About ProVision

The ProVision^® application was developed using Providex, from Sage Software (Canada). The Providex environment is extremely versatile, allowing rapid application development for Windows, Unix, Linux, and many other platforms. Using Providex, C&S is able to include such features as OLAP, DDE/OLE, Internet e-mail (SMTP), and Web Server (HTTP), all integrated into a single database.

The ProVision database is very fast, compact, stable, and resilient. The Providex database files never need to be re-indexed once defined, so there is no regular downtime. The files are small for the amount of data that they hold compared to other databases.

ProVision was developed using a client-server architecture; the server may run under Microsoft Windows^® or the open source Linux operating system. All workstations use Windows with WindX, the thin-client for Providex. Both programs and data files are resident on the server, and all processing takes place on the server. No data, only screen graphics, are stored on the user's workstation. In addition to efficiency of administration and maintenance, this approach simplifies any issues of patient confidentiality and security.

The client-server arrangement preserves data integrity as well, since the data and locks are centrally maintained. In the event of a dropped connection, the process will continue until finished. Records are not transmitted over the network, only the information required for screen display. Very significant speed and network load advantages result from the client-server arrangement. Only information that will be displayed within the Windows controls, and triggers to the Windows controls, are transmitted. The Windows client, interacting with the server, does all the work of maintaining the Windows environment, and creating the Windows display with which the user interacts.

The system is still capable of accessing and taking advantage of the resources available locally to the Windows user. This includes local printers, spreadsheet, word processing, OLAP, and graphics software, scanners, and Palm device interfacing. Users can also invoke Windows applications from the server. This capability extends the functionality of the ProVision system indefinitely according to the user's needs and capabilities, and gives the users an open pathway into whatever technologies will develop.