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Data Services

Databases form the backbone of modern day business. No matter what your business the chances are you already use a database and don't know it. There are many commercial systems available for all sorts of business requirements such as CRM systems (e.g. Act or GoldMine) or Accounting systems (e.g. Sage Accounting). If your business requires a database then you have two options, the first is an off-the-shelf package and the second is a bespoke database.

Off-The-Shelf packages are quick to deploy but are often inflexible. They tend to force users to change their working practices to suit the operation of the program. This can sometimes lead to compromising what makes your business unique compared with your competitors.

The second option is to have a bespoke database. Although taking longer to deploy, this can be developed to suit your company's individual needs.

Technology

We generally develop databases using Microsoft Access^® 2010 and where large systems are required we integrate Microsoft SQL Server^® 2008. This makes databases extremely flexible to future changes in business needs with little to no down time. Microsoft SQL Server gives us options for developing advanced data analysis techniques which can be a great advantage to businesses.

Using the Microsoft technology we can create very powerful databases that can handle a variety of different and complicated processes that might be unique to your business or industry.

Where more advanced reports are required we use Crystal Reports 2008 which makes the options endless.

Process

If you decide to go ahead with using us to develop your company a database we like to start by spending some time getting to know your business processes and the people in your company who will be using the database when it is live. This enables us to give you a solution that will help to add value to your company. We recommend that when you tell us what information you might want in the database you start by looking at what information you will want out of the database.

Once the system has been developed we complete to types of testing. The first phase is performed by us to make sure that the program runs as expected. The second phase is when we work with you, the end user, to test the system in your offices with real data.

After completing the testing phase we make any changes that are required and tidy up the appearance.