Frequently asked question

What's the difference between networked multi-user and client/server?

Both networked multi-user and client/server applications support multiple users accessing shared data files concurrently. The difference is in the way the applications access the data. In networked multi-user applications, each application explicitly opens the required tables and performs multi-user sharing through the placing of file/record locks. The application is self-contained, in that it contains all the needed functionality to manipulate tables directly.

In CodeBase client/server, applications never open tables directly. They do not contain the logic require to perform these actions. Instead they contain logic to request the CodeBase server to open a table on their behalf and return the results.

What are the advantages of using client/server?

Client/Server computing offers four main benefits over standalone models:

·    - Stability - If a client machine crashes or gets disconnected from the server, other users are not affected, and there is little chance of database corruption.

·     - Security - By securing access to the database server computer, you secure access to your data, as the CodeBase server enforces user logon and file access security.

·     - Performance - In situations where data files are large, client/server can boost performance by executing queries on the server, and then returning only a small result set to the client. This speeds performance and significantly reduces network traffic.

·     - Workload Sharing- When you run a client/server application in essence you have two computers working on a single task. This sharing of the workload reduces the performance requirements for both machines, and in the case where the server machine is more powerful, adds significant processing power to each client, resulting in an excellent hardware cost-to-performance ratio.

An applicant addressed a service request to the wrong service. For example, the request was addressed to the secretarial service instead of the computer science service. Is it possible to transmit this request to the intended service?

Yes, the service director can transfer a service request to another service by clicking on the transfer button at the screen for the request assignments, and then selecting the appropriate service.

Can a client (applicant) consult another client’s requests?

The client can only consult the service requests written by him or for him. However, the directors and receptionists can consult the requests of all the clients in their service.

Can an applicant know if his request is in progress or if it’s finished?

The applicant can consult his service requests at any time. In this way he can see if his request is assigned to a service employee or to an external supplier and if it has been executed, etc.

What to do if a service director loses his password?

The FastRequest system administrator can change the passwords of all users of FastRequest at all times.

What would be the cost in order to obtain a licence for 500 desktops?

You need the basic right to use the FastRequest software, including 5 licences plus a pack of 495 additional licences. The costs are available in the appropriate section of the order site.

Is it possible to know which user created a particular client card?

The client card includes the name «login name» of the user who created the card, his desktop’s name, and the time and date of the creation of the client card.

We have more than three hundred desktops. Is it possible to install FastRequest in an accelerated manner?

Installing of the software on the desktops can be done by e-mail with a link to the install file that’s located on the server. The FastRequest software will automatically detect the location of the database on the server. The user only needs a few mouse clicks and everything is installed.

The rapidity of execution of FastRequest is stunning. However, can the speed deteriorate as the databases become voluminous?

The engine used is Code, one of the fastest on the whole market. You can treat millions of service requests without any important loss of performance.

Can I export the list of users of OutLook in the FastRequest software?

Yes ! From OutLook, go in the sub-menu Import and Export of the File menu and you select the option Export data towards a file. After clicking on next, select Microsoft Excel, click on next, select the Contact folder and continue with the procedure. Then recover the Excel file generated by OutLook from FastRequest by using the option Data Importation.

How to have colored and formatted text in the request cells and taken actions like you have in your examples?

You must double-click on those cells. A small text editor opens and you can then change the fonts, the text color, etc.

Is it possible to access the FastRequest data from another software?

The FastRequest databases are in FoxPro format. You can access them with any software that can open FoxPro databases.

How can I create tables like the ones in your examples?

You create your table from a text editor such as Ms Word (RTF format). Then you copy and paste in your request cells or taken actions.

How does CodeBase compare to products like SQL Server?

While CodeBase and products like SQL Server both offer database management capabilities, they are quite different in many fundamental aspects. The following table provides a list of product attributes comparisons that help highlight their similarities and differences: