| IBS Windows Database Provides Windows Front-End for Client Data |
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Initially introduced in 1996, IBS's revolutionary Windows Database provides complete access to the IBS data in a Windows environment, for look-up, query, reporting and export purposes. It is an IBS-sponsored product that provides a true Windows front-end to the data. In addition, it delivers the data product to the user employing an open-industry standard that virtually any report writer can access.
The IBS system is a large-scale application with a tremendous variety of reports and options. As such, it addresses the needs of a property management office in a fairly complete and sophisticated manner.
Typically, the strengths of a large-scale application are the integrity, auditability and security of the data. For years, we recognized that our users want the ability to manipulate the data, and to design reports and generate queries in their own customized style. However, the issue of allowing the user unrestricted access to the live data is sensitive in that the integrity and security are at risk.
Additionally, the ideal scenario is to deliver the data in an open DOS/Windows format. Turnkey products based on fourth-generation data-bases will typically provide this flexibility, however these products must deal with the aforementioned integrity and security issues.
The IBS Windows Database gives IBS clients the "best of both worlds." They can enjoy the many benefits of IBS's large-scale application and at the same time push a single button to refresh a copy of their database onto the network. The network version is a read-only copy -- there is no opportunity for users to accidentally change live data.
Access to the entire database is possible by simply clicking on the IBS Windows Database icon. And, because it is a self-contained Windows version of the IBS data, it supports multiple look-ups and queries. Users can open up a master window and load multiple screens simultaneously and flip from window to window. Most importantly, users can construct dynamic queries. For example, they can look up all 10,000-square-foot tenants who are paying less than $22 per square foot and whose leases expire in one year.
Another benefit of the Windows Database is its user-friendliness. People who are not trained specifically to use the IBS system can easily learn to look up data. The Database program is mouse-driven and graphically pleasing.
The IBS Windows Database allows users to store answers and link them to reports designed either by the user or by IBS. A second goal of the project is to create an environment that allows the seamless exchange of data between various products. Ideally, it will allow IBS data to be linked to popular lease valuation programs.
Ultimately, the benefits of the seamless integration of the IBS Windows Database with other products is to provide a platform where users can launch IBS data into other products quickly, inexpensively and powerfully.
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