| Metaphor supplies a proprietary methodology to solving decision
support and executive information systems. Up until recently, Metaphor
workstations were modified PCs with an XNS (Xerox network system
on ethernet) adapter card and special software to drive the windows
and capsules (predefined functions). A customer would purchase
several Metaphor workstations and a server/gateway. The workstations
communicate with the server/gateway via XNS. For high volume database
queries you would expect to see Teradata. There is an option that
allows the workstation to communicate with Oracle on a VAX (as opposed
to the metaphor supplied server/gateway. I was not aware that Oracle
was pushing Metaphor technology since the market for these DSS and
EIS systems is quite specialized and appear to be primarily focused
on food and beverage and package goods (Coke, Kmart, P&G et al).
In the October 2 sales update, page 51, you will find the MVI
Connection. This piece of software is from Information Advantage
in Cincinnati. MVI allows you to use a VAX as the server/gateway
instead of the metaphor one. It also allows you to use Rdb as the
database server (instead of Oracle). I have talked with several
people at Information Advantage and they are BIG fans of Rdb.
Be careful with metaphor technology since this is also IBM's DSS/EIS
offering under a private label. (I loaned out my DSS/EIS folder
or I could give you the exact name.) In addition, IBM and/or Metaphor
offer a card that converts a PS/2 into a metaphor workstation.
If you have access to old trade rags, look on page 27 Digital Review,
January 23, 1989 and on page 6, Computerworld, May 29, 1989. There
are several articles that I have found in the CIS videotext.
This is quick but if you want to talk in more detail, please give
me a call at DTN 452-3445. I would be glad to share the content
of my discussions with Information Advantage and my research into
Metaphor.
-- gerry
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