Software Development
Catalyst specializes in custom software development. We have a broad range of experience
spanning multiple platforms and technologies.
The focus at Catalyst is on Desktop Applications, Web Applications, and Mobile Device
Applications. We aim to deliver products that are not only technically robust but
also provide a great user experience ensuring better productivity and return on your
investment. We understand that quality software requires a high level of useability
which isn't always a priority with some development houses.
Desktop Applications
Any application where the core software resides on the users computer is termed
a 'Desktop' application. Catalyst has developed a number of desktop applications
for both the Windows and Linux platforms. Our Windows experience is rooted in C/C++
with the Microsoft Foundation Classes and we have a thourough understanding of the
core windowing concepts. The shift in recent years has been toward utilizing Microsoft's
.NET technology on the desktop when possible. This provides for a safe runtime environment,
easy deployment, and quicker time to market. We also offer a hybrid approach referred
to as 'Click Once' technology which combines all the advantages of a centeralized
server architecture with the convenience of a standard desktop app.
On the Linux desktop our experience dates back to Motif although most all current
applications build on the KDE or GTK toolkits. The primary advantage of the Linux
platform is the Open Source Software (OSS) initiative. OSS allows users to use,
modify, or otherwise improve on the sofware by providing the source code. The main
advantages of OSS are greater market penetration, less marketing overhead, and greater
reliability with more developers involved. Our Linux work has also extended to embedded
systems and device driver development.
It's important to know that we at Catalyst have a solid understanding of application
design and development and we guarantee a quality product.
Web Applications
As the internet is becoming ever more ubiquitous web based applications will become
ever more popular. Web applications offer ease of access, redundancy to keep your
data safe, and security. The ability for anyone with a browser to utilize the application
is usually the most important factor when deciding which development route to take.
Leveraging the power of .NET since it's infancy Catalyst is able to provide a rock
solid platform for your web app. With a myriad of new and emerging technologies
building on .NET the advantages over other platforms are hard to ignore. Coupled
with AJAX techniques we are able to provide an application that is fast and responsive
without having to sacrifice usability. This ensures the end users a positive experience.
Catalyst is committed to delivering the best possible product both in terms of performance
and production quality.
Catalyst also offers application and database hosting for a minimal monthly fee.
Sofware as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is a form of web application where customers generally apply for a license
to use the service in an on-demand fashion. This architecture makes sense when the
functionality is generic and user base is potentially very large. Examples of SaaS
applications include Google Docs and our RevelDigital product.
Mobile Device Applications
Mobile technology is rapidly progressing giving us the ability to run our apps and
access the web anywhere at anytime. Designing mobile applications could well be
described as an art. The limitations in display size, memory, bandwidth, and raw
horsepower impose unique constraints on the developer. We understand these issues
have become adept and squeezing the most functionality possible from limited hardware.
Catalyst has worked with Palm, Blackberry, and Microsoft devices on the PalmOS,
Java2 ME, and .NET Compact platforms respectively.
Capabilities
|
Platforms
|
Frameworks
|
Languages
|
|
Windows (all)
|
.NET, ASP.NET
|
C / C++
|
|
Linux
|
WPF
|
C# / VB.NET
|
|
BlackBerry
|
X, Qt, KDE, GTK
|
Java
|
|
Embedded (x86, ARM, MIPS32)
|
MFC
|
ASM
|
|
PalmOS
|
J2ME / J2EE
|
|
|
|
Adobe Flash / Flex
|
|