Sharing the database

 

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In order to share an IMW database, the directory containing it must first be made public to all those in need of access.  In IMW, choose Utilities / Database / Create and create a database in this directory.  That database is now created, (empty) and selected as the default.  It can be treated as any other database.  The first step is to import data into it using the Utilities / Database / Import option.

Any other workstations with access to that network data directory may use that database by simply selecting Utilities / Default / File names from the menu and selecting the appropriate database from the network drive.  As each user creates reports and diagrams using this database, a record is kept of their access to the file.

 

Some simple rules apply to database sharing.

 

•        When a user is creating a report or viewing a diagram, they are said to be 'reading' the database.
•        When a user is importing, changing streets, editing a record, or otherwise changing data in the database, they are said to be 'writing' to the database.
•        Many users may be reading at the same time.
•        The program will not allow a user to begin writing while another user is reading or writing to the database.
•        The program will not allow a user to begin reading while another user is writing to the database.

 

During some operations the user may be notified that an action can not be performed because the database is being used by another workstation.  The user must wait until that other workstation is done using the database.

 

Occasionally the program will incorrectly report that another workstation is using the database.  This will generally occur if the program has crashed while accessing the database, or if the system was rebooted without exiting the program.  In these situations, the user must reset the user list.