2005
The Edge project continued during 2005. The work with client technologies for the "next level user productivity" took on more concrete forms. The platform was used for the OEE and system administration modules was given the name IFS Rich Web Client. Implemented with .Net technology it offers the possibility to build rich and innovative user interfaces, whilst at the same time providing a fully web based, zero install, deployment solution. In the later half of the year research was initiated to see how this new client platform could be applied to larger areas of IFS Applications.
Work on the system administration modules resulted in the creation of IFS Solution Manager - a new easy-to-use administration and configuration tool for IFS Applications. One important aspect of IFS Solution Manager was the ability to perform admin tasks as any normal user, with individually grantable tasks. Enabling clear segregation of administrative duties this would make it easier to comply with SOX and other regulatory requirements.
During the year a lot of work was also done on the IFS Web Client. In particular the web client got the same possibilities to configure the screen layout as the windows client had received the year before. Combined with a new implementation of user profiles that was shared across all clients this turned out to be very powerful.
Another key theme effecting all parts of F1 development during the year was security. Following the tag line "secure by design and secure by default" frameworks were reviewed, new security concepts added, and configurations changed. Important improvements included the move to JAAS (Java Authentication and Auhtorization System) for middle-tier authentications, the introduction of security privileges, and establishing a more secure default configuration.
2006
April 2006 saw the release of IFS Applications 7 - the result of the Edge project.
The next project - Sparx - has just started. Under that project Foundation1 will continue to be developed with both short and long term goals in mind. A lot of improvements are planned for service packs on IFS Applications 7.
At the same time work development of some key features for IFS Applications 9 has arleady started.
