A Database Program for Non-Programmers
A Connecticut company has a new database program for business people who need sophisticated computer applications but who lack the programming skills to create them and can’t afford to hire programmers who can.
With most database software, creating real-world business applications often requires the services of a skilled programmer. One exception has been DataEase Express, a $395 program for IBM-compatible computers using the DOS operating system, which has earned a reputation as being easy to use for creating good business applications.
With its first Windows product, DataEase International Inc. of Trumbull, Conn., (800) 243-5123, has combined the philosophy of its DOS text-based product with the graphics features of Windows to create a program capable of creating most any data application a small business or a small corporate department could want. And it does it without having to write a single line of programming code.
The key to good database applications is to divide the information into a series of tables so that there is a minimal repetition of data storage.
The wrong way to create an order entry database, for instance, is to use a single table to store all the information. If you did, every time an existing customer placed a new order you would have to retype the name and address. Or each time someone ordered a product, you would have to retype the product name, description and price.
A better way is to divide the data into separate tables--a customers table for names and addresses and a products table for prices and descriptions. Then the orders table can be much smaller, referring to customers and products just by numbers.
To create an order-entry computer form and a printed invoice, the computer would automatically merge information about the customer and the products from the separate tables. DataEase Express for Windows makes it easy to create and use these groups of tables, known as “relational databases.”
Unlike many other database programs, there is no limit on how many separate tables can be related to a single printed or on-screen form.
Because Windows is good for creating graphics, it’s easy to include images in your DataEase Express forms and reports. For example, you could include pictures of each product in your inventory, or you might include employees’ photos in an employee roster.
The best way to understand what can be done with DataEase Express for Windows is to play with the sample database application that comes with it, called Club ParaDEASE. It is a model for a travel club, complete with extensive customer, facilities and scheduling forms. With a little effort, you could revise the forms to fit some of your own needs.
Another way to get started is to copy some of your business’ paper forms with DataEase Express. The extensive formatting features, including font styles and sizes, should help you create virtually identical electronic versions of most office forms. You’ll find that data entered into computerized forms is a lot easier to work with than data stored on paper forms.
Experienced database programmers may find the “drag and drop” design mode a bit tedious. Once you get the hang of the program, though, designing forms and reports is fast and easy.
