Asp 3.0 + r (cran)

This isn't a typical how do I question, but I would like to pose this to the experts here:

Are there any known public implementations of the CRAN library in use with classic ASP?


The reason I am asking(sorry this is going to be lengthy) is that I work on a corp intranet system that is written in 85% classic ASP.

I have recently been tasked with(and completed) development of an AJAX UI that will query multiple database backends(Oracle, MSSQL, Informix).

Essentially, using AJAX, JS/DHTML I have created a way for end users to build, create and save ad-hoc reports(Business Objects style) in a single interface. I have also integrated the Raphael JS framework and created modules that allow for dynamic generation of data visualization(graphs, charts).

In addition, <div> report output layers are stacked 5 levels deep(these are referred to as Data Panes, each has 3 levels: Summary, Detail, Visualization). Using a global js variable, I control the xml response output to ensure that the correct data set ends up in the correct data pane. This allows a user to load up to 5 different reports in the same browser window and switch views quickly via on-click events.

I am wanting to step it up a notch and do some really powerful data analytics. I could use large disconnected recordsets, however I have to mindful of the resource drain on the web server.

From what I have read, R is geared directly towards statistical evaluation and I wondering if it would be possible to pull back query results and feed them to R and allow R to do the heavy analytical lifting. Then just use AJAX to feed to the UI.


I know this is a bunch to take in and I have spared much detail. However, thank you for taking the time to review this request.


Cheers,
Jenkins

re: Asp 3.0 + r (cran)

I've never heard of anyone trying it, but it should be possible to run it as a server object. I wouldn't be much help with that though, because I have decided that server objects are too inconvenient in ASP and I have stopped using them where possible.

What I would suggest is that you implement it as a web service, then even if the corp intranet changes platforms in a month, your efforts won't have been wasted. Does this suggest a solution for you?

Jared

re: Asp 3.0 + r (cran)

I think that is a pretty good idea, which I will most likely end up doing.

I noticed you are the asp guru round these parts, so would you have any other recommendations for analytics while working within the constraints of classic asp(preferrably not 3rd party plugins, would rather challenge my coding skill :) )?

Essentially, the company I work for is a contact center company with around 15 call centers and 13,000 phone specialists(Daily switch record counts of approx 650,000 between Avaya and Aspect ACD systems). The need for more powerful analytics comes from the fact we are rolling up switch level records to create call center reporting both at the localized scope and executive scope.

We currently have several data condensing processes that run overnight to enable end-user reports to run more quickly. However my challenge is that executive management wants analytics which require that I go to the per/call level to handle disposition vectors and such(basically monitoring switch states of the agent and the ACD data accompanying the call).

Any other insight or direction you could provide would be most appreciated.

Thank you for your time sir,

Jenkins

re: Asp 3.0 + r (cran)

Umm. It is difficult for me to answer this thread because of a conflict of interest. I work for a company that provides real-time data aggregation and drill down displays and our largest market segment is call centers and call command centers. My current project is integrating eWorkForceManagement data with a Cisco ICM database, but I have worked extensively with Avaya (I haven't done too much with Aspect, but I know my company supports it). I feel like I should give you the name of one of our sales reps :)

To be brief, I would make a local db (meaning not on the ACD servers) that pulls in queries from the switches at regular intervals (I wouldn't try to pull data live for each client, if you had even 20 clients and your servers were already stretched thin you could easily overburden them. I also wouldn't try to pull up all the data, query as little info as it is possible to get away with, and set a safe refresh rate that shouldn't ever overburden the system). Once that is in place, having a classic ASP page or a .NET web service that queries the local db for clients would be really simple.

Jared

re: Asp 3.0 + r (cran)

Jared,

Thank for you for the additional feedback. Ironically I'll be in your parts this week(Magna,UT). At any rate, I managed to find a COM+ component based on R. Haven't dug too much into it, however it accepts objects(including recordset objects) so I think this may be my interface solution.

I have two end-goals in mind:

1. Be able to create call center prediction models on the fly, based on historical data and user input through the DOM.

2. Augment database processing strength by leveraging the power of R. I see common applications with MySQL/MSSQL databases that can't crunch data with the power of Oracle or Informix.


Best Regards,
Jenkins