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Business Challenge
The client's business model derives revenue from processing credit card transactions. Originally the client had a set of terminals for Windows and iPhone platforms and API (application program interface) for secured Web services. These Web services were used for performing online payment transactions. The client's preexisting iPhone application allowed a merchant to enter credit card information, process sales, refund or void transactions, and commit a batch of payment operations for the end of day closing.
The client sought out Axmor to help extend its market by porting its iPhone application to other popular mobile platforms, including Blackberry, Android and Windows Mobile. These new applications were tailored to use the existing secured Web Services for performing online payment operations. The original application was also expanded to integrate with Magtek® Bluetooth encrypted credit card readers.
Software Solution
Using the existing iPhone application, Axmor engineers first developed an application for Windows Mobile. Next, the Window Mobile application was ported to other platforms. Below illustrates the work flow.
Step 1: Development for Windows Mobile
In this phase Axmor software engineers used the iPhone application provided by the client to create a Windows Mobile application. Key engineering feats included programming the application to support different hardware configurations and multiple Bluetooth stacks.
First, the software had to be developed to match functionality requirements of traditional screens (Windows Mobile Standard) and state-of-the-art touch screens (Windows Mobile Professional). Axmor engineers scripted a universal code that adheres to Microsoft user interface guidelines. The final product provides users with a fully functional program, regardless of their mobile devices' hardware configuration.
Second, the program code was written to support both Microsoft and WIDCOMM Bluetooth stacks. The final product allows the mobile devices to connect with the Magtek® Bluetooth encrypted credit card reader.
Step 2: Porting the application to multiple platforms
During the next phase of the project Axmor ported the application to the Blackberry and Android platforms. Being Java based, Axmor reused selected business logic of the application to reduce redundant programming and testing.
Two main challenges surfaced when porting to Blackberry; specifically, numerous Blackberry operating system versions and varied mobile devices hardware configurations. Axmor engineers created solutions to challenges: the application now supports RIM OS 4.3 to 6.0, as well as the hardware configuration for all Blackberry devices.
Step 3: Final testing
After completion of applications for all three platforms, Axmor also utilized DeviceAnywhere testing to ensure that the applications run flawlessly on the most popular devices in the American and European markets. The new applications not only maintain the original functionality of the iPhone application, but also enhance it by supporting integration with Magtek Bluetooth encrypted card readers.
The applications and Axmor's software development practices satisfied the client and exceeded their expectations. The client has recently approached Axmor to manage support and further development of the iPhone application.
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