Can let me know if there is any interest within the OI community for a data export tool?

I market a single routine for Revelation G and Advanced Revelation that will automatically export all data files and associated dictionary information in true CSV format. It also outputs an additional file if there are multi-value fields (not text fields) one record for each level of MV's found. Text fields are sutitably adjusted for import via an ODBC. It will output column headers and also use dictionary specified data conversions where they exists. A comprehensive export log is produced.

Once the automatic export is complete the user can then modify the generated export script to exclude files, exclude fields, add symbolic fields, change conversions, change field, record and text delimiters, globally change all date formats plus a wide range of other export options.

I also supply a routine that will import all exported data direct into MS Access (using suitably modified file names (eg. CUSTOMER_DETAIL to tblCustomerDetail), field names and applying the appropriate datatypes) and will load these Access tables with the exported data (noting any validation exceptions to a table). Access Fields are loaded with their Revelation field description text where they exist. The export and load can then be repeated as often as required even when datatypes, Access table names and field names are altered.

The automated process (data export, database create, database load) for a 150 file Arev application with 3000 fields and an initial sampling of maximum 20k from each file (3.5 mb) takes less than 60 mins.

I only have minimal knowledge of OI and therefore would need to partner with someone to get this working in the OI environment. If there is a market for this s/w I would give a free copy to anyone able to help me with the program adjustments I need to run this under OI.

Please email me on [email protected] if you can help.

Regards

Jocelyn Amon

We believe there's more scope at this stage for a data import toolset. To migrate customers away from Revelation products would be extremely short-sighted, given OI32 and all the new technology imminent.

As for exports, as most developers are aware, Revelation Software products have export capabilities built in. Even XML is easy - as Mike Ruane demonstrated at the roadshow in Auckland. The effort in any export from OI/AREV is usually within the target system.

The Sprezzatura Group

World Leaders in all things RevSoft

I am not aware of any export tools included with Revelation that adequately perform the export function. The only utility that I know of is one where you need to define each file to be exported separately and for this a good knowledge of Revelation and the application is required. It does not separate out multivalues and is clumsy to use. If I have overlooked some functionality please let me know.

I have had numerous inquiries regarding export of data from Revelation and no-one has yet said that what I am offering can be found already freely available in Revelation.

Does OpenInsight offer a comprehensive data export function or the same limited functionality as is available with Revelation?

I need to know this as I do not want to continue developing and marketing a utility which is free within the product.

There are many people here who are in the business of keeping Revelation customers and developers thriving. We believe in the longevity and excellence of the Revelation product.

Respectfully, this may not be the ideal forum to advertise a product that in any way stands to denigrate or reduce Revelation's market.

The Sprezzatura Group

World Leaders in all things RevSoft

Agreed, I will make this my last posting on ths subject.

I have enjoyed using Revelation over the past 15 years or so. In fact it has been a real delight. I have limited experience in OpenInsight so I cannot really comment on that product. The Pick database concept is very clever and it is a pity that more manufacturers aren't going that way but maybe this will change.

However, exporting data from Revelation isn't all about migration away from that platform. There is a need to extract information for input to other systems. For example, a Personnel Recruitment company needing to export all open vanacncies to the Web, financial transactions required for input ot the Head Office accounting system etc.

An ability to automate data export can actually give the Revelation product longevity. If XML will add the functionality they require then they can go with that when it is released. In the meantime some users have immediate requirements.

Actually, it is released and has been so for quite some time. Our S/Web product has been doing real-time exports to HTML applications for over two years. Revelation's XML code has been released for a few months, and seeing as how WinWin has been touting XML for a number of years, one assumes these tools have been used on production servers for some time as well.

Don't forget, Revelation is now owned by the #2 Revelation development company. Modesty prevents us from mentioning the name of the #1 company. Their toolset is only going to get better as more of WinWin's propriety code is included into the product.

Whilst no one has a problem with export tools, your message did seem to imply a permanence to the export as a move away from the product, and OpenInsight has a measure of robustness that you were probably not aware of. The warehousing tool kit in OI offers everything you have mentioned, with the added capacity of storing the data direct into the target system through ODBC connections.

Your product sounds like a fine tool for Revelation's DOS offerings, just not for OpenInsight.

The Sprezzatura Group

World Leaders in all things RevSoft

Number 2? Hmmmm. By what metric?

You realize of course that this means war!

Mike

It's duck season!

For the full text, try here

Mike

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