Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

Is there any commercial support for Open Source Software Platform like JBoss, Linux and other software engine used in the application?

Answer:

The answer is yes, commercial versions of Linux like Red Hat, Suse etc are supported through paid subscription. JBoss is a division of Red Hat, and other vendors supporting open source databases are also available and listed on the project website.

Question:

What if the broadband connection is down?

Answer:

There are 3 solutions to this:

a) Broadband down does not mean there is no internet connection. Because Wavelet EMP can function equally well with dial up connection. These days, you don't need to register a dial up account to use dial up connection. Besides, other backup lines like wireless 3G are widely available these days.

b) Even if there's no dial up (or telephone line, which is quite impossible), for temporary disconnection, users could use a manual cash bill or invoice with running number and carbon copy to issue bill. The running number of these invoices are recorded when the internet connection is restored, and the internal audit at the HQ will do cross referencing of these cash bills.

c) Wavelet is also in the process of developing a small thick client module, to support offline transaction at this point of time. We reckon it will take a few months to complete.

Question:

Is web-based application more secure than thick client or desktop applications?

Answer:

Absolutely, the thick client / desktop application is running on individual PC or terminal, and this thick client application that access the database directly could be tempered. And the database connection requires password at several layers, from network connection layers, to VPN and even the database server itself. For an organization with hundreds of users, there are bound to be PC breakdown etc. And if the technicians maintaining these terminals / PC change, the passwords at all terminals / PC have to change, if not, security could be compromised.

This is completely different for web based application, because the program (application) and database are both running inside the server. That means, user connect to the application from a web browser, which has got SSL encryption etc.

Think about it, why wouldn't banks or other financial applications be downloaded, installed on the PC (like internet banking). Why would the bank use web-based applications instead of desktop applications?
 

Question:

Do I need to pay other licensing fee?

Answer:

No, the Wavelet EMP software could be fully deployed on open source platform. Of course, if you have some extra budget, and you wanted some level of commercial support, you could always choose to pay.