Development

The system was developed as an application using the technologies C#, ASP.net, AJAX with an SQL Server 2005 Database. The system was developed in ASP.net but after release to the test group we discovered that slow internet speeds were affecting the performance of the system. As we keep abreast of current internet issues we knew of the add on programming language AJAX, designed to increase a web page's interactivity, speed, functionality, and usability. We knew ReceptionBook.com would be a better and more reliable using AJAX and so rebuilt the system.

Data management & data loss

ReceptionBook.com currently uses a system that guarantees a 99.5% uptime of its service to hotel clients. To achieve this, we have put in place a variety of measures to ensure that no single event can affect the running of our system. Receptionbook.com uses a mesh of servers (3 x High Specification Dual-Core Servers) hosted in large server farms in Europe. The 3 servers are arranged as in the diagram below, Server A stores the running system, Server B stores the database and Server C stores a copy of both the system and the live database. All 3 servers constantly update to mirror the contents of each other, so that even if two fail, the third can instantly carry on the work.

Furthermore, a backup of all the databases is taken every 60 seconds, and sent to a fourth storage location to ensure the safety of your data. We have arranged our servers and backup store to be in different physical locations. This eliminates the risk of fire, flooding and other natural problems.

Speed issues

ReceptionBook.com was developed to make the most of the real time element afforded to the world through internet. Internet speeds in East Africa have increased with the recent connection to the SEACOM undersea cable and now it is possible to get packages with speeds comparable to broadband.

This new internet is not everywhere yet and to limit download times we have developed ReceptionBook.com with a few key elements

• Minimal images and no flash or other large files that take a long time to download.
• All website built with CSS, this means a booking page on the system is only slightly larger than your average email.
• Construction with AJAX has allowed us to control data transfer between the system and the databases, we only send and receive relevant information, essential for whatever you are working on.
• We do not advertise on the site or attract direct clients; this keeps the servers working at optimum speed. Please contact us for more information regarding suitable internet connections.