Hello,
I am trying to build a new platform for our massive internet database/ application which is currently in coldfusion, sql and java. I am not a programmer, but I love ruby on rails and the 37 signals programming mentality.
Can I contact someone by phone to discuss the feasibility of using ruby on rails to rebuild my system?
Here is a description of the project:
We currently run a website that: · Monitors and tracks all the environmental legislation in Canada. o The legislation is in French and English o Legislation is uploaded as an xml file from another organization o It is updated on a regular basis o The legislation is grouped into jurisdictions (Federal, Provinces, and Municipal Level) o The legislation is grouped into industrial sectors · Offers guidance text for a variety of Topics (about 14 - items such as Wastewater, Halocarbons, Air Emissions...), Sub-Topics (about 2-6 per Topic), and Concerns (2-10 per sub-topic) · We currently have the ability to upload and store PDF documents that our clients can access. o Upload is done from the back-end · There is a newsletter where we issue a brief statement when changes are made to the environmental legislation · There is an Activities section where we can create a customized profile for a client, linking their industrial activities to explanatory text and pertinent legislation. · When a piece of legislation is altered, all the documents in the system, which have a link to that legislation, or make reference to it, are set back to unpublished. A notification is sent by email to someone to go check if the linked documents need to be updated.
More information and a flash demo can be found at www.nimonik.ca
Clients have:
· Access to specific industrial sectors (Legislation, Topics organized by Industry (i.e. General, Mining, Printing...) · Access to specific jurisdictions as per their contract agreement with us. · Constant updates on what new legislation affects them
For the New version:
· The new version must have all the capabilities of the old version · An easy way to sign-up for: o A corporate version where you select jurisdictions and have a price according to number of jurisdictions o A consultant version with 1-2 users and you choose the topics and jurisdictions you want o An educational version with time-limited access o A free demo version time limited · Full Screen XML template · Tracking of user activity · Branding for each client - allow them to select the colour scheme and have their logo or company name in their template by uploading it · Comment form on different topics, with the ability to designate who sees the comments (everyone, same company, only themselves)
References:
The platforms that I have looked at and like is Ruby on Rails, but I am open to other possibilities. I need an expert option on which platform is better and why.
I really like www.37signals.com style of program design and mentality.