WebMD Internal Portal Modernization – Case Study
Learn how I led the transition of WebMD’s outdated reporting system from a desktop-based environment to a modern, web-powered analytics platform, improving accessibility and productivity across internal teams.
Project Overview
WebMD, a well-established name in digital health, faced a bottleneck with their internal reporting infrastructure. Previously, teams relied on a legacy Windows application accessed via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for analytics and report generation. This approach was slow, hard to maintain, and increasingly incompatible with modern work-from-anywhere expectations.
Problem Statement
The desktop-first architecture limited usability and flexibility. Data teams and stakeholders struggled with remote access, versioning issues, and poor user experience. Our challenge was to migrate this into a dynamic, browser-based portal that mirrored existing functionality while introducing performance and UX improvements.
My Role & Responsibilities
As the full-stack developer on this project, I:
- Rebuilt the UI using Vue.js for modular, reactive components
- Integrated a Node.js backend with metadata-driven report configurations
- Enabled scheduled, automated report generation and delivery
- Ensured secure access and permission control for various internal teams
Technology Stack
- Frontend: Vue.js, Vuetify
- Backend: Node.js, Express
- Data Source: PostgreSQL + Reporting Metadata Layer
- Deployment: Docker, Jenkins, AWS EC2
Key Features Implemented
- Dynamic report builder with metadata configuration
- Email-based report scheduling and distribution
- Role-based access to reporting modules
- Clean, responsive UI with search, filters, and export options
Results & Outcomes
The new portal rolled out to 6 internal departments within 60 days of MVP release. Report generation speed improved by over 50%, while user engagement metrics (measured via session logs) showed a 40% increase in usage. Most importantly, the need for RDP sessions was eliminated entirely.
Lessons Learned
This project highlighted the value of metadata abstraction in scalable reporting tools. Collaborating closely with WebMD’s BI analysts also taught me how important it is to balance raw data power with UI simplicity for end-users.