An Undergraduate Internship/Project on developing a Web-Application 'MyBrac' for Brac

Abstract

To address various challenges faced by BRAC’s legacy applications, the organization aims to embark on a comprehensive modernization project. The primary objectives include cost reduction, improved performance, and enhanced data security. By transforming the applications in a strategic manner, BRAC seeks to optimize resources and deliver a better user experience. To achieve this high-level vision, the project will involve several key approaches. Firstly, merging or grouping similar apps will eliminate redundancy, leading to cost savings and increased user efficiency. Secondly, updating the technology stack will ensure compatibility with current market demands and mitigate potential performance issues. A facelift of the applications’ user interface and experience will enhance usability, with contributions from BRAC’s Technology division and implementation by the IT department. Moreover, transitioning to free tools, components, and open-source operating systems will significantly reduce unnecessary expenditures. The focus on reusable development resources will lead to long-term cost savings for all BRAC projects. Additionally, a collaborative software development platform will centralize vendor access and resource management. The project’s initial approach entails a priority-based checklist for converting legacy ap- plications. Applications heavily used by BRAC employees will receive the highest priority, followed by those requiring Windows operating systems and extensive support. Identifying applications with similar purposes and merging them will further optimize expenses. Applications using deprecated technology stacks will be converted to bolster security and performance. Additionally, quick wins within the scope of the project will be addressed promptly to demonstrate the project’s impact and secure future support. For each new application, specific requirements must be met, such as employing open- source operating systems and databases, implementing an audit trail for significant features, and enabling feature usage and user behavior analysis. Access control will be available at a granular level, and applications will be registered under BRAC’s Analytics service. Dark mode, mobile, and tab views, as well as browser notifications, will be supported. Furthermore, the applications will be containerized for scalability, and code components will be reusable and well-documented. By adhering to these guidelines and milestones, BRAC aims to repurpose its existing app ”myBrac”. The new version of myBrac will feature a facelift, increased efficiency, and the addition of new user-friendly functionalities. The organization will continuously assess and adapt its approach to achieve the project’s ultimate goals efficiently. In conclusion, the modernization of legacy apps is crucial for BRAC to achieve cost savings, enhance performance, and bolster data security. The outlined high-level vision, initial approach, and development checklist provide a comprehensive strategy for efficiently executing this critical project.