Mailinglist Archive: opensuse-edu (81 mails)

[Mark Evans <mpe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Sun, Jan 19, 2003 at 12:10:35PM +0000, Phil Driscoll wrote:
> On Saturday 18 January 2003 9:47 pm, Kyle Williamson wrote:
> > And so we have, alas :(
> > I could do with something where I click a magical button and the exam
> > timetables,timetables etc are transported across into MySQL...
> We have had some success at this kind of activity - but the technique is only 
> of use for getting current data out of SIMS and is no use if you want to 
> modify the data and put it back. Sadly, I can't remember the name of the 
> package, but somewhere in the SIMS suite of applications is a report 
> generator - it might be called 'something pro' if my brain cells are working 

There are 3 versions; "repgen", the original DOS version; "repgen lite",
the first attempt at a Windows version and "repgen pro" the later Windows
version.

> this morning. You can get that to dump most things you are likely to need 
> into csv files which you can then load into mysql. I've used it to get lists 
> of teachers, kids, groups and subjects out of the system for a PHP/MySQL 
> based report writing system I'm in the middle of writing.
> The solution is a bit lame because you are not linked into the live data.
> 
> SIMS do seem to have an API they are developing for the MSSQL backed system. 
> They do not want people messing directly with the database tables, but rather 
> to talk through their API. Given their track record, I can't see how the 
> system they develop can possibly be any good. Those who like talking to 
> software through multiple layers of treacle may feel differently :)

Which is probably why the hardware specs keep spiraling up. Effectivly
we are being asked to buy machines more suitable for video editing to
perform the kind of things an early pentium should be capable of.

-- 
Mark Evans
St. Peter's CofE High School
Phone: +44 1392 204764 X109
Fax: +44 1392 204763