Lacking Natural Simplicity

I found a better description of the POISE DMS-Plus; alas, the original link is broken now, but it is still accessible from archive.org here. It is from the time when POISE was still owned by Campus America, but they seem to had added a Tulsa to the end of the name, and I don't remember that version of the company. Oh, I forgot to mention that the POISE DMS-Plus runs on OpenVMS. I use it on VAX/VMS v5.5-2 on an emulated VAX that I maintain.

I'll quote it below in it's entirety:

DMS-Plus®

DMS-Plus is a 4GL (fourth generation language) with its own database management system that is the foundation of POISE application software systems. POISE PRODUCTSistrative software applications and DMS-Plus run under the OpenVMS operating system on Compaq’sVAX families and Alpha computers.

DMS-Plus offers the freedom to choose where control of the PRODUCTSistrative system should be depending on your institution’s needs. Control may be given to a central data processing center, or departments may be autonomous.

The benefits of a DMS-Plus approach to PRODUCTSistrative processing include greater flexibility and speed, and simplicity in implementing changes. Users have the freedom to organize, access, and manipulate information to meet their needs, freeing the data processing center to become a more flexible and responsive information and resource center.

Features

DMS-Plus provides the following capabilities and productivity tools:

• Report Generators for easy sorting, selecting, and printing.

• Screen Generators for easy data entry, update, and review

• PRODUCTSistrative Systems Query (ASQ) for retrieving data from the database using English-like commands.

• Menu Processor

• Data Manipulation for inserting, updating, and deleting data in the database

• Data Definition for adding new elements to the database

• Data Control for accessing data by persons who have been granted access

• Import/Export capability via ASCII file formats

• WordPerfect Interface

Oracle Rdb for Open VMS and Open Alpha AXP commuting environments. In addition, it incorporates industry standards such as SQL. By including support for Oracle Rdb in POISE application software, Campus America provides investment protection. You may take advantage of new and sophisticated features while continuing to use the 4 GL tools of DMS-Plus.

Housing

DMS-Plus includes a wide range of reporting tools that can produce both ad hoc and routine reports. These tools include a columnar report writer, a forms writer, a label printing program, and an English-like query language.

All tools are designed for the everyday user and may be used without the help of a programming staff. These tools include on-line help.

DMS-Plus includes a wide range of reporting tools that can produce both ad hoc and routine reports. These tools include a columnar report writer, a forms, writer, a label printing program, and an English-like query language.

All tools are designed for the everyday user and may be used without the help of a programming staff. These tools include on -line help.

LIST OF DMS-PLUS FUNCTIONS

The following is a list of the DMS-Plus functions with a brief description of each:

ADD	Enters new records into a new database
ASQ	Inquires by English-like query language.
BLANK	Blanks (or fills) requested fields.
CALCULATE	Performs calculations on field information.
CARD/TAPE	Provides data import/export capabilities.
COMPARE	Compares two databases for match/non-match of records.
DELETE	Deletes database records.
DESCRIBE	Creates, modifies, defines databases and associated fields.
EXCHANGE	Creates WordPerfect and WPS files.
MENU	Accesses the DMS-Plus Menu Processor.
FORM	Produces specially formatted reports, personalized letters.
KEY	Reconstructs keyed file indices.
LABEL	Prints labels in a variety of formats.
POINTER	Creates a pointer file index by record selection, key, or field contents.
PRINT	Accesses the standard report generator.
PURGE	Purges deleted records.
QUEBATCH	Generates job stream files.
REORDER	Reorders existing pointer files.
ROTATE	Rotates field data from one database into another.
SAVE	Saves (or recalls) pointer files.
SCOPE	Processes field data using screen formats for entry, update, delete or inquiry.
SCREEN	Creates and maintains SCOPE screen formats.
SEARCH	Scans a database and allows updating.
SORT	Creates pointer files by record selection and/or ordering.
TRANSFER	Transfers (copies) data between databases.
UPDATE	Updates existing records in a database.
XTAB	Performs cross tabulations with field data.

DMS-Plus provides a set of tools to establish databases and to manipulate the data within them. Simple steps for the use of DMS-Plus are shown below:

• Step 1: Create a database, DMS-Plus DESCRIBE is used to create a database. When the database is created, it is empty. Records may be added to it by any of several DMS-Plus functions: SCOPE, ADD, TRANSFER, etc.

• Step 2: Use the database. After records(data) are added in one or more databases, you perform the following procedures:

  • Query the database

  • Generate reports

  • Post (move / update) data from one database to another

  • Perform calculations on data in the database

  • Exercise various combinations of the above actions

  • Print labels, personalized letters, reports, etc.

• Step 3: Continue manipulating data. New records may be added, old records may be deleted, and / or data within existing records may be updated. Operations in Step 2 may be repeated.

In summary, after a database has been created, you may devote your attention to adding, updating, and manipulating data for specific purposes. If necessary, field descriptions in the data base may be changed or new fields added. Also, the number and size is included in the database may be increased if the need arises.

On-Site Training: Extensive on-site training classes are provided during initial installation to train personnel in the use of DMS-Plus and application software. Training is included in the license price.

Classroom Training: Classroom training is provided at Campus America training facilities for "hands-on" instruction on a regularly scheduled bases. Training is included in the license price.

Contract Training: Optional on-site workshops, classroom training and consulting services are available in addition to the training that is included with the license price of Campus America software.

Subscription Service: Subscribers to DMS-Plus and POISE application software receive support and services which promote the successful use of POISE PRODUCTSistrative systems in educational institutions. These services include: normal corrections to software, periodic enhancements; telephone support (to help users diagnose and answer questions), technical support assistance, and contract programming services.

Documentation: Reference and technical manuals are provided and may be reproduced by licensee for intern Reference manuals include detailed explanations and liberal use of illustrated examples. Documentation also includes procedural guidelines documenting the step by step operation of the system. Detailed database descriptions are provided which include notes describing the purpose and function of each standard field (data element) in the databases. Technical reference materials include clear and concise tables with cross-references to procedures, menus and databases.

On-line Help: On-line help is included with the software.

11415 East 19th Street

Suite B

Tulsa, OK 74128-6412

Phone: 918-437-4920

Fax: 918-437-3533

webmaster@campus-tulsa.com

http://www.campus-tulsa.com

Campus America is a registered service mark of Campus America, Inc. POISE and DMS-Plus are registered service marks and trademarks of Campus America, Inc. VAX and OpenVMS are registered trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation which is owned by Compaq, Inc. Campus America believes the information on this site is accurate as of the production date. Such information is subject to change without notice. Campus America is not responsible for inadvertent errors. ©1998 Campus America, Inc.