Senior .NET Developer Janar Tammeniit: cinema software needs to stay ahead of the curve
Janar Tammeniit, Senior .NET Developer at APL Digital Solutions, has played a crucial role in the development of MARKUS_ software – a solution that seamlessly integrates cinema and restaurant management. He shares his journey from a high school student experimenting with web design to a key player in the cinema technology sector.
Janar's journey into programming began when he created a website for his school. His interest grew when he collaborated with a fellow student, who specialized in designing film posters, to build websites for clients. “This collaborative effort sparked my passion for both design and technical implementation,” says Janar.
The turning point came when an opportunity arose to work on a cinema website. "I traveled to Tallinn to attend meetings and eventually developed the first website for Coca-Cola Plaza, Estonia's first entertainment complex built specifically for cinemas. This project set the stage for my professional journey," Janar reflects on his path.
Catering to both cinema-goers and diners
In 2004, Janar joined MARKUS_ and has been a crucial part of the team ever since. With applications like ticket management, reporting, and profit calculations, MARKUS_' cinema software extends beyond ticket sales. "For over 10 years, we built this entire system with just a core team of software developers, including Priidu Paomets," he says.
Today, this is no longer the case. For instance, there is now a dedicated onboarding team that assists with operations, business integration, migration planning, hardware adaptation, deployment training, and more. The cinema business has evolved significantly, and a similar transformation can be observed in the complexity of the MARKUS_ software.
According to Janar, one of the distinguishing features of Markus software is its modular design, combining cinema and restaurant management. This unique approach sets MARKUS_ apart from its competitors, as it provides a powerful platform for the entertainment industry, catering to both cinema-goers and diners.
Customers prefer self-service kiosks and pre-ordering
The ever-changing landscape of cinema technology presents continuous challenges. The most significant recent change has been the integration of self-service options, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers now prefer to pre-order tickets and reduce in-person interactions.
MARKUS_' worldwide clientele presents a range of challenges, including adapting to diverse accounting systems, tax calculations, and even screen orientation preferences.
Customizations span from creating auditorium seating plans that cater to colorblind individuals to incorporating special features. "While in some countries you can choose a specific seat when buying a ticket, other cinemas in some regions want free seating," notes Janar, underscoring the need for flexibility in addressing unique client requirements.
There have also been interesting challenges, such as when Finland's largest cinema chain, Finnkino, ran various campaigns. "On one occasion, they premiered a James Bond film, and ticket sales started at 00:07 [12:07 am]. We had to manage the influx of users all at once to ensure the system didn't crash, requiring optimization of the website," recounts Janar.
Seamless customer experience
"Since my job is connected to the cinema, I don't feel like going to the movies much after work. However, developing cinema software is fascinating — seeing the innovations in customer service solutions at self-service kiosks or witnessing the evolution of the restaurant business. While others go to bed in the evening, I start updating the entire ticket sales server for Finland at home. A small move but with a significant impact," shares Janar.
"The most exciting aspect of my work is the continuous evolution of technology. I find satisfaction in upgrading legacy code written decades ago to meet modern standards,” says Janar, who remains at the forefront of cinema innovation, ensuring that MARKUS_ software stays ahead of the curve.
As Janar concludes, despite the behind-the-scenes complexity, the end-user experience of MARKUS_ has to remain seamless – from purchasing tickets on a mobile device to enjoying loyalty program benefits and ordering food in the cinema.