AFC Commercial operates as a computer consultancy developing bespoke software and hardware systems
primarily for commercial clients in Northern Ireland. The business started life in 1991 as Bangor Business Systems Ltd. which ceased trading as a business entity in 1993 after which AFC Commercial was created.
Most projects are undertaken on either Linux or DOS platforms often networked together to create a corporate Intranet for clients. Recent and Current projects include;
Datactics deploys the emerging technologies of fuzzy logic and parallel processing to achieve greater depth and accuracy in data matching primarily in cleaning databases.
- Cluster construction and management
- Intranet developments
- Extranet developments
Sandes have offered recreational support to British Servicemen since 1869
- Support internal network
- Deployment of Groupware Systems
- Managed migration to OpenSource Systems
- Database construction
Providing user support to a dispersed network of Win2000 workstations. The network is formed around several 2000 Servers linked by VPN over ADSL to outlying offices.
Most recent developments are in developing an Intranet deploying Linux Web Application and Samba Servers. Typical applications included;
- A Web-based IT Fault tracking system (PHP based)
- A Resource Centre Database cataloguing a library of published documents and other media (Plone based)
- A Content Management System (Plone) for sharing information
- Interactive Forms (Plone + Postgres SQL)- on-line completion of various administrative forms
- Data Replication (rsync)
Computastore/Junction Software
Primary development of back-office support routines for an eCommerce web-site. Later evolved from a simple perl+Mysql system to full-scale
in-house Web-application using PHP as well. This includes large amounts of information provided by suppliers and other data sources. A current 3rd phase of development is in progress deploying Object Oriented technolgies to integrate all existing systems - legacy accounting,
EPOS, back-office, e-retailing and supplier e-commerce.
This project has lost funding and effectively ceased development.
Bromac Distribution
Construction of a sophisticated Intranet linking Win98 workstations, SCO Legacy System, and a Linux SQL Server. The Linux server also acts as an Internet gateway for local user access and email transport as well as a BBS for staff and customers accessing the system remotely.
Most software development has been done in interfacing data from a legacy accounting system into an SQL database which then manipulates and presents analyses of data via Web technology.
Originally developed a DOS database application to monitor the progress of print jobs through the print shop. After 10 years in constant use, the system is currently being revamped using Intranet and SQL technologies and extended to include direct customer interaction via the Internet for order processing.
Holywood Rudolf Steiner School
This is a complex networked system including a variety of O/S platforms characterised by exceptionally low hardware specifications. The network provides services for a variety of users; administrative staff, teaching staff, and pupils. Substantial work has been done creating various SQL databases and interfaces for School Administration.
- an administrative system aimed at managing the finances of the school with
a variety of tools for automating everyday tasks
- teaching support systems including curriculum databases as well as pupil
records. Also includes school activity management such as timetabling functions.
- pupil access is for the includion of office automation applications for the teaching of elementary computer skills and as a resource of information both locally and via the Internet. Computing resources are also available for the creation of subject coursework.
Because the school gets no assistance from government authorities, developments are usually constrained by donations of equipment which in turn limits or at best dictates possible computing solutions. At present the computing resources include
- Bull DPX200 running BullOS with Uniplex. Access is through character based terminals although also networked for local email distribution.
- Internet Access served by a collection of Linux boxes acting as work-stations, routers and proxy-servers. This is currently being extended with X-Windows Terminals
- Educational support is provided by a collection of networked systems accessing common databases for timetabling, curriculum, and
resource management.
- Additional systems are available in Upper School classrooms for access to the Internet and Office Automation (using X terminals)
- Laboratory analysis - mobile workstations
Other Clients
Other client systems have been constructed in the past using combinations of Web-based, Networked and stand-alone applications.
- Marketing Budget Management
- Financial Loan Management
- Property Management
- Fullyformed Art Projects
- Selfware Project
- Equestrian Directory
- PR Timesheet Management
- Bangor Chess Club
- Cozíta Rá
More recent projects have deployed Intranet technologies
Open Source Projects and Linux
AFC Commercial is committed to promoting Linux as the Operating System of choice. Recent development work has been based around Linux servers and work-stations. AFC was an early member of the Caldera Reseller Program; more recently we have concentrated on SuSE though we also have used Debian, Red Hat and other flavours.
We are keen to support Open Source Projects and actively support development of;
- Cmenu - a perl module for creating menus and forms under Curses
- ZChess - various products and tools for providing chess specific functions under the Zope application server
- Plone Spell Checker - a spelling utility for Plone v2
- Chess Viper - a variety of Chess tools and Zope artefacts
Queries on this page - contact andy@afccommercial.co.uk
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