Self-structured On-line Sales System (SOS)

Using database connectivity approach to on-line site building and maintenance over the Internet. At a very minimal cost, people can easily exhibit their products for sales on their sites by using the software that allows updates and uploadings to take place over a simple telephone connection with just a normal PC.

I am looking at this two main alternative platforms that is, Windows NT and Unix. If I am to use NT, I will have to make sure that the type of database and related server software involved is most compatible and efficient.

With UNIX, not much of user-friendliness and productivity can be expected in my development work. Using PERL to connect to the on-line database on server will require certain amount of manual coding instead of those click-and-drag features common in Windows based development tools.

Why on earth these two OS exist giving me plenty of headache?

 

Visual C++

Two years ago, in Malaysia, not many people were familiar with Visual C++. In fact, only a few have seen the software. At that time, I predicted that VC++ would come strongly into the market and emerge as a major development tool.

Nowadays, when I open the newspaper's appointment section, plenty of ads. with bold letters looking for VC++ fans. Outnumbering those in two years back.

I am just trying to explore the database connection part of this language that can allow me to control large external databases for data warehousing and data mining.

 

Java

I figure that Java would reach a much higher level of usage in future than it's current market share in the industry. Afterall, it all depend on how those big guys run the show and who remains in the ring.

I find Java to be relatively, if not very, easy to learn. It has some resemblance of C++ but far more user-friendly than C++ codes. The only problem I have in hand is speed and compatibility issues.

Nature of the system is more towards Payroll processing. The system was designed for Perak Turf Club (Horse Racing Centre) in Ipoh, Malaysia, to maintain and provide timely reports of their employees' data.

Based on a client-server model, it was where I showcased many of my skills in systems analysis and design, and structured approach to systems development.

Using Microsoft Access with Visual Basic and VBA(Visual Basic for Access), implementing the real world scenary with specific user requirements was a tough job.

Inventory Management System

Why did I end up with those business and commerce related systems all the time! I guess it was a gift of life because those experiences has given me ideal preparation for my various undertakings these days.

This Inventory Management System was intended for an Australian firm to manage the sales and warehousing of their computer peripherals.

I used Microsoft Access with Visual Basic and VBA(Visual Basic for Access) to implement this system.

Some of my ambitions

I plan to learn as many useful languages as possible.

It has been so long I wanted to catch up with Oracle but never happen to start it. I will try to begin this year(1999).

As for web programming, my main intention is to be able to develop programs that allow secure connections over the Internet. I want to be specialised in PERL and JAVA.

If you want to be a good web master, you must also be an expert in graphic design. That is what people say and I discovered that is true. After graphic design, my next step is to become well versed in 3D design and object modelling.