Background
Novated
leasing is a complicated area, with a great number of calculations
regulated by government requirements. General Motors wanted to create
an online calculator that could be modified on a per client basis.
Challenges and Opportunities
The real challenge with this project was the great number of calculations. Each figure displayed is reliant on several other calculations in the background. Needless to say, the specification took a long time to write.
Options
There were three options:
- Pure VBScript ASP calculator;
- Pure JavaScript calculator;
- Nth teir solution;
Solution
Because of the complexity and great number of calculations a JavaScript solution would only add to the complexity in relation to the other options. An Nth teir would be perfect, because this kind of solution allows the developer to extract the complexity into different layers. Installing compiled code is always a little difficult on hosted web sites.
I decided to develop the project using VBScript, but not in the traditional way. By extracting the complexity into a virtual layer of VBScript ASP, I was able to have the advantage of a Nth tiered system with the hassles at time of deployment.
Benefits
Deployment of the online calculator was a smooth as possible, and the calculator was up and running on time. Not only can the staff at Holden use the calculator, but Holden offers this service online.
