rxxmjm@minyos.xx.rmit.oz (Michael McBain) (10/01/90)
There seems to be quite a lot of interest in full-text databases, or full-text retrieval systems. Unfortunately most of the readily-available database `managers', particularly for DOS, assume a finite amount of data, or have address maxima. Depending on what is required, here are some other pointers: 1. Text Retrieval If your need is text retrieval, rather than a full database with data dictionary and all the trimmings, it's quite reasonable to go with a text retrieval system. A number for UNIX are reviewed in the August 1990 (I think - it might be September) issue of UNIXWorld. These include some quite nifty-looking products, although I haven't yet had the opportunity to try any of them. Rather brief reviews, and some RSN vapourware. Text retrieval systems enable you (or anyone else) to create text files in any way at all, then use the text retriever to select the elements of the files which are of interest to you. Sort of like a humungous grep(1) with context. A DOS product which I have recently been playing with, and have been very impressed by, is called ISYS, created by the Sydney (Australia) company Odyssey Developments. It creates a separate index file, which is updated for any documents which change. The advantage is that users of files, and those who tend to create them, such as secretaries, are not affected at all by the presence of ISYS. It's completely separate to the document-creating software. It's also possible to have ISYS as a TSR, and cut and paste between several documents using your preferred word processor with hot keys. After trying out a demo copy, I'll definitely be buying it as soon as the pocket permits. 2. Full-text database systems. I know of InMagic, but I've only had a fiddle with it. Another FTDBMS which I have acquired is CDS/ISIS, from the Division of the UNESCO Library, Archives and Documentation Services. I haven't tried this yet, either, but the manuals are appallingly written in a kind of UNESCO-speak which looks fairly cryptic. Nevertheless, it may be a goer for you to try. Just hoping to contribute to that commonweal of knowledge. Mike McBain (rxxmjm@minyos.xx.rmit.oz.au)
TONY@SLACVM.BITNET (Tony Roder) (10/02/90)
I have had a brief look at BROWSE (from the people who bring you PCWRITE), a shareware program which also introduces elements of hypertext into flat file searching. I'm looking forward to some free time for further exploration.