A Timely Transition For NetSolCQ

Over the past decade, there has been a massive increase in the use of the Internet. This in turn has led to the growing use of web-based applications as a vital business tool. When NetSolCQ needed to develop a new web-based system within a tight timeframe for one of its key clients, it called upon the specialist skills of Transition Computing. NetSolCQ was founded in 1986 and is a leading provider of innovative leasing, finance accounting and administration software systems. It has an extensive client base that includes organisations in the banking and finance sector throughout the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia. Some time ago, an insurance premium finance provider approached NetSolCQ and asked the company to develop a bespoke web-based application that would integrate with NetSolCQ's back-office administration system. This needed to be reliable, robust and scalable. It also had to be intuitive, as it would be used by a large number of insurance brokers with varying degrees of computing skills. NetSolCQ Project Manager, Steve Howard, says: "At the time we were stretched due to a full order book. As the client needed the solution within a very short timescale, we were unable to fully resource its development in-house." The company therefore decided to seek expert help. Steve continues: "We needed a supplier with the right technical expertise who could deliver the project on time and on budget. They needed to be able to supply high quality code as well as the supporting documentation, and deal with any issues quickly and pragmatically whilst keeping us updated on their progress." Prior to this opportunity, NetSolCQ and Transition Computing already had a number of common clients and together had previously undertaken a smaller integration project for two of them. Transition Computing had all the necessary skills, and was prepared to commit itself to the pre-determined cost and timeframe of the project. NetSolCQ therefore approached Transition Computing, and the company subsequently produced a Technical Design Document that met the needs of both NetSolCQ and its client. Transition Computing carried out the coding, quality assurance and testing of the new web application, and also provided its project management. This included regular progress reports and the administration of the change control process for the web front-end. The company developed the interface with the back-office system and controlled any issues that arose via TRAMS, its sophisticated log tracking solution. Steve Howard observes: "The web front-end helped the client to attract new brokers who were keen to take advantage of the features of the new technology - such as the submission of proposals and Mid Term Adjustments; reports on funding/commissions and payout information; renewal alerts; document production; and status tracking. "The client's productivity has also been enhanced, as the website offers the broker many self-service features that would otherwise have to be undertaken within the lender's operation. In addition, the style of the website helped to boost the company's brand within the marketplace." Graham Tarrant, NetSolCQ's Product Director, concludes: "Transition Computing successfully delivered the web application on time and on budget. The implementation of the integrated broker-facing web front-end with a sophisticated back-office system has played a significant role in enabling our client to achieve and even exceed their business objectives. We will definitely use Transition again if a suitable opportunity arises."