Customers and prospects often ask about our “technology strategy”. While it is usually a brief discussion, we thought the following description would shed light on our strategy, how we got to this point, and where we are going.
When we started WheelHouse, we wanted to build a maintenance management platform that was easy to use, reasonable cost, and didn’t require customers to worry about software installs, backups, or hard drive crashes. We found that almost everyone using a computer knew how to browse the web and point-and-click their way through online applications with little or no training (ease of use). Due to the high cost of software distribution and maintenance, as well as the cost and inconvenicence of data loss, we felt the days of installed software running on client’s computers were numbered. And finally, we could keep licensing/subscription costs at a reasonable level by leveraging the wealth of open source software components.
Of course, we weren’t the only ones! Today, the Worlds leading applications are available online for the same reasons, including Salesforce.com, Facebook, Quickbooks, and thousands of others. Referred to using terms like “Software as a Service” (SaaS), “Cloud Computing”, and other abstract references, we know that this approach provides a reliable and low cost way to deliver applications that cannot be equaled in the old distributed software world.
What this means to our customers is they can manage their maintenance, spare parts, and documents from any web-connected computer in the world without ever worrying about data backups, software downloads, and hidden costs in new releases.
Now, with WheelHouse Mobile, we have expanded accessibility to maintenance alerts using the smart phone. Customers don’t have to be connected to the web to update run-times, receive maintenance alerts, and update maintenance performed. Whats more, WheelHouse Mobile is available to all customers at no additional charge!
Watch for WheelHouse on the IPad: We know our customers cruising or working offshore don’t always have a web connection, so we are developing an IPad application for offline access. WheelHouse for the IPad will automatically synchronize with the main WheelHouse files as soon as an internet connection is established. In addition, the IPad can easily be carried about the vessel and into the machinery spaces so all maintenance, parts and manufacturers documents are readily available for maintenance and repair activities.
Check back for further updates. And don’t hesitate to ask us about “WheelHouse in the Cloud”.