WhiteLight Systems Inc will today announce what it claims is the first application server to enable companies to build applications that automate the decision support process. The Palo Alto, California-based company says its WhiteLight 2.0 server is the first product to support what it calls Integrated Decision Processing, or IDP.
Unlike current decision support products that simply publish information or analyze historical data, WhiteLight says its IDP technology enables users to build applications by using information from multiple querying and reporting tools, Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and web-based analytical applications. The software enables users to build applications to monitor such processes as brand management, portfolio management, enterprise risk management and customer relationship management.
The company said version 2.0 of its server introduces new features in three main areas: a simplified process, based on Java components, for creating applications (using its Application Component Environment, or ACE); the ability to link to other systems and processes within the organization; and the ability to leverage and extend existing investments in databases, application logic and client tools. ACE is a suite of Java-based components that can be dragged and dropped onto any web page using standard web authoring tools to create applications.
For specialized presentation requirements, ACE also includes a component development kit that enables IS staff to add new components that can also be dragged and dropped by business users. In addition, WhiteLight claims the latest version can now access any type of information from any data source, such as a real-time data feed or the web. For example, a company could integrate its internal business warehouse with web-based information such as analyst reports, credit ratings and graphical maps, WhiteLight said. The server also supports a range of client connectivity options including support for Microsoft’s OLE DB for OLAP application interface.
The latter enables all the main reporting and analysis packages, such as those from Brio, Microsoft’s Excel and Crystal Info to be accessed through the server. It also supports multi-user write-back to datawarehouses and direct integration with ERP and legacy systems as well as analysis workflow-linking the outcome of the analysis to other systems and users who may need to contribute to the decision-making process. The WhiteLight Application Server 2.0 is currently in beta with general availability by mid-year. Pricing starts at $50,000.
