Technology

ICOM’s software is designed to run under Microsoft’s Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows NT operating systems. ICOM's software is developed using Microsoft’s Visual C++ compiler, taking advantage of the Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) library and the standard user controls and features offered within Microsoft's Visual Studio software development environment. ICOM personnel also maintain professional experience in developing software using Microsoft’s Visual Basic, Visual Basic for Applications, and Access products.

ICOM’s software development technology is based on object-oriented business models, whereby the end-deliverable is a series of compiled executable programs. The data manipulation features within these programs utilize an Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) architecture running on client / server networked platforms or stand-alone personal computers. Many of ICOM’s applications are not simply data-in / data-out programs, but are complex software systems hosting a wide array of intelligent data entry controls, intense Graphical User Interface (GUI) views, and sophisticated simulation and data processing engines.

ICOM has developed a series of generic source code functions and GUI templates that it refers to as the Corporate Application TemplateTM (CAT). This body of work minimizes development time, maintains a common visual motif, and standardizes database interaction activity for all of ICOM's software development efforts. While not all applications can take advantage of this concept, the strategy of using a common corporate template as a project foundation, then adding any required features, enables us to quickly respond to the customized software development needs of our clients.

ICOM utilizes Oracle as the database for most of its software applications. Oracle maintains an Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) compliant and a client / server architecture. Therefore, the data generated within ICOM’s software applications is accessible to other corporate software systems. The selection of Oracle as a database for most of its products and projects has been driven by client requirements. However, this does not mean any existing or future clients are restricted to using Oracle as a database environment when working with ICOM. The fact that ICOM's software is designed using standard Structured Query Language (SQL) scripting and ODBC technology means that the migration to other database platforms is quite possible.

ICOM continually uses state-of-the-art software development environments when creating its products. We are constantly evaluating the latest software development products in order to ensure our clients are provided with applications that are on the leading edge of today’s technology. This includes the latest Internet and Intranet based environments.