USE OF DATABASES

Use of Databases

Use of Databases

Introduction

The selected organization for this research paper is Imagestream and we are going to discuss all the data bases that currently are being used in this company.

Access Database: Central Scheduling

ImageStream uses the central scheduling features of Microsoft Outlook. Since the company does not run Microsoft Windows or Exchange Server on its servers, the standard central scheduling features of Outlook would normally be disabled. With software from a Norwegian company, ImageStream uses a back-end Microsoft Access database to store central appointments and display them using an Outlook plug-in. The plug-in acts as an abstraction layer, converting Outlook data to the company's Access database format as well as retrieving and displaying the contents of the database in a standard Outlook calendar. This central scheduling feature allows employees to maintain their own individual calendars and view the company schedule and appointments for all employees. This company-wide calendar provides ImageStream the benefits of this part of Microsoft Exchange Server without having to purchase a Windows or Exchange Server license (Galindo, 2008).

However, the database has its limitations. Unlike Exchange Server, this plug-in has no Web component, making the software useful only to people who have access to ImageStream's internal network. Since the database only outputs information to Outlook, employees who run Linux full-time cannot use the central schedule on their machines. In general, the employees who do not run Windows at any time rarely need the central schedule because of the nature of their jobs. (Kroenke, 1997).

FoxPro Database: Accounting and Manufacturing

ImageStream's operations depend heavily on its in-house developed Rainstone Accounting software package. This program, originally developed by ImageStream in the early 1990s and updated to its current format in 1998, depends on Microsoft's FoxPro database system. The FoxPro program allows rapid development of Windows-based relational database ...