Before its merged network was created, Terra Flora's information was contained in different databases and file formats across three separate networks. The information needed to be accessible to customers on those networks and on networks around the world. It was clear to the information officer that a single technology was required to effectively consolidate and deliver that information. Internet technology, based on HTTP, provides a single system that can deliver information to users around the world.
First, the formats and users of each existing information type were identified. Next, the Internet technology that could serve the information to the largest number of people was identified. Table 4.2 summarizes this information.
Table 4.2 Terra Flora Information Consolidation
Information stored | Format | Users | New access method | |
Retail Division | ||||
Retail order database, Accounting database, Employee database | ORACLE database | Internal, external | HTML forms | |
Corporate and employee information | Word and other documents | Internal | WWW directory listings | |
Manufacturing Division | ||||
Parts and price lists | Text files | Internal, external | FTP and Gopher | |
Raw materials tracking database | DB2 database | Internal | None | |
Wholesale terra cotta gifts catalog | Microsoft Publisher | External | HTML | |
Nursery Division | ||||
Inventory and wholesale order database | RPG/400 | Internal, external | None | |
Wholesale flower catalog | ORACLE database | External | HTML forms | |