Browser-based inTRAnet billing, accnts receivable, inventory

[rcjordan]

Now that browsers have come of age, there isn't any reason that someone doesn't write an general business package that uses browsers and html documents to do what proprietary software used to do. Apps like billing, accounts receivable, inventory control, payroll could be developed pretty easily. Servers and browsers are the ultimate multi-user environment, after all. Has anyone seen such a package?

[sugarkane]

I've not seen an office package, but I used this approach to write our internal email system - it's a godsend as we use Windows95/8, Windows NT, Linux, SCO Unix and MacOs and it's nice to have a single system consistent over all of them.

I'm also planning to write a database queryer (sp?) soon.... if I ever get time <g>

[rcjordan]

looks like some more pieces are falling into place...

New Web forms are coming [geek.com]

w3.org sample form [w3.org]

[rcjordan]

OK, NOW we're talking.... this is an example of what I know is out there or coming

Web Timesheet: web-based timesheet and expense report solution [replicon.com]

If anyone sees anything like this for billing and inventory, let me know. I'm saying that most businesses will serve their intrAnet just like they serve the net, it will not make a difference whether you are online or standing at the counter, the UI will be browser-based --THAT's where ecomm is headed.

[rcjordan]

the big Apps are starting to weigh in.... PeopleSoft Seeks Rebirth Through The Web [techweb.com]

...the company has rewritten 14,000 application user interfaces into Web pages delivered as HTML to a browser. PeopleSoft 8 includes 167 Web-based business applications, 108 rewritten and 59 new ones.

[Air]

I have seen a number of browser based apps, most companies keep it pretty quiet, in particular those companies that have buyers or a sales force out in the field are starting to make use of PDA's with browsers to automatically register sales or inventory levels prior to making a "buy".

There is also strong interest in units like the blackberry PDA because of its wireless connection capability. Most of these devices now come with a Software Developer Kit for custom apps.

[rcjordan]

Yeah, it looks like the big dog Apps (high-$$) are moving to web. I'm watching for that small-to-midsize entry targeted for companies with $1-5 million annual sales --something that a one or two store parts shop might purchase and customize. The proprietary packages sold to various trades go for $25 to $40K (US) and up. A web version, using Linux and free browsers would probably be mass-marketed at $5K or less.

I didn't really set a "target size" when I started this thread, but it looks like something is likely to turn up sooner than I really expected.

[NFFC]

Word processor to be integrated with MSN Explorer client [theregister.co.uk]

[rcjordan]

At the heart of the Intacct accounting hub is the world’s most advanced web-based general ledger system [intacct.com]. Intacct complies fully with GAAP standards...

Not that they are going to license it for an intranet, but we're getting closer to the proposed/hypothetical app here.

[tedster]

That's a good find, rc. I hope the app you're describing appears soon. It will certainly have a major market if timed correctly and priced with savvy.

I hate accounting, or else I would get to work on it myself. The need is there, or at least will be there very soon.

[rcjordan]

*bump*

Pageflex Develops Groundbreaking Editor in a Browser [biz.yahoo.com]