Database Application Development
Marathon views itself as a premier provider of Database Application Development and Support services and has built its reputation around its ability to do so. A premium is
placed on recruiting professionals who possess a high degree of database expertise. This is viewed as a necessity, since the core to any good application is a solid and
efficient database design. Marathon prides itself on its ability to meet its client’s data challenges.
As technologies change the way that applications are being built, the approach to database design and development has remained remarkably consistent. Most projects present
varying degrees of database analysis and design. This could be as basic as supporting minimal content storage for a website, or it could be as extensive as full blown
transaction based processing accounting application. No matter the scope or the technology, the approach is consistently the same: design a backend database module that most
affectively meets the current challenge, while addressing the potential need for future scalability and enhancement. No matter the platform: SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, or
Access; Marathon can deliver.
There are many facets to Database Development, but probably the most obvious is the creation of databases to support the development of a front end application or website.
In the case of transactional systems, this will most often lend itself to a normalized database design that maximizes data retrieval and storage efficiency. It involves the
implementation of a comprehensive indexing strategy to enhance data retrieval, while relying on foreign key relationships to maintain referential and data integrity. In the
case of data warehouse or enterprise reporting applications, a de-normalized approach may be called upon to speed up the data retrieval. No matter the approach, every
engagement will most likely rely on the skill of the consultant to flawlessly update the tables and deliver the data effectively to the end user.
Additionally, Marathon has extensive experience in integrating data from disparate systems to meet their client needs. No matter the tool be it: Integration Services,
Data Transformation Services, Bulk Copy, ODBC or Linked Servers; Marathon is ready to meet the challenge. A data migration project will typically involve I high degree of
data analysis and data mining experience. This requires the ability to quickly learn the way to most effectively relate seemingly unrelated data. The ability of an
experienced data engineer to join data through views and stored procedures is a must.
There will come a time in most organizations when the current database platform will be outgrown and will need to be migrated to a more current platform. This may occur
when a once small single-user Microsoft Access or Excel application suddenly becomes a large multi-user mission critical application. The need for a data migration or
upgrade may also happen to allow the client to take advantage of the most current database engines and all of the benefits that come along with it. Marathon takes a systematic
approach to these projects and leaves no room for error. The approach includes:
- Identification of all applications affected by the data conversion
- Development of comprehensive migration plan
- Building of a test migration environment, that includes the testing of all applications
- Final database conversion and application validation
Client Success: Hall Automotive/MileOne Automotive
Marathon was contracted to work with the senior executives of Hall Automotive and it's parent company MileOne to design and develop a comprehensive database application
solution that would consolidate and standardize their operations and financial data without reliance on manual spreadsheets.
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