Database systems are widely used for storage of data for Intranet, Internet and network applications. There are many factors involved in choosing a Database system such as the operating system it is hosted on, the volume of data transactions it will be handling, compatibility and ease of integration with other database systems and applications and staff familiarity with existing databases.

The two major types of database systems, Relational and Legacy, differ in the physical design, the physical implementation, the internal design of data layout, the methods of construction, the data languages to which they respond (and the vocabulary within the language), the features (such as data protection, transaction rollback, serialisation, locking and recovery mechanisms) that they can perform and the way in which these features are handled internally.

Although at VTRAD we will always recommend the best solution for our Client we have a preference for using Relational Database Management Systems such as SQL-server. RDMS applications are designed using Entity-Relationship modelling and normalisation procedures. Data languages such as SQL allow fast construction of user views which ensure that database systems are upgradable without losing backwards compatibility. VTRAD's developers have extensive experience in SQL-server, DB2, Oracle, Access and many other popular Database systems.

With data languages such as SQL there are many ways of performing data transactions with Database systems, depending on the architecture and programming languages used. ODBC is available on a number of platforms, is well supported and allows network database communication with reasonable security (if necessary) but with Java JDBC/ODBC bridges or remote method invocation of JDBC across the network the same result is obtainable. VTRAD's skilled technicians and advisors will provide the quickest, most secure, reliable and suitable system for your needs.

Information Technology plays many different and varied roles in modern business. A typical business has different applications or systems for stock management, staff timesheets, accounting, order processing, client data, customer support, etc... By permitting and controlling data flow between applications with automated processes, these systems can be seamlessly integrated, reducing staff overheads and human error. An integrated system can also generate new data for analysis revealing areas of inefficiency and highlighting problems.

The major benefit of integrated systems is their ability to share live data. Data usually belongs to a certain system but often eventually needs to be interpreted by more than one system. Traditional systems work by batch data movement from one system to another at regular intervals, when data is no longer required as live in its home system it can then be moved on for further processing. An example of this stock data, when it is no longer needed by the stock system it is moved to accounts for processing there. With live data sharing, all systems can extrapolate information from data no matter which system it belongs to allowing simultaneous use.

With an integrated systems, process data is generated and can be analysed automatically. By generation of graphs and flow diagrams detailed information of processes is available in easy to interpret formats. Hidden inefficiency and problems are revealed and can be solved. For ISO9000 compliant companies (or companies working towards the certification) comprehensive documentation on processes can be generated.

Encryption technologies do much more than ensure that data is uninterpretable except by the intended recipient. Encryption systems are used for software license systems, digital certification, identification, storage of sensitive documents and data, digital signatures and protection of data in transit through insecure systems. Encryption methods include simple ciphers, D.E.S. (a single key encryption method developed by IBM), R.S.A. (a public-private key pair encryption system that forms the basis of P.G.P.) and proprietary encryption systems. Often combinations of encryption methods are used together or the same method is repeated to increase the encryption strength. Some strong encryption methods are difficult to decode and have a high processor time overhead, so often hybrid methods are used to create high strength security with low decryption difficulties. VTRAD's experience in this area is extensive. Our expertise in construction of encryption systems has been used in financial transaction services and protection of member data for political parties, earning us international recognition. We can advise on any technological, political and legal issues in this field.

Security systems create and enforce borders between private and public systems ensuring only authorised personnel are allowed access to systems and that their access is limited appropriately. From passworded sections of web sites to restricted data-base access and virtual private networks to firewalls, security plays a major role in Information Technology. Whilst information on your web site should be available to the public, the ability to change that information shouldn't be. Every company, especially those with a connection to the Internet (dial-up or permanent), should carefully evaluate system security in their organisation. With advanced Internet facilities there comes increased security risks.

A crucial part of customer trust in transactions is a feeling of security. A combination of encryption and security technologies make this possible. As well as the certification needed to run trustworthy SSL encryption there is also the need for extensive "behind the scenes" security. When dealing with financial transactions every aspect of security needs to be examined as a breach could have serious legal implications. Without the correct precautions you could become liable for fraudulent transactions.