mrc Press Release

mrc just solved the data conversion problem

February 2011 Lombard, IL - Today, software tool developer michaels, ross & cole, ltd. (mrc) announces a new m-Power enhancement that automatically converts confusing database fields into understandable formats. m-Power is software that modernizes legacy applications and rapidly creates web applications such as report-writing, business intelligence, executive dashboards, e-commerce, customer portals, and wireless applications to name a few.

Databases often store data fields in formats that are unrecognizable for most users. Here are a couple of examples:

• Many databases use obscure date formats. For example, some use Julian dates, which incorporate a Century-Year-Day (C-YY-DDD) format. In this example, a simple date like February 1, 2005 is stored in the database as 105032.
• Some databases store numeric values without decimal points. For example, a number like $123.45 is stored in the database as 12345.

Those are just two examples, but this issue affects a wide range of database fields. More importantly, this issue leads to problems for developers: When creating applications over databases that use these unrecognizable formats, developers have two options:

• Use custom logic: They must write and include custom data translation logic in every application they create. This logic must convert the database field into a recognizable format for the users. Additionally, if the application allowed for user input, they must add logic that converts the field back into the database format.
• Use the database format: Rather than go through the hassle of adding conversion logic, some companies just force the users to learn the format used by the database.

The m-Power Field Conversion enhancement eliminates these problems. It places a Java class in m-Power-built applications that automatically translates data into the appropriate format. It will translate data going from the database to the user, or going from the user into the database.

Some of the most common data conversion classes are already built into m-Power, so conversions occur automatically without any additional work from the m-Power developer. Additionally, if users wish to convert any other field types, m-Power allows for the creation of custom Java classes to translate those fields.

"This data conversion problem has been a thorn in developer's sides for years now," says Brian Crowley, mrc's Director of Development. "I'm thrilled to say that with this new Field Conversion enhancement, we've eliminated the problem for m-Power users."

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To learn more, contact mrc via phone at 630.916.0662; via fax at 630.916.0663; via e-mail at mrc@mrc-productivity.com

About mrc

mrc's development tool, m-Power, is used to create business applications and can run on any platform that supports Java (e.g. OS/400, Linux, Unix, and Windows). Applications access DB2/400, Oracle, MySQL and MSSQL, or any combination thereof. Using these development tools, users create an endless variety of Java-based business applications from simple queries to reports, to complex custom enterprise systems and dashboards.

mrc was a recipient of the 2004 Apex Award for application development, is a long-time IBM Business Partner, and has been producing award-winning development software since 1981.

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