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Small
Scale
prototype history #1
As of January 1, 2000
The IDLS database and web site were originally
built in under eight weeks by a single developer using
- Microsoft FrontPage 2000,
- Access 2000
- PhotoDraw 2000.
These tools, along with some basic JavaScript
coding, allowed rapid development by an amateur web site designer
(with some prior experience with programming and relational
databases). In addition, several excellent books from
Que, Osborne, PeachPit and Sybex were used. It took
another 10 weeks to publish the web and database to the hosting
service and debug all the "unexpected results".
The site works best with Microsoft Internet
Explorer, however, consideration was given to maximizing browser
compatibility.
The original visual concept for the site is
relatively intact, with compromises made during development
due to the technical limitations of the developer.
The basic logical concepts for the database
and search components are also relatively intact. Active
Server Pages, used for accessing the database, were all developed
using the Database Results Wizard in FrontPage, with a minimal
amount of rudimentary SQL coding.
The prototype database is currently running
Microsoft Access Jet Database Engine. This platform allowed
for the quick development of the prototype but the technology
is not suitable for a larger database and more heavily "trafficked"
web site. The next step will be Oracle or SQL 7, which
provide better security and performance for a larger database.
The site is a useful tool for many people.
Site visits, memberships and listings will grow. At some
point the IDLS will require technology designed for larger sites.
We expect to be able to anticipate the need and prepare for
it ahead of time.
It's expected that the prototype will perform
reasonably well with a combined total of about 5,000 listings
and a reasonable amount of traffic. As the site reaches
10,000 entries (or sooner, depending on the number of visitors)
it will become critical that the IDLS database be moved to a
more substantial production scale SQL platform.
In the mean time, there are doubtless many
efficiency improvements that can be made to the prototype -
SQL, ASP, graphics and others. Improvements to the graphics,
copy and database structure will be ongoing. For more
information about IDLS initiatives please see ACTIVITIES
and "web site News" in the Member Areas section.
If you have questions or comments about the
prototype, its development or suggestions for improvements,
please CONTACT IDLS.
or send an e-mail to Webmaster@DocumentaryService.org
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