An approach based on 30 years of experience developing applications
An application-product ensures continuous evolution and updating, reduces costs and lowers dependency on the supplier.
When Protecmedia was considering the design of a new generation of applications for the media industry, it was very aware of the need to fulfil one basic principle: the need to develop product-applications, capable of evolving and incorporating new market-led functionalities whose maintenance costs were reasonable.
This principle was established on the basis of more than 30 years' experience, it being vitally important to meet the needs of a sector undergoing continual change. Time has shown this approach to be the right one:
1 Ability to update
As important as meeting current needs is ensuring that an application is capable of dealing with changes likely to arise in the very near future.
Version 6.0 of MILENIUM Cross Media is about to be launched. Over the years, more than 35 new modules have been incorporated related to advertising workflow, editorial planning, the management of multimedia contents, cross media production etc. and many more modules are in the pipeline.
2 Functional enrichment
Many of these new functions have been incorporated as a result of the suggestions and proposals made by clients from very different countries and cultures. The ability to assimilate this rich source of knowledge proves the quality of a product that now sets the standard in the industry which it serves.
3 Personalization
It is, therefore, a big mistake to identify ability to personalise with tailor-made software. A well-conceived product does not ensure a perfect fit, but it does provide an adequate level of personalisation. In addition, the user can rest easy, knowing that he is in touch with the latest trends because he is part of a community of interests with other colleagues that use the same product and that provide mutual enrichment through their contributions.
4 Technological standards
In a product-based approach, the supplier is the first to be concerned about ensuring an open architecture in which third-party software technologies and programs can be integrated without high costs. In this situation, the same supplier plays the role of consultant to select the best applications that appear in the market and merit integration.
5 Reasonable investment
The investment costs of a product-application are much lower simply because of the economies of scale.
6 Lower maintenance cost
Obviously, the client has access to the updates and product renewals at a much lower price. But there is also an important economical factor: speed on carrying out new updates and versions. An application-product has got a great advantage: installation and implementation are a matter of hours or days. In opposition to this, a non application-product can take months.
7 Greater freedom
The client does not become so dependent on the supplier as is the case with tailor-made products. Client and supplier recognise that they are both part of a relationship based on cooperation that needs to function for mutual interest, but without necessarily being tied to each other ad infinitum.
8 Speed of response
The supplier knows that the client is not at his beck and call, and therefore the onus is on him to respond to the market's new demands. The supplier has to fight to retain his leading position.
9 Security of support
A product philosophy makes possible the organisation, method and capacity of hotline support, without having to depend on specific individuals. Tailor-made software in practice prevents a speedy response, makes difficult the capacity of documenting updates and increases dependency on specific professionals that, in a number of cases, end up having to be contracted by the client in order to ensure production.
It is a big mistake to identify capacity to personalise with tailor-made software.
As important as meeting current needs is ensuring that an application is capable of dealing with changes likely to arise in the very near future.
