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MyHandle
http://www.myhandle.com
Challenge: OTL, our United Kingdom based customer, asked us to build a Contact Management Site, so we carefully studied all the requirements and developed a Social Networking Site, where users are provided with a secure area to store their private contact information as well as other contacts, and possibility to exchange messages between those contacts, i.e. MyHandle lets users manage all their communication through one channel. Website members can create their public or private profiles, manage all email addresses, telephone numbers or contact details, and always stay reachable for friends or people they know. It is also possible for users to add and manage their groups, invite friends from different social networks and email services, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.
Solution: MyHandle.com website was built with Asp.Net 2.0/MSSQL 2005 and Mootools 1.2 as Javascript library. Most of the website pages contain many Ajax features, ensuring content updating without page reloading. Flash was implemented for nice and smooth uploading and resizing of user’s image. Google Map helps with finding of contact locations. A special multi-tier access management system was used to give users possibility to upload new users by groups, by contacts and directly user to user.
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The Wedding Inbox
http://www.theweddinginbox.com/
Challenge: The Wedding Inbox web portal is designed to provide a service
that gathers, publishes and populates the wedding service providers
(suppliers) and their services from the one side, and their customers,
grooms and brides, from the other side and introduce them to each other.
The suppliers have a set of tools to publish their services throughout
the web and market them to potential customers. Also they can receive
customers’ feedbacks. The customers, from the other side, can use the
portal tools to search, review, rate and comment the wedding suppliers
and their services and, eventually, to choose the right supplier for
their wedding. Also the portal allows customers to learn the others
experience and share their own with the others to make the right
decision making easier. This weeding directory is operating in the UK,
the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Singapore, therefore the
multilingual functionality is provided and users can select the currency
of the country they come from.
Solution: Zend Framework was used as PHP Framework with Apache/PHP v5.2
/ MySQL v 5.1. User’s interface elements were implemented by means of
JQuery. MySQL Workbench was used as a tool for creating of Database
architecture. It Craft designers created several variants of design
mockups to select the best one to reflect the main idea of the portal.
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Facebook Application Pupz World
Pupz World
Challenge: Hidden Pixel have been creating Facebook applications since the end of 2007. After completing some smaller projects with them a request was raised for the creation of a virtual world for those who love dogs. Based on Pet Pupz, which is now two years old, this new game would enable players to adopt a dog to play with, feed and train. The key to success would be to effectively integrate with the social graph and Facebook API in order to create effective viral channels, which would in turn help the game to grow.
Solution: By working closely with the customer IT Craft was able to take supplied designs and requirements in order to implement the back-end of the game. There were a large amount of technical challenges due to the requirement of implementing an isometric environment but through research and testing SmartFoxServer was identified as a potential solution for providing multiplayer interaction. From this the OpenSpace addon could be used as the base from which to create the virtual world using the Flash IDE and ActionScript 3, which would link to a PHP and MySQL back-end. Other technologies used include Java and Terracota.
In order to link an already complex framework with the Facebook API a great deal of work was done in creating an effective server-side architecture. The results were that the game would not only work with Facebook but also other Social Networks, such as Bebo, and even a stand-alone website should it be required. By working closely with the customer we were also able to identify effective means of ensuring that users would invite their friends to play and, in turn, would be likely to spend real money on the in-game economy. Through the integration of a Virtual Currency payment system (SuperRewards) we were able to help drive profitability for the customer.
Finally, a hugely important factor to any Social Game is scalability. The architecture that we designed was done so to ensure that the game was heavily optimized to start with, but also easily expandable through clustered servers. The backend is so flexible that through the analysis of
server traffic a decision can be made at any point how to setup the hardware, whether it by through creating dedicated database servers, load-balance web servers or any combination of the two.
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Events portal.
http://ep.yourserveradmin.com
Challenge: Our customer required to create a portal that would be a part of his main site. The portal would allow users to search for events by date picker, categories, venue names and keywords. Search results would be displayed as a list, on the map, in calendar cells. Also, details of each event would be available on separate tabs. The portal was to be integrated with the main site by means of RSS feed as the data source. One of the main requirements was that the portal might work in virtually the same way for browsers with enabled and disabled JavaScript. Site administrator would be able to control all the text displayed on the portal (with exception for the data which comes from the feed); change any system setting; edit templates for “Details View” and “List View” tabs by means of WYSIWYG editor using tokens. The project would support a wide verity of browsers and work with such map engines as Google Maps and Microsoft Virtual Earth.
Solution: IT Craft team used their custom Action-based framework to deliver Event portal per client requirements. This framework allows creating JS-independent projects. Also, this custom framework permits creating the same data layer and business logic classes and using virtually the same user interface elements for project versions to work with Javascript and without it. The only difference between these versions is access to server when actions are performed at the client (browser) side. In case JavaScript is enabled, Ajax technology is used to make changes in separate parts of the page and trigger definite functions without page reloading. In case JavaScript is disabled, page is reloaded and all the data input by user is sent to the server. This approach implemented in the framework makes it possible to utilize all the benefits of Ajax technology and at the same time to make the portal accessible and user-friendly in browsers with disabled Javascript.
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Masters of Trivia
http://www.mastersoftrivia.com/
Challenge: We initially faced a challenge of building a flexible online application with categorized content. The main functionality was supposed to allow users to play trivia games and the administrator of the website needed access to an enhanced editor to create trivia games in addition to advertising related to the games being played.
Solution: The close co-operation between our client and Lumena Design has resulted in the online system dubbed Masters of Trivia. It is a fun and exciting online destination for "anything trivia". The website offers hundreds of thousands of challenging questions across a very broad range of subject matter. Masters of Trivia allows users to play against themselves or engage in competitions against other trivia masters. Users can also try themselves at the innovative "Photo Trivia" where they are prompted to answer questions related to a specific picture. The hardcore players may take a shot at the "Endless Trivia Marathon", which offers a compilation of never-ending trivia questions.
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Facebook Application Scene Builder for Pet Pupz
Scene Builder
Challenge: Our customer already had a Facebook application called “Pet Pupz”. This application allows adaptation of a pet puppy and is as fun as an interaction with your puppy can be. The purpose of Scene builder part was to add more joy and allow users to create an environment for their pets. Environment would include: basic themed background (under the water, space, garden, etc), garments, dwellings, and other things necessary for life. Scene would have been integrated with the back-end of the existing application and share the same user database and shop functionality operating with virtual currency (puppy points).
Solution: It Craft created a Flash-based tool which allows a user to ‘drag and drop’ items in order to create a virtual world for their character. Once the item is on the scene canvas, user can rotate and resize it, change item location on the canvas, save the scene as an jpg file and print it out. Once user is happy with the set of items on the scene, he can purchase items through the shop functionality. Scene builder is smoothly integrated into the existing Pet Pupz application through server-side (PHP Application). Server-side also assures interaction of Scene builder with Facebook server and Amazon S3 hosting.
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Facebook Application Sticker Book
Sticker Book
Challenge: The project aim was creation of online ‘Sticker Book’ application based on the Facebook platform. In the application, user can create his personal virtual sticker book, purchase stickers in the shop, from other users or create stickers himself. To provide the possibility to purchase stickers, the application would include ‘credit’ system – each day the user logs in he gets a certain amount of credits to spend. Once purchased, stickers can be ‘dragged and dropped’ onto the book and, when happy, the user can save how his book is laid out. User also would be able to get credits inviting friends to the application and in other ways.
Solution: IT Craft developed the application according to customer specification. In his personal sticker book, user can change page color, add bookmarks, add pages. Some of these functions are paid (the currency is play credits). User also can review sticker books of his friends, rate stickers, purchase them and share them with his friends. Price for all the stickers is set by the application administrator. To create a new sticker, user has to upload an image from his PC or from his Facebook profile. When creating a sticker, user can choose sticker shape and size, add title and tags, assign a category and set the access level (public or private) for the new sticker. User can replenish the amount of his credits each day when he logs in and in other ways provided by SuperRewards system (http://www.srpoints.com/). Sticker book images are hosted on Amason S3 servers.
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Arrival of the Year
http://www.arrivaloftheyear.com
Challenge: Once WeddingOfTheYear.com was successfully completed and went live, our customer turned to us with a new idea: we were required to create a new design for WeddingOfTheYear.com keeping all the functionality, yet focusing at new theme and purpose – Baby and Parents` photo albums.
Solution: ArrivalOfTheYear.com is a twin brother of WeddingOfTheYear.com. It includes all the functionality of WOY. IT Craft created a new design theme for WOY site – colors, buttons, logo, CSS. Initially, WeddingOfTheYear.com was developed considering the possibility of design changes in the future, so the whole design – CSS and HTML – were created in the way allowing easy changes. Creation of ArrivalOfTheYear.com proved the fact this condition was met successfully.
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Facebook Application Quizzem
Quizzem
Challenge: Our customer had an idea of a Facebook application that would provide user with the possibility to create and manage his own quizzes and take part in quizzes created by other users at the same time. The main idea was to assure each new quiz is created as a separate Facebook application after the author name: with application registration, secret key processing, addition of the application to user profile. This would allow complete control at each quiz for quiz author and also would make quiz application attractive for those who likes creativity. The creation and registering of the quizzes would be as straightforward as possible. Application also should be integrated with Super Rewards system of virtual currency (http://www.srpoints.com/) to allow users win bonus credits for correct answers and also use virtual currency in answering the quizzes.
Solution: IT Craft developed an application based on Facebook API that allows quiz creation in two stages – firstly, the creation of the interface that allows users to create and register their quiz. Secondly, the actual quiz is developed that allows other Facebook users to answer the questions. The front-end design of the application was made in a form of a wizard that makes creation and taking of quiz simple and user-friendly. Quizzes can be created by categories (animals, sports, etc) and by types (quizzes with only 1 correct answer and with optional answers). Application also provides general statistics on the best participants and quiz authors. User also may use bonus credits to open answers for quizzes and so get a higher statistics score. All the back-end interaction (registration of the application on Facebook, secret key processing) is performed automatically and does not require user participation.
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Wedding of the Year
http://www.WeddingoftheYear.com
Challenge: Based on the design provided by our customer, we needed to
create a web service that would allow collection of guest digital photos
and publication of online wedding albums by the wedding couple - the
album owners. The wedding couple can purchase an account themselves or
receive one as a gift requiring gift code redemption. Only invited
guests have access to the albums both to upload photos and view the
album but they can only view once the album owner has published the
album for viewing. All users may also download the published images.
Albums are available for one year after the wedding date and this may be
extended.
Solution: IT Craft developed a website incorporating eCommerce
functionality including promotional codes and integrating with the
PayPal payment gateway. A special approach was used to allow mulitple
photo upload by the same user, storage of thousands of digital photos on
the server and download of photos in a larger size than displayed on the
site. AJAX technology was used to allow drag and drop functionality to
move photos within the album categories and between categories.
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Passen Law Group
http://www.passenlaw.com
Challenge: Our customer, a Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm, Passen Law group, required a full redesign of their web site front-end and back-end. Main purpose of the changes was to attract more prospective clients (of all backgrounds -- education, race, etc.) as well as attorney referrals, and to project an overall feeling of professionalism and sophistication. Customer also set focus on getting their web site on first page of search engines upon relevant keyword searches.
Solution: During redesign, the web site was redeveloped from the ground. The site back-end is based on an advanced content management system (CMS) that allows management of each web site page and menu option. CMS also incorporates powerful SEO tools, such as the possibility to create and manage search-engine friendly URLs, HTML titles, meta keywords and meta descriptions through a user-friendly administration panel without manual changes in the HTML code. This functionality was used by another company who performed SEO of the web site for the customer. The front-end graphics of the web site was changed per the customer requirements to reflect authority and reliability of the personal injury law firm.
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My Recipe Circle
http://www.myrecipecircle.com
Challenge: Our client Coheso, Inc. creates innovative health management tools to help individuals who want to maintain healthy lifestyle. This company launches health related websites and makes handheld devices for diabetes management and weight loss. Company management asked us to develop an online tool that would allow users to share their recipe ideas.
Solution: IT Craft built from scratch the social netowrking website with SE-friendly URLs and implemented the functionality that allowed registered users to easily share recipes with their family and friends. All recipes are kept in one place, you can choose which recipes to share with your circle. Registered users can look at recipes from their circle and others and build a recipe box that they can access at any time from anywhere.
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Pozoworld
http://www.Pozoworld.com
Challenge: Develop an advanced community web site providing members with the possibility to share their home decor ideas on-line by means of pictures. At the same time, members may generate revenue acting as affiliates for the sites where their decor idea elements can be purchased online. User friendly interface and intuitive navigation were our customer’s main requirements.
Solution: IT Craft’s team implemented a Web 2.0 web site with many AJAX features that significantly simplify user experience. The web site allows users to create thematic groups and forums, to rate design ideas, to send private messages to members. Any registered member can create his/her community and forum, and act as moderator for them. Payments are calculated based on the statistics for the affiliate links added by authors for their decor ideas.
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New Dark Room
http://www.newdarkroom.com
Challenge: Build a photo community web site where users can upload and sell their photos. The design should be unique and clean, the application should be flexible and extendable. Customer required integration of some basic CMS features.
Solution: We created unique look and feel and ensured that the site had all features requested by the customer like community features, e-commerce functionality and photo library. This photo community currently uses the forum developed by IT Craft.
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PanoHouse
http://www.PanoHouse.com
Challenge: Build a photo community web site where registered users (panographers) can upload and sell their panoramic photos as digital images or as printouts. Implement the features that allow panographers to upload large files via FTP and manage disc space.
Solution: IT Craft’s team implemented all features requested by the customer, at the moment we are giving final touches adding new functionality that should be implemented before the launch of the website.
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FinanCo
http://www.financo-international.com
Challenge: Create multilingual website and new logo for international company that provides engineering, business and management consulting services.
Solution: We prepared 5 design variants for FinanCo International and successfully launched the website of the company in five languages German, English, Dutch, French and Russian.
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Fantasy Soccer League
http://fantasyfootyleague.com
Challenge:
Develop a fantasy soccer site with Flash interface that allows team managers buy, sell and put fantasy players on their positions on the field. The current points of each fantasy team should be calculated based on the statistics of real games.
Solution:
IT Craft used the template provided by the customer and built a fantasy soccer site that allows users to play in the main league or maintain their own mini-leagues. We constantly add new features to this website.
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Monte bleu international
http://www.montebleu.com
Challenge: Create unique design for an international company, it should be based on the color scheme and elements of the company logo. Add Flash intro that should contain information about all departments of the company.
Solution: Designers working at IT Craft delivered four unique mockups and the company management chose the best one. After that we developed the administrator’s side that allowed the employees of the company to manage products, projects and news.
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Estelle.tv
http://www.estelle.tv
Challenge: Add new features to the administrator side, fix existing bugs and improve the usability of the website.
Solution: Our programmers carefully studied the existing code and started to add new functionality step by step. In close collaboration with designer of our customers we launched the current version of Estelle.tv
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Ticketronix
http://www.ticketronix.com
Challenge:
Develop an application that would allow the customer to sell tickets online using third party API. Google Maps should be integrated in order to allow the visitors to easily find the place where the event takes place.
Solution:
IT Craft used the template purchased by the customer and developed the administrator’s side that gave the owner full control over the website. All requirements of the customer were met.
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Matisse Artist Widget
http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/MatisseArtist
Challenge: This is a fun Flash application designed for children and for those who like art by Matisse. The widget allows you to create your
own pictures out of elements taken from Matisse pictures. To show your creativity, you may resize suggested elements, choose the element of the
right color, rotate elements right and left, and finally print your picture out.
Solution: IT Craft approached the task in the following way: Widgetbox.com platform API was used as the base for the widget. While the original widget is hosted on the customer`s web site, users may find it and work with it on Widgetbox.com web site. You may add the widget to
your web page – to any of the tens of social network web sites supported by Widgetbox platform (including MySpace.com, Facebook.com, Bebo, Xanga, Piczo), to your blog and live journal posts. You may customize the widget size to make it suitable for your web page.
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Confidence Foundation
http://www.konfidence.org
Challenge: Based on the design provided by our customer, our team was required develop website for a non-profit organization, integrate custom CMS (content management system), blog and ability to send newsletters.
Solution: All features were implemented according to the initial specification, the website of Konfidence Foundation was launched within the specified time span.
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Enmex company site
http://www.enmex.de
Challenge: Redesign website of Enmex, our partner in Germany, and launch new company site with the new content and look. Add English version.
Solution: We provided our partners with a number of fresh design variants. As soon as one of the variants was approved we created the HTML-version and put online the multilingual version of the website with new look and feel within the agreed time frame.
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Survive Sepsis
http://survivesepsis.org/
Challenge: Based on the design provided by our customer, we were required to develop website for Survive Sepsis with integrated custom CMS, forum and document management system.
Solution: All features were implemented according to the initial requirements, the website of Survive Sepsis was launched on time.
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www.bestbuys.com
http://www.bestbuys.com
Challenge: Our Customer’s requirements were to change affiliate provider from Shopzilla to Pricegrabber, using existing graphic design and website structure of bestbuys.com – a huge comparison shopping website.
Solution: It Craft successfully transferred bestbuys.com from Shopzilla API to Pricegrabber API, by implementing all the changes required by the standards outlined in Pricegrabber API specification. While transferring down time of bestbuys.com was only a few seconds.
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