Features at a Glance

• Centralized and extensible data dictionary
• Dynamic user interface derivation
• Unrestricted environment for business rules
• Multiple clients from a single definition
• Rich data manipulation algebra

Overview

Alphora Dataphor is a database application development framework that automates many of the tasks involved in the creation and maintenance of database applications. The Dataphor Data Access Engine provides a logical abstraction of database management systems, while Dataphor Frontend provides a logical abstraction of user interface definitions.

Alphora Dataphor allows developers to focus on the creation of the core data model and underlying process logic. Based on the given data model, Dataphor dynamically derives user interfaces and enforces business rules. This data-centric approach, which is aided by Dataphors advanced query processor and extensible data dictionary, enables developers to:

1. Focus on what it is they are modeling rather than the implementation details
2. Shield themselves from the limitations and diversity of existing data sources
3. Produce more flexible applications in less time

Dataphor Data Access Engine

The Dataphor Data Access Engine (DAE) provides a unified way of working with data. The application developer can focus on the core logic of the application because they are shielded from the limitations and diversity of existing data-sources. The application developer utilizes the DAE like a DBMS. The DAE in turn allows virtually any data source to be used as an underlying storage device. In addition to providing a data integration solution, the DAE has many features not found in other database systems. Dataphor also provides an ideal environment for the expression and enforcement of business rules.

• User interface definition integrated with the data model
• User-defined types and operators
• Relationally complete access to any data source
• Complete declarative integrity support (business rule enforcement)
• Extensible data dictionary minimizes schema duplication
• Updateable views (queries)
• Leverages the performance of existing database management systems

In addition, the DAE provides features in its external level interface that make the process of building software application front-ends dramatically simpler:

• Interface allows the application front-end to ask the database system a variety of ifquestions. The front-end can then what data is valid, what values to calculate and how, and what data defaults to use
• Transactions allow interrelated data to be posted to the database system in any order. The DAE does the work of constructing database transactions that are appropriate for the submitted modifications. (Optimistically concurrent transactions)
• Navigational Access Client can open efficient bi-directional, searchable cursors. User sees data as though it were all on the client. As the user navigates and searches, the DAE transparently copies only the necessary data to the client

Dataphor Data Access Components

The Dataphor Data Access Components (DAC) is a set of components and Windows forms controls. The DAC can be used to construct complete data aware application within Visual Studio .NET. The DAC utilizes the DAEs unique capabilities to eliminate most of the tedious processes involved in building data-aware applications. The DAC performs the task of filling buffers, searching, and transacting data with the DBMS transparently.

Dataphor Frontend

The Dataphor Frontend is a group of technologies focused on providing a user experience for database applications. Rather than generating code for common data manipulation scenarios, the Dataphor Frontend provides a framework for building maintainable solutions. User interfaces can be dynamically derived from information provided by the data dictionary or manually created using the integrated designer. User interfaces are presented using a feature rich, thin client metaphor. Complete applications virtually outof the database definition, yet they can also be tailored to fit the requirements of any project. The Dataphor Frontend not only minimizes the impact of change, but also provides an intuitive and thorough user interface.

• Dynamic derivation of complete user interfaces from the data dictionary based on any perspective
• Multiple clients from a single XML-based user interface definition language
• Inheritance-based customization facilitates total control over data presentation while minimizing the impact of change
• Windowsclient builds rich, data aware forms using dynamic UI descriptions
• Web client enables complete access to Dataphor applications from a browser

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the Dataphor Frontend, however, is its ability to dynamically derive user interfaces. The Frontend works intimately with the Dataphor DAE to provide such capabilities as:

• User interfaces can be completely derived from the applications relational schematic
• User interfaces are derived, not generated, so as the applications schematic changes, so does the user interface
• User interfaces can be derived based on any perspective of the data in the database
• User interface derivation can be by the developer
• User interface automation is not required and can be used selectively or intermixed with manually designed user interfaces
• Derived user interface do not require developer intervention to interact with the database, due to the core and special features of the DAE

Dataphor is Electronically Delivered.