In 2017, Brightwells Auctioneers consolidated their digital operations under our management, entrusting us with the support and enhancement of their online platforms. Among these was brightwellslive.com, a sophisticated auction platform designed to facilitate both 'Timed' and 'Live' auctions.
The platform was architected using a suite of advanced ASP.NET APIs, a shared SQL database, and an ASP.NET MVC framework integrated with SignalR for real-time communication. This robust infrastructure enabled Brightwells to conduct live auctions with streaming audio and video, allowing bidders worldwide to participate alongside in-person attendees. Notably, the system's flexibility permitted live streaming from various locations, including remote areas utilizing 4G connectivity.
A key feature of brightwellslive.com was its seamless integration with Brightwells' proprietary backend system. Developed by their internal team, this system managed all auction and sales data, which was synchronized through a centralized SQL database. This ensured that both the online platform and internal systems operated with consistent and up-to-date information.
In addition to the core bidding functionalities, the platform encompassed several specialized systems tailored to the unique requirements of different departments within Brightwells. These proprietary tools enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of various auction processes, catering to the specific needs of each department.
Upon assuming responsibility for brightwellslive.com, we recognized the platform's solid foundation but also understood the challenges posed by the involvement of multiple parties in its development and maintenance. To address this, we conducted a thorough assessment to quickly familiarize ourselves with the existing implementation. Our immediate focus was on resolving outstanding issues and stabilizing the hosting infrastructure, which had been only partially configured. By doing so, we ensured the platform's reliability and performance, providing Brightwells with the stability they sought in a single, dependable provider.
With the platform stabilized, we initiated discussions with Brightwells to plan the next phase of enhancements, aiming to further evolve the website and enrich the user experience for their global clientele.
