Client / Server Connectivity

A major trend in large multi station fire departments is the migration from main frame computers and desktop databases in favor of distributed processing networks. Recent World Wide Web developments have also made Client/Server solutions attractive, many municipalities access their Remote Database Management Systems (RDMS) over the web.

Most software applications are not Client/Server based, but instead use table based file systems or utilize archaic mainframe technologies. The RedAlert™ Client/ Server Enterprise System is one of the few truly affordable Client/Server systems. The system can be integrated with Microsoft SQL Server or with Oracle.

 

The DBMS Advantage

Client/Server databases offer a number of features not found in flat file systems such as Paradox™, Foxpro™, Clipper™, and dBase™:

  • Increased speed at remote stations. All of the processing is done at the server. Only small bits of data are transferred back and forth. Application will operate on networks speeds as slow as 56 kb.
  • Transaction Processing.
  • Database Security.
  • Live Backups.
  • Live Updating
  • Data integrity including on-line indexing.

 

Client / Server Benefits

The RedAlert™ Client/Server Enterprise System Graphical User Interface (GUI) is identical to the RedAlert™ Millennium System. All functions operate the same. Upgrades to the client server version do not require any additional training. The following table lists the benefits to using the client server version.

 

.Database Operations
.Standard Database Version
.Client Server Version
File Access xBase files are opened immediately. Several hundred records are read in to the work station memory. Creates lots of network traffic. Tables are never opened. SQL statements are sent to the server and only specific fields of each records are returned.
File Backup Requires exclusive use to back up. System must be brought off-line. Back ups can be performed any time.
Data Integrity Headers can be corrupted by work stations. Application does not access headers, only select data via SQL statements. Server also handles read / write. Client Server databases can also handle extremely large databases.
System Maintenance Everybody has to be completely out of the system in order for it to be updated. Entire application, including executable, tables, indexes and views can be updated while users are accessing the program
Security Security minimal and often entails encrypting tables, resulting in significant performance drop. Security built into operating system (Unix, WinNT, Novell).
Database Engine Every user has their own database engine. Problems can occur when two users are adding records to the same tables. Client Server deals with all read and writes in the same place.
Custom Reporting Utilizes proprietary custom reporting module. Not an industry standard. Client Server utilizes Seagate Crystal Reports 8 for comprehensive reporting.


 

Data Conversion

The RedAlert™ Client/Server Enterprise System contains several built-in data conversion utilities for a number of other fire records software systems. Please call 1-800-787-6446 for information.

 

 

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