HexaGroup recognized that all of the necessary business rules already existed in the current client/server application. Design work was needed for a Web-based presentation followed by the intricate and involved removal of the client/server interface and subsequent connection of the newly designed Webbased interface to those business rules.

The business rules/data services component was implemented as a Visual Basic Dynamic Link Library in which each business rule is a method. Ancillary database tables and the necessary methods to manage them were created to help handle user authentication and each user's specific application state. The new Web interface, which sits on top of the DLL, was implemented using Active Server Pages on a completely redesigned Microsoft SQL 2000 back-end. The resulting Web application is fast, very userfriendly, and catching on with more clients every day.

The application, while at first a port, has now evolved into a full-fledged Parts Selection and Parts Lists Management Tool. Each user can configure their own persistent lists of parts based on the engine configurations they deal with. They can effortlessly place orders and request quotes which go into a back-end Customer Management System in their Torrence, California office. HexaGroup not only delivered a centralized Parts Database Management Solution to IPD, we gave them a better understanding of how Web technologies can be utilized to their advantage. The resulting partnership continues to evolve, as does the application. Our ability to turn their ideas into software solutions continues to drive our mutual success.