application. To truly exploit the platform, a development staff must be familiar with 3- and n-tier distributed application design and Microsoft's Distributed InterNet Application model. This model requires knowledge of Microsoft technologies and initiatives such as ADO, COM, COM+, and Message Que. A familiarity with the Microsoft BackOffice. suite (specifically, Microsoft Transaction Server, Internet Information Server, and SQL Server) is also required to develop an extendable, flexible, and manageable application for the NT platform. Other development challenges include a disciplined adherence to the Windows. interface and application performance standards.
Early adopters of the Windows NT platform find that their development staffs are more creative because there are no pre-conceived limitations. These staffs are also experiencing shorter development cycles because native Windows NT development provides consistent, well-integrated tools in Microsoft's VisualStudio development environment. Microsoft's visual development tools are designed specifically for the NT operating environment - reducing development time and eliminating the need to port or convert code. Other benefits include easy access to a large amount of development information and resources. Microsoft supports Windows NT development efforts through a number of free and low-cost media. This allows development staffs to quickly learn and integrate enhanced or new features of the platform. Finally, native Windows NT applications are easy to deploy because the NT operating environment provides all the necessary tools in an integrated and powerful suite of utilities.