UK multi-dimensional database and analytical processing outfit Planning Sciences International Plc is talking up its Web-based analytical processing strategy. Codenamed Sumatra, it will be delivered in two phases based on Version 3.0 of its Gentia client-server executive information system development and decision support environment, including the GentiaDB multidimensional and analytical processing database engine (CI No 2,941). Phase one, Gentia Web Server, due the first quarter of next year , will enable standard Web browsers to access Gentia’s analysis and development environment. Planning Sciences claims this work is essentially an extension of Gentia’s core development, comprising two classes of object, those with core Gentia functionality and those governing the native client interface. It is these objects only that vary between the different graphical interfaces, says the firm. Gentia currently supports most Unixes, Windows95 and Macintosh. It will integrate Java applets to improve local performance, aiding the management of network traffic, and enhance HyperText Mark-up Language. Java applets will be stored and created in the Gentia object store. Phase two, due later in the year, will extend text integration by introducing a series of software agents to search intelligently for and link Mark-up Language documents relating to data in GentiaDB and SQL databases. The firm admits it has been forced to establish a Web strategy by prospective customers insisting on one. It has $30m from its May initial public offering and expects to announce a couple of partnerships soon.
