Blog
Welcome to the Exact Abacus blogspot, where we share our experiences developing and implementing 3EX.NET software and working within the vibrant mail order and ecommerce industry.
Beyond the O/S?
22/10/2008 10:24:31
As a leading-edge software developer, we try to identify the winds of change earlier than most. Software development lifecycles often stretch into decades, so all design and architecture decisions made today must be framed by the expected landscape in 2, 5 and even 10 years time. Of particular interest to us at the moment is the concept of 'cloud computing' where all applications are delivered through a richer browser and the connect between device and operating system is finally broken. Googles recent launch of the Chrome browser got us thinking "why do we need another browser and have we underestimated its value?" In this context, perhaps the browser will become the environment in which we will eventually manage every task including word processing, email, business applications and the management of files, on any device such as mobile, PC or TV. Indeed Google are providing an ever increasing range of productivity tools designed to compete with Office. Is Microsoft's grip on the computing experience beginning to weaken and is competition for the desktop necessarily a good thing when standards proliferate? Anyone who has tried to use Corels' excellent WordPerfect and Microsoft's Word in tandem will appreciate the dilemma!
The Road to PCI DSS Compliance
22/10/2008 10:25:22
After many false dawns, the industry finally seems to have come alive and realised the real benefits of securing their trading platforms. The once relaxed attitude to card data security has been replaced by a desire to attain and maintain compliance with the PCI DSS directive at almost all costs. As a tier1 solutions provider, Exact Abacus have been on the compliance trail for over 2 years, gradually locking down networks and working with our QSA to make our datacentre inpenetrable. Furthermore, we are looking well into the future and considering what the impact of upcoming PA DSS standards will be for us and our clients. In all, over £250,000 invested in our compliance programme to-date and a planned £100,000 per annum going forward to maintain that compliance. We take PCI DSS very seriously and have put 'our money where our mouth is' to prove it!
It's the Economy....
15/08/2008 09:23:48
Dare we utter the 'r' word? What impact will the slowdown have on service companies like ours?
Whilst the economic barometer is not forecasting sunshine in the near future, confidence amongst our clients and prospective clients seems to be holding up well. As an outsourcing specialist, we may be well positioned to win business from companies looking to reduce costs and batten down the hatches. Certainly our innovative software licensing scheme is winning friends in the marketplace and there is no shortage of interest in 3EX.NET.
IT Talent Trek!
29/07/2008 10:50:52
As a result of the surge in demand for our 3EX.NET web and back office solutions we are faced with a nice problem - we need to recruit more staff. Specifically, we are looking for application and web programmers with skills in microsoft technologies including .NET, C# and SQL Server.
Our Product Development Director, Stephen Livesey, has duly commenced the search for the North West's brightest talents who will drive our business forward and thrive in a young and vibrant working environment.
See our careers page for more information.
In search of a better project method...
07/07/2008 16:43:46
Recent specification exercises have given us an opportunity to refine our project method and reduce delivery lead times. Using a combination of PRINCE2 structure, common sense and our experiences managing major change projects, we have created a framework document to ensure analysis meetings are productive and customisations fully specified. The discovery process is overlaid with the 3EX.NET baseline system to ensure clients see how ideas can be developed within the application.
Work in progress, but we are confident that it will make everyones life easier in the medium term.
3EX.NET launched at ECMOD 2007
29/07/2008 10:51:34
UK-based solutions provider Exact Abacus, are pleased to announce the launch of their new enterprise-class software product, ‘3EX.NET’, at the European Catalogue and Mail Order Days event (ECMOD) at Earls Court, London. Five years of research and development backed by twenty-four years of experience in the mail order and e-commerce industry culminates in this new breed of software. Available as a licensed product or hosted service (Total SaaS™), 3EX.NET is fast, stable and scalable. 3EX.NET consists of six integrated modules; Supply Chain, Demand Management, Stock Control, eCommerce, Financials and Marketing.