Frequenty Asked Questions
Q: What is this DBA2Web Data Mining Application?
This software is envisioned as an extension of DBA Classic / Evo~ERP that will ease and expand the availability of data and simple interaction with your manufacturing, inventory, and sales info.
Because of the speed and extensibility inherent with browser based applications, finding and following data in your ERP system with this tool is more intuitive for your users, especially the more casual users of DBA/Evo such as managers, field reps, and customer service. It is not intended to replace data entry intensive tasks such as writing POs, running MRP and processing Work Orders.
Q: Do I need a Web server to run this?
Not really. DBA2Web Data Mining Application can run on any Windows Pro or Server version, from 2000 to 7, via the included web server software. It can also be installed on any web server that supports PHP5 and MySQL (including LAMP or IIS). It can be added to a current Intranet server or, depending on your setup, even installed on the same server that runs your current PSQL database.
If you want to make DBA2Web Data Mining Application available on an external web server then you will want to use a secure server with SSL that can access your PSQL server through your firewall. More info available on request.
Q: Can I install it myself?
Possibly. Each user is different and there are many variables, so you may prefer to have assistance for initial implementation. For other users, remote installation by IS Tech will be the best method. The prepackaged version can be installed by any user on any PC that has access to the PSQL server (DBA/Evo database).
Q: Can this be customized?
Absolutely! The entire app is being programmed to the latest Web 2.0 standards with accessible tools such as PHP5, CSS2/3, HTML5, ANSI SQL, and jQuery (unobtrusive JavaScript). Custom queries, reports, or even a custom interface or special applications can be created and put in place quickly. Enhancements and modifications can be done by users or you can request assistance using my contact link on the left.
Q: Where did that lame name come from?
A: From my dark past. In 2000 I was hired by a tiny company in Raleigh, NC to create a Java viewer for an enterprise reporting suite named "Report2Web". When I started on this project I was tempted to use that name since it made sense in the narrow concept of this project that I had initially. Fortunately, the new parent company (Redwood Software) has maintained the name and the web domain. DBA2Web (aka Evo2Web) has grown into much more than a simple reporting tool, so the current name is more descriptive... even if it does sound odd.
Q: How do a get this software?
The application is available to download for free, in several versions. Use the Download link on the left.
Q: Could I give my customers access to this?
Not in this Data Mining version. I have plans for a separate application, named DBA2Web CV Portal, for customer and vendor access to portions your DBA/Evo data. The web portal will limit access, for a customer or vendor, to information pertinent to them alone.
For instance, a customer would be able to log in and check on their open orders, their order history, or their open invoices. They could place an EDI order or request a quote and get live product availability and pricing information. The portal could also be used to feed live pricing/availability info to your online catalog.
A vendor could check your stock on products that they supply to you, or they could submit an invoice to your payables from their online account.
Development of the CV Portal version is currently sidelined until I can find more time or helpers to program it.
Q: Do I need more Pervasive licenses to run this?
Maybe. Since this app uses a PSQL client connection during the few moments that it takes to run a query, there must be a license available for it. So, if you have a 10 user DBA/Evo license and ten users of PSQL, it would be possible to run out. It would be a good thing to have at least one more PSQL license than you intend to use for DBA/Evo. If you are unsure of your situation don't hesitate to ask for more info.
Q: Does this web app have any special browser requirements?
No. It is currently tested in IE6+, Firefox 2+, Safari 3.2+, Opera 9.6+, and Google Chrome.
Q: I don't see a feature or report that I really need. Will I have to pay for a custom feature?
Since the software is free it may seem odd to be asked to pay for new features or support. However, it is only with the support of the DBA/Evo community that this application can grow to its potential. I've taken the first step by doing a significant amount of initial programming. The hope is that others will donate code for new features or contribute to development by requesting and paying for new features that I will develop. Features with broad appeal will be added as part of the application. Please use the IS Tech user forum to discuss feature requests and to see if there are others interested in the same thing!
One-off customizations will always be available, too. Ask for a quote anytime.
