| 2.1.27 Technical Release | | All application services have transitioned from HTML-4 to HTML-5. The HTML-5 W3.ORG standard will define the next decade and is expected to supersede all proprietary document file formats (such as Flash and PDF). This is a long term strategic direction that positions the business at the forefront of application services. | | Application services no longer uses obsolete or depreciated HTML-4 elements and is regularly validated by W3.ORG for compliance with modern HTML-5 standards. While application services have its roots going back more than ten years, its web page technology is fully up to date and at the leading edge. | | HTML-5 demands full use of CSS (CSS2 or CSS3) and may imply use of JavaScript for some behaviours. |
| Cached Media | | Application services are designed to store its public script, style and image data on Google servers and other computers based in France and Greece. This is designed to cut by more than 50% the download time for web pages. This is a long term strategic direction that positions the application service at the forefront of European multi-currency and multi-lingual application services. | | Public files are fingerprinted and cached for 6 months - a computer may only have to download a specific image once every 6 months. The downside is that public files cannot be changed but must be replaced with a different fingerprint. An overall performance benefit has been achieved with a 50% cut in accumulated download times. |
| Local Browser Configuration | | Application Services are NOT responsible for how local browsers are configured and each user is free to express their own requirements in how their browser is configured. | | Application Services are designed to be used with a window size of 800 to 1600 pixels; however each user is free to employ any window size. | | Application Services are designed to employ popup windows so data can be compared and so cut and paste may be used between different web pages; however each user may enable tabs and windows to match their own method of working. | | Application Services are designed to user local print facilities where header and footer should be blank, background colour printing should be disabled and margins set to 10mm for A4 paper size; however each user setup their own unique requirements. By design, Application Services are will not normally print menu bar information. |
| Cutting Costs | | Application Services are able to cut the cost of IT by reducing the need for expensive proprietary software that needs training and IT support. Application Services are designed to be used by the same user on more than one device at the same time. Users are encouraged to bring their own device and maximise their productivity by using desktop, laptop, tablet and smart phones as and when applicable and without any constraints. | | It is now practical for a company to buy any kind of computer, switch it on, sign in and be fully operational without any IT support costs. Users are encouraged to have adequate anti-virus software installed, but this has nothing to do with the application service that is NOT impacted by malware installed on any user computer. People do not need have identical computers with the same operating system; people can enjoy many computing devices that are most applicable to their local requirements. |
| | | We aim for Swifter (download), Higher (quality) and Stronger (security) |
| This Release | | Application Services have been technically proven to operate with any kind of computer, tablet or smart phone using any operating system and browser. Application Services do NOT need any special software to be installed or downloaded - they works with any computer straight out of the box. | | All the leading browser engines have been verified using desktops, laptops, tables and smart phones, including: | | * Trident as Microsoft Internet Explorer; all versions from 6 to 9. | | * Mozilla Firefox; version 13.0. | | * WebKit as Google Chrome; version 19.0 and Apple Safari; version 10.6. | | * Presto Opera for PC, Mac and Linux; version 12.0. |
| JavaScript | | Common reusable JavaScript libraries are deployed for all browsers. This ensures that all users can enjoy the same experience no matter what browsing device they may choose to use. Where a user chooses to disable JavaScript, then Application Services may only be used in read-only mode. |
| Next Release | | Please see www.WebPlatform.org as our standard. | | All investment is directed towards advanced "Content Management". In the same way that eBay is able to show any web page (without programming) from vendor provided text and images, Application Services shall evolve its fill-in-the-blanks technology for insurers to be able to fill in their business requirements. | | Content Management begins with web pages, both text and forms; and incorporates every kind of business document, report and management information. Image Management is also involved to manage libraries of photographs, images, static pages and uploaded content. |
| Visual Disability | | By law, Application Services must provide facilities to assist people with unique visual requirements. Application Services provides variable width web pages so the user may configure their window page from 800 to 1600 pixels and may vary font size by up to 400%. Application Services provides a set of colour themes that may be selected from the support dashboard - these support high contrast and reverse video themes for different spectrums. A user with a special visual requirement will be able to be accomodated and Application Services are tested each year to comply visual disabilities in accordance with legal and best practice, including image alternative text for audio readers. |
|