■ application development tools under 4 GL SQL environment
■ portability
■ Scalability
■ network computing and multi-user architecture
■ integration of heterogenous platforms
■ connectivity to databases like Turbo Image, DB2, SQI/DS, Nonstop SQL, SESAM etc.
(<>■) Ingres: It is a relation data base management system with the following basic features.
■ Provides the necessary tool for information management and integration and allows users to model their work by managing data, knowledge and objects
■ It has features for online transaction processing and decision support
■ Can guarantee data integrity and centrally enforce standard rules of the organization
■ It has connectivity tools to heterogenous data bases and networks.
■ It has tools for distributed data management which can provide a unified view for organization wide information
■ It has tools for application development and end user queries and reports
■ It has a visual generation of 4GL applications and windows for building graphical client application
(iv) Informix: It is a high performance relational database for on line transaction processing application features, non-stop operations, fault tolerance and multi-media support. Its main features include:
■ on optical support system
■ high performance through stored procedures
■ a library of a function capable of managing ISAM
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; ;: ■ tool set for system developers and end-users including creation of forms, reports, menus, and interactive SQL-interface as well as a menu-driven scheme editor.
■ high level menu development tool for creating secure and flexible menu systems for the data base applications
■ a complete fourth generation programming language for professional application development including full screen building, report writing and fully integrated SQL data base access. The 4GL family tools consist of a compiler version for C Language, rapid development system, an interpreted version of 4GL, an interactive source code debugged for 4GL-RDS, form generator and program compiler of C, COBOL, Ada and FORTRAN for developers who prefer to use third generation
programming languages for their data base application.
115. The four data base management systems outlined above provide the necessary tools required for developing the transport data base system in terms of multi-user, multi-media, connectivity, application development etc.
116. However, we would like to recommend SYBASE for two basic reasons.
117. The first is that it has been selected by UN headquarters to be used as a development tools for IMIS and the probability that the same software shall be introduced to EGA is very high. Secondly its high level connectivity to third and fourth generation languages provides a power tool for using data developed in Cobol and Dbase in national focal points without much difficulty.
6.2 Manpower and organization 6.2.1. Requirement overview
118. Two major functions have been identified in this study which require permanent and technically skilled manpower. These are:
■ Systems development, maintenance and administration
■ Transport data base development, maintenance and administration (a) Systems development, maintenance and administration
119. The project involves the task of undertaking systems development, maintenance and administration which includes: standardization of forms, flow of data, processing
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outputs, hardware; systems analysis; systems design; programming; management of an overall operating environment; administration of LAN's; development of linkages and connectivity between data bases of varied origins, structure and systems.
120. TCTD has a number of options for consideration.
Option one:- Establish a full fledged data processing unit within TCTD which will undertake all the functions outlined in paragraph 119 above.
Major advantage of this option are:
direct control over resources (both human and material) can be exercised by the division and thus results in more interest and motivation, provides local independence and sense of responsibility;
the division can set priorities without any reference to outside body;
the option allows flexible implementation of systems so that the data processing functions can be extended to different activities within the division;
the implementation programme can be speeded up due to the fact that other programmes within ECA do not create any impact on TCTD's activities.
The disadvantages of this option should be viewed from ECA-wide context and not from TCTD's view point. The major disadvantages are:
duplication of effort;
a greater number of technical personnel with the possibility of wastage of resources;
lack of standards end up in an environment which becomes difficult to coordinate;
in the long run there is a risk of having a system (hardware, software, communications) not compatible among different ECA divisions leave alone other external organizations.
DOC/DBASE/PHASEI/TRANSCOM/946 Page 47 Option two:- ISS undertakes all the tasks outlined in paragraph 119 and TCTD will have no role in the systems development and maintenance activities.
Some of the major advantages of this option are:
compatibility of hardware, software and communication links among different sites and installation is achieved;
resource usage could be optimized;
ECA-wide flexibility of operation to meet unforeseen requirements can be achieved easily;
unwarranted decision making by divisions which might not be in the interest of ECA is minimized;
duplication of effort is avoided.
Major disadvantages of this option are:
resentment of users departments to relinquish authority to a unit outside their control;
. '-* difficulty in obtaining equitable service;
the development and implementation of systems in a centralized facility might take much longer time due to changing priorities.
Option three: Mixture of options one and two. In this option ISS undertake the standardization of hardware, system software, internal and external connections including the administration of WAN's and communication networks and the overall activities related to linkages within and outside ECA, including regions, subregions, member countries and international organizations. On the other hand TCTD shall build within itself a capability to undertake sector specific systems development, system maintenance, transport data base administration, administration of LAN and provision of all the necessary technical support for user within the division.
121. In todays computing world satisfaction of users needs is given top priority. If users are not provided with the necessary technical support within a reasonable period of time their work programme will be affected thus creating inefficiency. Therefore,
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