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Planning a ColdFusion Mail Client

Feb 14, 2003

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Client Overview
Project Overview

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Project Overview

Since Simpleton already maintains a broad client base, it is imperative that clients have an easily accessible, user-friendly means of communication via email. FlashFusion has been hired to develop a unique, Web-based email client that mirrors some of the leading email software on the market today. The initial thought is to introduce Simpleton's clients to the Web and provide an interface that is similar to leading desktop email software. Simpleton understands the power of Web-based email systems, and its goal is to build an application that is user-friendly without having the look and feel of a basic Web program. FlashFusion is responsible for outlining the development process and demonstrating how application logic can be separated from the display (graphic elements).

By creating modular code and graphics, Simpleton will be able to develop applications in a timely manner and cut down on the overhead it takes to maintain them. This will save the company time, money, and frustration because it won't have to reinvent the wheel each time a redundant task is required.

The Simpleton CEO sent an internal memo to the development group to inform it of what will happen during the application-development process. Details follow.

Simpleton's Internet Initiative

MEMO

To: Simpleton Development Group 

From: Steve Cohen, CEO 

Subject: Simpleton's Internet Initiative 

Greetings Simpleton Developers, 

I would like to take a minute and provide you 
with some details on what we'll be accomplishing
within the next few months. Our plans are to start
developing Web applications for our clients since many
of them are in need of this service. This 
will increase our marketability as well as revenue 
and allow us to be a one-stop shop for technology 
solutions. The first project I want to have 
implemented in an email application that can be 
accessible from anywhere in the world through a 
Web browser.

As part of our Internet initiative we have 
contracted with FlashFusion to handle our 
Web-based email client. FlashFusion will be 
responsible for outlining, developing, and 
deploying this application, and will guide you 
through each step of the process. The objective 
here is to understand and learn the FlashFusion 
development process. I use the term "FlashFusion 
development process" loosely, as many Web 
development teams implement a similar process. 
The goal is to give our development process a 
structure that will give us direction when 
building Web applications. FlashFusion is here to 
provide guidance and demonstrate how a top-notch 
development team handles a project from its 
initial stages all the way through implementation. 
Since FlashFusion has vast amounts of experience
in this arena, it will be a great training resource 
in helping us streamline our development process.

It is necessary to provide our clients with quality
work at affordable rates. If there are flaws in the 
process, our clients will become discouraged, and 
ultimately we will lose money. Of course, there is 
always a learning curve when learning a new process— 
I understand this. The goal is to become a more 
efficient development team by taking the steps
toward implementing this new process. I encourage 
you to review the meeting notes to get a feel for 
what we'll be doing in the near future. 

Regards,

Steve Cohen

The Simpleton executives met with FlashFusion lead developers on Mon-day to discuss initial goals and what to expect during the development process. Simpleton representatives stressed some major concerns regarding server and application requirements. They also stressed the need for the application to be delivered in a timely manner.

Meeting Notes
Date: Monday, April 1
Present: Simpleton executives, FlashFusion executives, and
FlashFusion lead developers
To kick things off, Simpleton representatives stressed their initial
thoughts and concerns for the email project:

Server-Specific Concerns
That it can run on Simpleton's in-house servers running Linux OS.
That it can integrate seamlessly with Simpleton's existing mail 
  server over POP.
It should be unnecessary to create new email accounts for existing
  clients.
Additional software should be affordable.
Additional software should be easy to maintain,
  with ample documentation.

Application-Specific Concerns

It should be accessible through most standard Web browsers.
Minimize the amount of code and logic necessary to display in 
  different browsers.
Ability to display on different platforms (ie Windows, Macs, and Linux).
Ability to port the application to PDAs, smart phones, and 
  Web-enabled devices.
For use in future situations for users who are mobile and wireless.
Not dependent on specific screen resolutions, and will display 
  correctly across the board. The user can save emails for offline
  viewing (Simpleton was adamant about this, as most Web-based
  email clients don't offer this functionality).
User-friendly, with an intuitive graphical interface (similar to 
  leading email software packages).
Emails download quickly with minimal waiting time.
Minimal plug-in download (if necessary).
User can manage emails by sorting them into different folders.
Users should be able to add and delete folders.
Saves user's log-in information to local machine for future log-ins.
Including email information and folder settings.
Can leverage code and components used in this application for 
  future projects.
Extensive use of components will minimize future development time 
  and debugging.
Developers will be able to pass components to designers and 
  junior-level developers to work with.
Provides basic email functionality (send, receive, reply, forward, and 
  delete email messages).
Given this thorough list, FlashFusion assured Simpleton that both
the server and application requirements are obtainable. Extensive
research will be performed and presented before a final decision on 
technology is made. Technology pros and cons will be presented and 
discussed. Once a decision has been made, the design, development, 
and integration process will be put into action. Next will come testing 
and debugging to correct any flaws in the application. This is one of 
the most important steps in the process before releasing the 
application to a production environment. Upon satisfaction of the 
testing phase, the application will be deployed to Simpleton's 
production server where clients will be able to log in and start 
accessing their email.  Figure III-1.1 displays an overview of the 
application-development process.

Figure III-1.1 The Application Development Process

Overall, the process is straightforward and simple enough to follow. Implementing any such process will keep the development group on the same page. This will provide a means for developers to work in conjunction with each other. Each step of the process is extremely important and considered a prerequisite for the next. The project-overview phase is complete, and it's time to move on to the research and development phase.

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