Portfolio Skills

Delve into our background: Browse through a selection of our projects based on our skills and see some of the innovative software, applications and web services we have created for and with our clients. We develop for many platforms and work with Windows, UNIX, Linux and OS X servers.

Unique video-wall for a reception area

Unique video-wall for a reception area

Unique Video-Wall

Reception Area

Unique video-wall for a reception area

Our client is an international company that offers smart, secure and hassle-free online payment solutions for consumers and businesses. They wanted a unique video-wall in their new reception area – one covering most of the wall. So they asked BSL to make a proposal. We have designers and developers in-house to design and script custom web applications designed for a range of browsers – and for almost any screen. However, never before for a screen of 3840 x 6480 pixels. The challenge here is to create a smooth flowing animation that can run on such a large screen area. They also wanted a number of special functions, such as:

• introducing custom logos for clients and prospects
• delivering personal messages to clients and prospects
• adding dynamic video content as picture-in-picture.
 
The video-wall software is a custom web-application, optimised for Chrome running on Windows computers. However, we’ve also tested the system with Safari and Firefox.
Video-wall designed by BSL

The development…

We started by creating several alternative designs for the video-wall. Once we had an approval for one of the designs, we started developing the web application. One of the challenges is optimizing a dynamic video display that can run smoothly at 60 frames per second on such a large screen. The development took around three to four weeks, but as the client urgently needed to have something running when they moved offices, we delivered an initial release during the first week. We hosted these early releases on servers located here in Breukelen. We delivered several versions, asking for client feedback on each new release. As the web application neared completion, we created a management interface. Using this, they can add custom messages, graphics and backgrounds to the video-wall. This means they can welcome individual clients/prospects, and change the look of the video-wall.  Once the software was completed, we installed the web server and the management interface on site.

The project is a great example of a continuous delivery process that actively involves client stakeholders. Delivering incremental releases that can be reviewed and improved, together with the client. 

Video-wall designed by BSL

At BSL, you have come to the right place for…

Unique solutions

OK, we love a challenge. And unique developments such as the video-wall fit nicely into this category. The client had very clear requirements, and there was no off-the-shelf solution, particularly given the need to support such a large screen area. Bring your unique project to us, and we will go through the options with you. Usually we can make a fixed cost design and build proposal, and guarantee delivery. So totally risk-free!

Long-term relations
One-off projects are welcome, but we always hope to create a partnership with clients. Almost like your own in-house team. The client supplies their business knowledge and requirements – and we use our development skills to advise you, and deliver your new products. And by continually renewing our technology, we can build on each success. Delivering new releases that meet your changing needs.
Agile and flexible
We encourage the incremental delivery of software in multiple Sprints. Starting with a minimal viable product, then gradually introducing features in subsequent releases. This means that clients don’t need to become bogged down in the design and testing of complex releases. We can design, build and quickly deliver an initial version, and then add new features at your own tempo. It helps you to manage your budget, and speeds up delivery.

“This project presented a number of challenges. How about developing for three linked UHD screens, and a resolution of 3840 x 6480 pixels? Creating a smooth 60 fps animation whilst refreshing visitor information means that you need to spend a lot of time optimizing the code. But – quoting the A-team – I love it when a plan comes together!”

Roderick

Front-end Developer, Bright Side of Life

De Corridor – Drupal Reception System

De Corridor – Drupal Reception System

VvE De Corridor

Drupal Reception System

VvE De Corridor – Drupal Reception System

Our office in Breukelen is easy to find, but visitors faced a challenge once they passed through the revolving door. With an unmanned reception, two staircases, a lift, seven companies and twelve doors to choose from over three floors, it wasn’t always clear to visitors where to go. Our solution – a reception system created using Drupal

BSL came up with the design. A Drupal-based web application that guides visitors to their appointments using a centrally-located screen. The display shows the names of visitors, the time of their appointment, and the location. The reception system was initially developed for use in unmanned receptions, but it can just as easily be used in ‘manned’ receptions, such as hotel lobbies, or offices with reception desks.

We’ve since created several other Reception Systems, each including a custom interface, and incorporating features requested by the clients.

Tailor-made

To make the reception system more eye-catching, we display more than just appointments. We display short news items and images contributed by the companies who have an account. They can upload their latest news, and photos, which are displayed in a slideshow alongside the day’s appointments. Placing a company logo above the messages makes it clear who has placed each message.

We display local news if no appointments are planned. This can be based on any internal or external information source (RSS feed), and can also include images for each news item.

Due to our use of  Drupal, users don’t need to purchase or install separate software – all they need is a web browser. And because the user interface and modules for adding and updating appointments are tailor-made by BSL, no extra Drupal knowledge is needed.  What’s more, the system can be quickly and easily modified to meet your specific needs.

At BSL, you’re at the right address for…

Drupal / WordPress / Joomla

Would you like your current website brought up-to-date? Or a completely new responsive website? Our developers have a lot of experience with Drupal. But they also know the ins and outs of WordPress and Joomla too. At BSL we often use standard CMS systems to create front-ends to large content databases. Giving the customers the chance to adjust the content of the front-end website themselves, as often as they wish, without needing support from developers. We can integrate a beautiful Drupal / WordPress website with any of your in-house or third-party services.

Drupal 8 specialists

Drupal 7 users have been cautious about migrating to Drupal 8. And for good reason, as Drupal 8 is a totally new product, more or less rebuilt from scratch. Due to the extensive changes, many popular Drupal 7 modules were not available in the early releases. However, Drupal 8 is now mature – and BSL can help you make the switch. And with almost 200,000 Drupal 8 sites currently online, and Drupal 7 nearing end of life, now is the time to get started.

Flexible, easy-to-manage, accessible websites

Choosing a standard open source CMS such as WordPress or Drupal gives you access to thousands of plugins/modules, as well as hundreds of customizable designs and templates. So we can quickly design and build your next website. Creating secure, SEO friendly, responsive, high performance websites that are easy for you to maintain.

“Some of our custom Reception Systems have presented challenges. How about one using three linked HD screens, with a resolution of 3840 x 6480 pixels? Creating a smooth 60 fps animation on such screens whilst refreshing visitor information means that you need to spend a lot of time optimizing the code.  But quoting the “A team”, it’s always great when a plan comes together!”

Roderick

Front-end Developer, Bright Side of Life

BSL Company Brochure

BSL Company Brochure

BSL Company Information Brochure

BSL Company Information

BSL has many years experience of multimedia database solutions, and by making optimal use of the flexibility offered by our modular development strategy, BSL’s software is used by a broad range of customers, including PwC, Postbank/ING, ABN AMRO, the Dutch libraries service and NIOD… (more…)

BSL Top25 Utrecht Brochure – Dutch Language

BSL Top25 Utrecht Brochure – Dutch Language

BSL Top25 Utrecht Brochure

BSL Top25 Utrecht

Monty Python’s world-famous melody formed the inspiration for a successful company involved in the development of innovative multimedia database and knowledge management products: the ‘Bright Side of Life’ (known as BSL), located at Corridor 21G in Breukelen… (more…)

Contact BSL
Contact BSL