Electron.js Desktop app development for ZDAM

Electron
Angular
Ionic
tus.io

Zenplex developed ZDAM, a robust Digital Asset Management (DAM) platform designed to simplify file storage, retrieval, and sharing for enterprise clients. ZDAM initially existed solely as a web-based solution, helping users efficiently manage various digital assets. Having successfully collaborated before, Zenplex reached out again, asking us to create another version of their product—a desktop application tailored to meet a critical request from their client.

Zdam Desktop App Development by Procoders
Business Challenge

Zenplex needed a desktop version of their ZDAM platform delivered reasonably fast. Their client required specific desktop-only features that were impossible or inefficient to implement via the existing web platform. They required a cross-platform solution for both Mac and Windows to efficiently manage their time and budget.

Although initially considering Electron.js for desktop development, Zenplex also aimed to potentially expand into mobile apps in the future, necessitating a technology stack flexible enough to support seamless future expansions.

Scott Comboni Owner Zenplex
Scott Comboni

Owner

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Assembling the ZDAM Team

To meet these demanding requirements, we structured an agile and efficient team:

  • 1 Project Manager
  • 1 Senior Full Stack Developer (Angular, Electron.js)
  • 1 UI/UX Designer
  • 1 Solution Architect (Discovery phase involvement)
Development Approach
Zdam Watch Folder Settings
Discovery Phase

Our collaboration began with a thorough Discovery phase, comprising two intensive online workshops involving the client’s stakeholders and our Solution Architect. We clearly defined project goals, identified technical requirements, and conducted thorough research into third-party APIs for integration. We then created detailed, clickable design prototypes.

This allowed Zenplex to visualize functionality, make informed decisions, and rapidly approve the design and functionality, ensuring accurate estimation and a comprehensive development roadmap.

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Desktop Application Development

Given Zenplex’s initial interest in Electron.js and the future potential for mobile development, we recommended pairing Angular with Ionic alongside Electron.js.

This strategic choice ensured easy adaptability for future mobile app creation, providing Zenplex a flexible and scalable technology solution.

Key desktop-specific functionalities
Zdam Upload Assets (Upload Options)
Resumable Transfer

Utilizing the robust tus.io upload protocol, we delivered an advanced file upload feature. This protocol ensured uploads could resume seamlessly after interruptions, significantly improving reliability and user experience.

Companies such as Vimeo, Cloudflare, and Supabase rely on this same high-performance solution.

Zdam All Watch Folders
Watch Folder

We implemented an intuitive folder synchronization functionality, enabling users to effortlessly synchronize files between their local devices and ZDAM’s cloud storage. Any addition or removal of files locally instantly reflected within ZDAM, greatly enhancing workflow automation.

API Integration and Flexibility

One of the primary technical challenges was integrating the desktop application with Zenplex’s existing API. Our team worked proactively, thoroughly exploring and leveraging existing API endpoints.

This agile and proactive approach enabled seamless integration without requiring extensive API modifications, showcasing our adaptability and technical expertise.

Results
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Desktop Application:
  • Successfully completed the entire desktop application, including discovery, design, and development, within just 1.5 months, followed by a focused 2-week stabilization phase
  • Resumable Transfer and Watch Folder synchronization were delivered as unique, desktop-only features, significantly enhancing user productivity
  • Provided a high-quality, user-friendly desktop application aligned precisely with Zenplex’s business objectives and their client’s expectations
Zdam Upload Assets
Overall Benefits:
  • Met initially planned timelines, ensuring client satisfaction and retention
  • Flexible architecture laid a foundation for potential future mobile development
  • Enhanced the ZDAM ecosystem, improving asset management capabilities
Conclusion

Our collaborative and agile approach enabled Zenplex to effectively create a desktop application for both Mac and Windows, directly fulfilling their client’s specific requirement from Bowling Green State University (BGSU).

BGSU utilizes ZDAM as a centralized repository for managing a wide range of digital assets, including videos, photos, documents, and audio files. The university’s need for a cross-platform desktop application stemmed from their diverse user base, which operates on various operating systems across different departments and campuses.

By delivering a solution compatible with both Mac and Windows, ProCoders ensured seamless access and management of digital assets for all BGSU users, enhancing their ability to efficiently store, retrieve, and share media across the institution.

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