New Technology Increases Usability for the End User

Métier Ltd., the leader in project portfolio management tools and services, today released details of the use of Asynchronous Java and XML (AJAX) technologies in the WorkLenz Appliance. Executives spotlighted the Schedule Control Center, the first web-based solution that provides the interactivity of traditional client-based project management software without using client side controls.

"Traditionally, web based project management solutions had to use either client side controls, or paginated tables, to approximate the behavior of legacy client side applications such as Microsoft Project," said Brian Pieslak, Director of Product Development. "With AJAX, we recreate that experience in a web browser for the first time. For example, we can load a 15,000 line schedule and have smooth scrolling, adding columns or activities on the fly with system response rates similar to client side applications."

Wikipedia defines Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, or its acronym, AJAX (pronounced A-Jacks), as a web development technique for creating interactive web applications. The intent is to make web pages feel more responsive by exchanging small amounts of data with the server behind the scenes, so that the entire web page does not have to be reloaded each time the user makes a change. This is meant to increase the web page's interactivity, speed, and usability.

"Our customers are concerned about the security implications of active browser controls on the client side, and the Schedule Control Center, using AJAX, is completely contained within the browser session and is without the security concerns of Active X and Java applets," said Pieslak. "We have used AJAX extensively in WorkLenz 5.0, from our dashboards, to our new earned value functionality. We selected scheduling as a focus area, as our customers have consistently asked for a web-based solution for building and updating schedules, with the same capabilities as legacy client applications."

The WorkLenz Appliance provides enterprise level tools and processes for project portfolio management at a small business price. The appliance can be implemented without consulting and integration services, allowing companies to quickly implement world-class project portfolio management that adheres to international standards.

About Métier, Ltd.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Métier provides innovative project portfolio management solutions that drive project success. Since 1998, Métier's suite of patented software and award winning services has delivered performance improvements for government agencies and Global 2000 corporations. Métier is ranked as one of the fastest growing, privately held companies in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine for the past two years. For more information about how your organization can work forward, please visit www.metier.com or call 1-877-965-9501.

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