Question 1
Explain "Relational" database, in layman's terms.  How is it different from typical databases?
Answer:
A database can be thought of as a set of logically related files organized to facilitate access by one or more application programs and to minimize data redundancy.  This concept does not imply that all data relating to a company's business should be contained on a single database, but simply that all records in a database should be related and that redundant data should be minimized.

Relational database are 'typical' databases. In the 1960's network and hierarchical databases were used.  In the 1970's Codd proposed the relational model and this system has been the standard ever since.  In the mid 1980's SQL became the standard language to access relational databases.

Question 2
Why do I need one?  When do I NOT need one?  Cross-over point?
Answer:
Quite simply you need one when the advantages below out weigh the disadvantages.

Question 3
Explain the advantages.  Explain the disadvantages
Answer:

Advantages
• Speed of execution
• Reduced data redundancy
• Reduced updating errors and increased consistency
• Greater data integrity and independence from applications programs
• Improved data access to users through use of host and query languages
• Improved data security
• Reduced data entry, storage, and retrieval costs
• Facilitated development of new application programs
• 24/7 accessibility anywhere in the world

Disadvantages
• Initial database design is complex and time-consuming
• Hardware and software start-up costs
• Damage to database affects virtually all application programs
• Conversion costs in moving form a file-based system to a database system
• Initial training required for all programmers and users

Question 4
I can use almost any Microsoft software package to sort and find my data I need now so what is the advantage of a database system?
Answer:
The advantages and disadvantages listed above also apply to Microsoft's software.

Question 5
Is my data safe?  Security statements
Answer:
Your data is as safe as you want it.  Security costs money.  Security for a bank holding millions of customer's fortunes is more elaborate than a company's needs that stores manufacturing information.  Reasonable security measures are quite affordable.

Question 6
Will the program run in a Windows environment?
Answer:
Absolutely, as well as on a Macintosh or Linux based operating system.

Question 7
Is it portable?  Can I use it remotely?  Will it run on laptop?
Answer:
It is highly portable if designed with a web interface.  It can be run in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Question 8
Updating or adding data.  Is it simple?  Can I merge files?
Answer:
Updating and adding data as well as merging data are all simple SQL statements to the database that the user doesn't need to know how to do anything but click on a "Submit" button.

Question 9
Reports, how do I get them?  Can I change or customize the reports?
Answer:
Reports are part of the database design.  Essentially, there are two forms the customer needs to bring to the table with the database designer: Input Forms (for inputting data and editing in the database) and Output Forms (Reports)

Changing or customizing a report typically is done by the programmer.  However, data can be easily exported into other applications such as Excel for data manipulation and presentation..

Question 10
Explain cost aspects, ROI, cost of ownership, etc.
Answer:
Often a company realizes a ROI in one year or less.  With databases come maintenance, these costs can be minimized if the database is properly designed and implemented.  Upgrades only occur when the company decides to add to or improve the existing design.  The ownership transfers with the initial sale and the only on-going costs are database maintenance.

Question 11
There are many firms selling this type of product, why is yours better?
Answer:
Many developers are using yesterday's technology when no longer required and the customer is paying for it with ongoing maintenance as well as licensing fees for the use of the software.

Over the past few years, hardware costs have seen an extreme and drastic drop in price. Small companies can now afford the same hardware solutions as a large company could only a few years ago.  Hardware costs are now only a fraction of what they once were and are now only a small part of the overall project solution costs.

Since DIR uses open source software tools, which are free, the customer is only paying for the design and development of the database.  Because DIR uses open source free software programs and does not over sell your hardware needs we can offer our services several times below the competitor.

We 100% design to the customer's requirement instead of making him fit into a packaged solution.

We offer an extensive engineering background and have many years experience in high technology manufacturing environments.  Our background is key to understanding a company's processes.

We provide an extremely user friendly interface that is easy to navigate thru and the functionality becomes second nature to the user, therefore we can provide free initial training on all of our products.