This fourth major release of eSOMS contains all the power and flexibility of previous versions with a complete re-design for web-based deployments using Microsoft's® .NET technologies. For an in-depth discussion of the .NET architecture, visit Microsoft's web site www.microsoft.com/net. An overview of the .NET technologies is provided below:

Basic Elements of .NET

Microsoft .NET is a set of Microsoft software technologies for connecting information, people, systems, and devices. It enables a high level of software integration through the use of Web services-small, discrete, building-block applications that connect to each other as well as to other, larger applications over the Internet.

Components of Microsoft .NET-Connected Software

.NET is infused into the products that make up the Microsoft platform, providing the ability to quickly and reliably build, host, deploy, and utilize connected solutions using Web services, all with the protection of industry-standard security technologies.

• Smart Clients - "smart" client application software and operating systems enable PCs and other smart computing devices to act on Web services, allowing anywhere, anytime access to information.
• Web Services - a diverse development community providing a core set Web services - from authentication to calendaring that can be combined with other Web services or used directly with smart client applications.
• Servers - the most widely deployed server infrastructure - the Microsoft Windows Server System™ for deploying, managing, and orchestrating Web services
• Developer Tools - Microsoft Visual Studio® .NET and the Microsoft .NET Framework are a complete solution for developers to build, deploy, and run Web services

.NET Framework

The Microsoft® .NET Framework is an important new component of the Microsoft Windows® family of operating systems. It is the foundation of the next generation of Windows-based applications that are easier to build, deploy, and integrate with other networked systems.

Most consumers will never notice that the .NET Framework is running on their Pocket PC, smartphone, or desktop computer. But they may appreciate the reliability, ease of use, and ability to connect to other systems that the .NET Framework helps bring to computers.

The .NET Framework helps software developers and systems administrators more easily build and maintain systems with improvements toward performance, security, and reliability.

Benefits of the .NET Framework

The key advantages of the .NET Framework include that it:

• Helps IT professionals better integrate existing systems with its native support for Web services.
• Assists with the deployment of software to both users and Web servers.
• Facilitates the development of software with improved reliability, scalability, performance, and security.
• Executes a language-independent intermediate language using a multitude of developer languages.
• Windows Server 2003 includes the .NET Framework simplifying licensing and support.