Dividing the application load enables GroupMinder to run faster on the server by eliminating back-and-forth error messages between the server and the client until the proper format and data are presented. To further enhance the capabilities of JavaScript, and also minimize page load time, GroupMinder uses Regular Expressions to speed up and simplify data validation.

The most obvious reason for using Ajax is an improvement to the user experience. Pages using Ajax behave more like a standalone application than a typical web page. Clicking on links that cause the entire page to refresh feels like a "heavy" operation. With Ajax, the page often can be updated dynamically, allowing a faster response to the user's interaction.

To gain access to the equipment within the data center, a person must swipe an electromagnetic access card to enter the building, provide a personal password, scan his or her hand through a scanner, and unlock the appropriate cabinet with a key. All access inside and outside the data center is monitored 24x7x365.

In addition to monitoring the movement of people throughout the data center, we monitor our equipment, network utilization, latency, packet loss, and service availability at the Network Operations Center (NOC). Response to problems is immediate so that service is uninterrupted.

• a. For maximum speed and productivity a broadband connection is best, but a 56K (unshared) modem connection will be sufficient.
• b. Screen resolution should be maintained at 800 X 600 or higher with 256 colors or higher. “Cookies” must be turned on, and browsers should be configured so that the newest version of the page appears on each page visit.
• c. Adobe Acrobat Reader — version 7 or higher — is required for report viewing, and a printer is required for report printing.

• a. A 56K modem connection is sufficient, but a broadband connection is recommended.
• b. Screen resolution should be maintained at 800 X 600 with 16K color or higher and Cookies must be turned on and browsers configured to, “Check every time I visit the webpage.”

GroupMinder code is streamlined to produce files that are as small as possible and that download quickly. In addition, as many database interactions as possible have been converted into “SQL Stored Procedures” to both minimize the load on the Database servers and to reduce query-processing time. All data integrity functions have also been converted into Foreign-Key constraints and Triggers witch are faster and more reliable than page-coded business rules.

GroupMinder also uses a proprietary, JavaScript based, form validation script that has reduced that component to 60% of its original size. This script not only downloads faster but also redirects some of the load that could potentially be placed on the Application Server and places it on the client’s computer. This allows the server to be freed up for critical functions, thereby enhancing response time.

All graphics used to enhance Groupminder’s navigation and user interface have been manipulated and reduced to the smallest possible file size. This results in faster loading pages.

To ensure reliability, GroupMinder has been extensively tested using real-time data and performance load scenarios. By using only proven, mainstream technologies together with components that integrate seamlessly, GroupMinder functions well even in extreme, high demand situations.

GroupMinder uses all non-proprietary, plus some publicly unavailable methods to speed up and diminish server load, helping to maximize both server and system up-time.

GroupMinder components have been developed and organized with parallelism in mind. Once a user becomes familiar with a single component, all other components then become simultaneously familiar. As a result, users require only minimal training to productively carry out their tasks.

Consistency is paramount to ease of use. All error, confirmation, and notification messages have the same format and are displayed in the same location. Special attention has been paid to establishing a consistent nomenclature for all GroupMinder components.

GroupMinder uses proprietary technology that allows multiple users to be created in the system. Users can be assigned rights based on their needs and functions.

The system uses an audit feature to log actions by all users. Administrators can consult the audit log to search for specific actions and any misuses of the system.

All delete functions require confirmation to prevent accidental deletion of any data.

System administrators can further enhance the security of the system by requiring minimum character lengths for usernames and passwords and also by configuring the system to periodically expire user passwords. The system automatically prevents the user from reusing passwords and also prevents multiple users from using a single username password combination.

A 64-bit key, unique to each client, serves to encrypt all sensitive information stored in the database, thereby rendering the data unusable through any unauthorized access.

Data transferred between client computers and application or database servers is channeled through 128 bit SSL connections. Thus, if the data were to be intercepted by unauthorized individuals, it would be encrypted and therefore unusable.

GroupMinder has been programmed in a shared component format. Pages that carry out similar functions share components (ColdFusion Custom Tags & ColdFusion Components). Modifying a function requires changing only a single component. All pages using that function will then automatically have access to the updated version of the component.

The application has been mapped in easy-to-follow flow charts that facilitate construction, understanding and problem solving, while carefully commented programming allows code to be easily understood by other developers.

GroupMinder is designed with the following disaster precautions and disaster recovery measures in mind.

The application is served from high availability servers that are over-engineered to withstand the highest loads.

Redundant components, including mirrored hard drives, redundant network cards and redundant power supplies are used to help guard against component failure.

Three-tier architecture is used for load balancing of complex processes.

All code is written to make efficient use of the most available computing resources.

All servers are co-located at a “Cisco Certified” data center that meets the highest security and availability standards.

On-site, nightly backups are implemented for all data.

A contract is in place with DELL that provides a 24x7/4-hour (their highest level) response-time guarantee.

Additional off-site, nightly backup is available for a nominal fee upon request through the resources of GroupTravelTechnologies.