Systems (continued)


Data Management
Overview
Managing client data safely and effectively is a high priority at MDS. Sound data management requires agile systems working to enable proper database performance while supporting the integrity of program data (a practice often referred to as "normalization").

Normalization is one of the guiding principles MDS employs as a best practice method to database management. Normalization is the fundamental process of organizing data in a database. This includes creating forms and tables and establishing relationships between those tables based upon primary keys according to rules designed both to protect the data and to make the database more flexible by eliminating two factors: redundancy and inconsistent dependency. In doing so, MDS delivers on virtually any client database performance or analytical requirement.

Key elements to MDS data management in consideration of client fulfillment programs include:

•  Structure
•  Function
•  Flexibility
•  Access
•  Security
•  Backup
•  Connectivity

Client interfaces are tailored to facilitate powerful import-export utilities, data access and exchange strategies, as well as other custom data management routines. Standard data processing options and a host of common and specialized reports, analysis, and potential exceptions are handled with relative ease by the system as defined by unique client requirements. Firewall security is in place while the entire database system and programs are backed up to disks and tapes daily and stored off-site.

Architecture
MDS hardware consists of UNIX and Windows

based servers running NT, Windows 2003 Web Server, HP9000, and Windows based clients. Software consists of fourth generation language (4GL) database management systems including Progress and DataEase, as well as custom programmed data formatting processes using Perl and Microsoft Basic.

The MDS in-house Windows 2003 Web Server is custom configured for each client. MDS also employs a server with its ISP to provide additional high speed data transfer and client access for reviewing status reports. Client side web-based ordering systems can interface with this system to provide real-time order placement, for example. MDS accepts data in various forms via FTP protocols, flat files, XML, or other proprietary formats. In addition, the web servers can be formatted to allow customer entry of orders and data directly into this system by means of any browser equipped device. MDS accesses the network real time over a T1 line.

By placing the appropriate tools of data management technology in the hands of skilled, creative programmers and systems professionals, MDS enables virtually every imaginable means of capturing, accessing and using program data to satisfy clients' individual fulfillment and data management requirements.