So Packet Design asked Integrated Computer Solutions, Inc.(ICS) to help replace its legacy topology map interface, based on XLib, with a brand-new implementation based on Qt, the cross-platform application library for desktop and embedded development. ICS is the largest independent source of expertise on the Qt framework.
A polished high-quality user interface is key to the success of Packet Design’s network visualization solution — in terms of functionality, performance and customer acceptance. ICS contributed in three key areas: designing and developing a QGraphicsView-based topology map architecture, helping to build the bridge layer between the front and back ends, and optimizing the performance of map rendering.
Close Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer
“It was very satisfactory working with ICS,” Bassias said. “ICS was very professional and very cooperative in terms of the coordination with the rest of the team. And they did very good technical work, so we were very satisfied.”
Project success also required ICS to integrate well with Packet Design despite differences in domain expertise — ICS in user interfaces and Packet Design in route analytics. An ICS engineer worked onsite day-to-day to ensure close collaboration and successful knowledge transfer. A key objective, according to Bassias, was bringing QGraphicsView skills in-house so Packet Design could support the new framework after the project was finished.
So how do Packet Design’s customers like the new interface? “Our customers like it very much,” Bassias said. “Our business is growing about 70% to 80% this year and definitely part of the growth is because of the topology map built with help from ICS.”