Web Service project: Request For Information-RFI

**Introduction** The Primary purpose of this project is to develop a Web Service and a Web Service client that will integrate with existing code that has been developed in-house by AiMeS. This document defines the necessary functionality in order to achieve successful integration of the separate components. ## Deliverables **Web service Overview ** AiMeS have developed an in-house scheduling algorithm that allocates care-workers to clients who require care at specified locations and at certain times during the day. The exact details of the algorithm itself are confidential. The aim of this project is to develop a prototype system that will enable external bodies to utilise this algorithm by use of a Web Service. The project may be regarded as being composed of two distinct software components: the Scheduling Web Service and a Web Service Client that is able to communicate with the Web Service. The code for the scheduling algorithms has been written in MS Visual C++ .NET and it is therefore required that the Web Service is written in MS Visual C++. NET in order to facilitate the eventual integration of the Web Service and Scheduling Components. As it is envisaged that the Web Service will eventually be utilised by a large number of clients then it is imperative that the Web Service may be consumed by any client and have no platform or operating system dependencies. For example, it should be possible for a client using J2EE on a Linux operating system to consume the Web Service. For testing purposes, the development of a user-friendly GUI interface is required to demonstrate the ability to both send and receive data from the Web Service. The GUI interface will allow the user to specify simple text files to load necessary data in and will also be capable of displaying results generated by the web service Full documentation will be sent to respondents who we feel are suitably qualified to undertake this project. ** About us** To let you know a little bit about us - AIMES is a new business unit developed through the University of Liverpool, with the objective of creating new business applications to assist regional companies. Outsourcing of software development is considered key to this strategy, and therefore we have developed relationships with a small number of top quality outsourcing businesses that possess different skill sets. Further details can be viewed @ [login to view URL] **About you** You are an established outsource service provider who has successfully developed a range of business applications for clients abroad . You have worked with clients abroad remotely as well as by placing key staff in the client’s location. You will be able to demonstrate the following: · Successful development of a range of enterprise business applications · Key staff with the expertise to produce quality work to the correct time frames · A commitment to quality with at least CMM level 3 · A mature Software Development Methodology · Procedures in place to protect our intellectual property Please make initial contact providing indication of you companies abilities in the above areas and we will return full documentation to suitable respondents. ## Platform The code for the scheduling algorithms has been written in MS Visual C++ .NET and it is therefore required that the Web Service is written in MS Visual C++. NET in order to facilitate the eventual integration of the Web Service and Scheduling Components. As it is envisaged that the Web Service will eventually be utilised by a large number of clients then it is imperative that the Web Service may be consumed by any client and have no platform or operating system dependencies. For example, it should be possible for a client using J2EE on a Linux operating system to consume the Web Service.