Datacom leads the way with Windows Phone 7 application
Announcement posted by Datacom 12 Oct 2010
Datacom Software Solutions, Sydney has led the way in the recent release of Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 by developing Australia's first application for online ordering on behalf of Eagle Boys pizza. This launch marks the first part of an overall $3 million retail technology implementation by Eagle Boys Pizza, Australia’s second largest pizza chain.
The application is one of many of Datacom's on-going projects within its new Connected Retail and e-Commerce practice, which means the organisation is now aligned to produce cutting edge technology solutions to support consumer and business demands within the retail industry.
The implementation of the Windows Phone 7 app is built on top of Microsoft Silverlight, and Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) technologies, which is the same development platform used by Datacom's core-teams to also produce e-Commerce websites, digital signage, and kiosk applications. The standardisation of Microsoft's development platform now means that mobile applications can be produced quickly, but to a high standard - whilst still incorporating the rich features people come to expect in both rich client applications and smart devices.
Ben Gracewood, a principal architect within Datacom who managed the implementation of the application achieved a development cycle of less than two weeks, from proof of concept to production application using the toolset provided by Microsoft. Ben has said of the development of the application "We worked with a tight deadline to produce the first version of the Eagle Boys Windows Phone 7 application. The combination of Silverlight and .NET 3.5 on the phone provides for an incredibly productive environment for building applications. The process of going from mock-ups and raw data files to a finished application took less than two weeks. The Windows Phone 7 development platform was the main reason we finished on time."
The application, which will be released in two phases focuses on using Microsoft's own User Experience (UX) guidelines to allow users to navigate through Eagle Boys’ Pizza menu, find their local stores, and sign up to exclusive offers. Using the guidelines has since led to the Windows Phone 7 application to become easy to use and intuitive for the end-user - an experience which is critical to the launch of the second phase of the application in early 2011 which will allow full online ordering capabilities from the mobile device.
Datacom is now set to ensure any future clients requiring connected retail solutions with m-Commerce or mobile strategy, includes Windows Phone 7 as one of its key targets - especially as the time to market, and low cost of production ensures that any return should be positive, as the Windows Phone 7 platform drives further into the consumer market.
About Datacom
Datacom is one of the largest Australasian-owned professional IT services companies, offering customers flexibility and choice, with revenues in excess of A$600 million and extensive experience in the operation of data centres. Founded in New Zealand in 1965, Datacom has a successful 44 year trading history, is consistently growing and profitable and has a track record of delivering innovative, value-for-money technology solutions. Established in Australia in 1992, Datacom’s capabilities include Application and Web Development, Professional Services, Managed Services, IT Procurement and Contact Centres.
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Libby Ewing-Jarvie – Corporate Communications Manager
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Email: libby.ewing-jarvie@datacom.com.au
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