Project Title: Research and development of prototype for quick Active Directory backup/recovery tool

The Challenge

We had a task to research a possibility to create a new tool – Active Directory (AD) backup/recovery tool. Key point was that backup/restore operations must be performed without server reboot (which is required if standard tools used). Situation was unusual because there was no documentation available on any previous attempts to deal with it. Also the task was from the very beginning a research project rather then pure development.

Main challenges were:

• unavailability of documentation on AD internals from Microsoft;
  
• strong system administrator background was required;
  
• research skills were required;
  
• time pressure.

The Solution

At the beginning it was not clear how to deal with the task – there were different approaches like making a long series of intuitive experiments, requesting extra information on AD functioning from system administrators and getting more from Internet.

The team decided to divide the job into several parts: software development team (3 people), theoretical research team (2 people) and testing team (2 people). It was a real-time work when a research team collected bits of information from outer world (starting from plain books and up to asking questions at software developers forums) and provided recommendations to software development team. The developers implemented ideas into code and let testing check the code for consistency. The testers group then returned feedback to researchers telling where the problem still persist

As a result there was developed a working prototype that satisfied our client. However some of the approaches that we used were not officially supported by Microsoft (some undocumented know-hows). Though job was done well our client decided to gain first a specific level of partnership with Microsoft before using the results. But we are proud to be able to resolve this task successfully

Tools and Technologies

C++ (VC 6.0)
QT – multiplatform GUI library
Database development – MSSQL
XML, HTML
Project control: version control, bug tracking, daily builds, developing specs before coding

Post Your Story, Tell All About Your Success!

If you want the story of your company to appear on the portal please fill out this form and send it to [email protected]. We would also like you to leave contact information (name, e-mail, phone) of a person who is responsible for filling the form to clarify any questions, which could appear.

Available Success Stories From Companies:

Disclaimer

All information contained in this Section is owned by RUSSOFT.org and its Participants and is protected by Russian and international copyright laws. Any reproduction or republication of all or part of this Section has to remain intact and include a notice on the copyright of RUSSOFT.org or the Participants, as applicable.

While the information of this Section has been presented with all due care, RUSSOFT.org does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, usefulness and truth of Section’s information, links and logos derived from third parties. RUSSOFT.org is not liable for any loss or damage occurring from the use of this Section’s materials.