Offline and Web-based tools development to support the TSA By Reymar Gooding

Overview  Session 1:  Understanding web-based applications & advantages  Supporting the TSA  System Requirements  Findings & Recommendations  Process flow for compilation of web-based TSA  Questions & Answers  Session 2:  Walk-through of web-based TSA tool  Questions & Answers

What is a web-based application?  A web-based application is any application that uses a website as the interface (the ‘front-end’). Users access the application from any computer connected to the Internet using a standard browser, instead of using an application that has been installed on their local computer.

What are the advantages?  Cost effective development  Accessible anywhere  Easily Customizable  Accessible for a range of devices  Improved Interoperability  Easier installation and maintenance  Adaptable to increased workload  Security

Cost Effective Development  With web-based applications, users access the system via a uniform environment—the web browser. While the user interaction with the application needs to be thoroughly tested on different web browsers, the application itself needs only be developed for a single operating system.

Accessible Anywhere  Unlike traditional applications, web-based systems are accessible anytime, anywhere, via a PC with an Internet connection, putting the user in charge of where and when they access the application. In some cases, a secure VPN may be required to dial into the organization's network to access an offline application.

Easily Customizable  The user interface of web-based applications is easier to customize than it is in desktop applications. This makes it easier to update the look and feel of the application, or to customize the presentation of information to different user groups.

Accessible for a Range of Devices  In addition to customizing content for user groups, content can also be customized for presentation on any device connected to the internet, including tablets, mobile phones, etc., further extending the user’s ability to receive and interact with information.

Improved Interoperability  Using internet technologies based on industry-wide standards, it’s possible to achieve a far greater level of interoperability between applications than with isolated desktop systems. Web-based architecture makes it possible to rapidly integrate enterprise systems, improving work-flow and other business processes.

Easier Installation & Maintenance  Installation and maintenance becomes less complicated. Once a new version or upgrade is installed on the host server, all users can access it straight away. There is no need to upgrade each client PC. Rolling out new software can be accomplished more easily, requiring only that users have up-to-date browsers and plugins. And as the upgrades are only performed by an experienced professional to a single server, the results are more predictable and reliable.

Adaptable to Increased Workload  Increasing processor capacity also becomes a far simpler operation. If an application requires more power to perform tasks, only the server hardware needs to be upgraded. The capacity of web-based software can be increased by running the software on several servers simultaneously. As workload increases, new servers can be added to the system easily—Microsoft, for example, runs on thousands of inexpensive Windows servers. If a server fails, it can be replaced without affecting the overall performance of the application.

Security  Web-based applications are typically deployed on dedicated servers, which are monitored and maintained by experienced server administrators. This is far more effective than monitoring hundreds or even thousands of client computers, as is the case with new desktop applications.

Supporting the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA)  The TSA follows the concepts and definitions in the Tourism Satellite Account: Recommended Methodological Framework (TSA: RMF 2008)  Jamaica was used as a case-study to design the “blue print” for the web- based application/tool to be used through out the Caribbean.  Objective to create a web-based tool to monitor TSA process in participating Caribbean countries.  Aim to create a common framework and procedures for participating Caribbean countries to publish TSA information faster and easier.  System designed to work both offline and online.

System Requirements  Compatible Browsers  Mozilla Firefox  Safari  Microsoft Internet Explorer (9 and above)  Google Chrome  Browser Settings  Make sure cookies are enabled in your browser so all elements of our application work as expected.  Pop-ups and JavaScript should be enabled in your browser so you can view errors, alerts, and preview screens.  The minimum screen resolution should be set to 1024 x 768 for optimal viewing. If you're using a Netbook, try setting the resolution to 1200 x 800 if you're seeing things out of place in the application.  The latest version of Flash is required to view any of the videos on our site.

Findings & Recommendations  Implementation of electronic data capturing technology such as tablets and kiosks which are placed at strategic points at Airports, piers or sent electronically via for tourist to complete shortly after their stay.  A central repository or web-portal should be setup which allows key stakeholders to log in securely to provide statistics needed for the compilation of the TSA. For example, Tourist Board should be able to key in results for Visitor Expenditure online instead of providing a read-only PDF publication.  Web-based tool should be flexible to allow specific country customizations and allow users to make notes and adjustments and display alerts which can highlight mistakes or missing information.

Process flow for Web-based TSA tool

Questions and Answers  Feel free to ask any question about the web-based tool for monitoring and creating TSA.

Prototype Walk-through  Demonstration of Web-based tool prototype covering:  Setup: Setting up TSA Product Groups, etc.  Create: Creating and Saving TSA  Publish: Publishing TSA  Dashboard: Open/View/Monitor TSA  Report/Comparison of TSA

Prototype Questions and Answers  Feel free to ask any question about the web-based TSA tool walk-through.

Thank You! Reymar Gooding Chief Applications Architect