Redevelopment Process

Free Redevelopment / Upgrade Audits

If you are thinking of redeveloping your DataEase DOS application or upgrading your existing DataEase for Windows database then we can help by providing you with a free audit service and impartial advice. Our Audit report will also provide an estimate of time and costs involved for us to perform this work and deliver a modern and streamlined application in either DataEase of Ffenics. All development work is carried out in the UK by consultants with experience in many industries. Development costs can be spread over an agreed fixed period making the project more affordable.

DataEase Windows’s Users

We can analyse your application and provide a report identifying where we feel enhancements can be made by using the latest techniques and designs as detailed below.

Techniques Overview

As part of the audit process we will look at the techniques used in your application and if these can be enhanced then we will recommend alternatives using new techniques and technologies integrated within DataEase and Ffenics, this may for instance include using ODBC/OLEDB or DDE drivers for connectivity to other Windows Programs, enhanced DQL programming or using DataEase Custom Defined Functions (CDF) or Ffenics External Defined Functions (ELF) to enhance the applications performance and functionality.

Application restyling

DataEase for Windows was released in 1995, many users have redeveloped there Dos applications into DFW using screen styles which now look tired and out dated, Data Consultancy can apply the latest styles to your application giving them a new look and feel.

Tab Controls

The new tab control features in both DataEase and Ffenics allows us to redesign forms to be more organised and user friendly, users will no longer need to scroll down long pages.

Lookups

Lookup fields (DataEase) MultiBox (Ffenics) is a new way of displaying predefined Choice Field information the values are held in a different form rather than being hard coded in a field allowing for greater flexibility.

Printing

Reports can now be produced in a variety of formats including PDF, this means that users no longer have to rely on 3rd party products to produce PDF files from DataEase or Ffenics, other formats available in addition to the normal Windows printer drivers are RTF, HTML and Excel.

Custom Defined Functions

DataEase and Ffenics contain more than 200 CDF/ELF functions which are in addition to the functions already available in the software. Some of these functions are used extensively by developers and therefore have now been included in the software without the need to manually install them. These functions allow developers for example to link with other Windows programmes including Web Browsers, Microsoft Office applications and attaching documents to records held within a form. All these functions are available to developers via DQL or direct from a button placed on a form. Additional functions can be purchased from 3rd party vendors to further enhance your application.

Live Reports

Live reports allow users to interact with the reports output like a form (in contrast to a printed report which only displays one static view of the data). Users can sort and select records, view records in related documents, use OML and add buttons or images to execute actions.

For DataEase DOS Users

We can analyse your application and help identify items which are no longer required this in turn will help to reduce the overall cost of redevelopment. Included in the Audit will be recommendations on improving the application by utilising the latest techniques and designs. Companies selecting our Full or Full Plus range of options will also receive one day’s free on-site training and three months free technical support.

Basic

In our basic redevelopment programme we will convert all your DataEase DOS forms and tables (including data) with the exception of DQL’s and Reports to DataEase 7xx or Ffenics. All redundant forms will be removed from the application and any reserved words and characters will be replaced. Users will also receive a 20% discount for the first three months on calls made to our Pay As You Go Technical Support line.

Full

A full redevelopment programme assumes a like for like approach, we will convert all your DataEase DOS forms and tables (including data) DQL’s and Reports to DataEase 7xx or Ffenics. All redundant forms and procedures will be removed from the application and any reserved words and characters will be replaced. Additional choices will be available when selecting this program.

Full Plus

This programme is ideal for companies who wish to redevelop their application and add additional functionality at the same time. Firstly, we will carry out a full analysis of your existing system and the enhancements required. Secondly, we will produce an agreed Project Definition Document incorporating all the required changes and recommendations, lastly a fixed price quotation will be produced.

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