Alchemy Gold - Version 6
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Alchemy Gold - Version 6
The Document Database for Archival and Retrieval
What is Alchemy?
Alchemy is a Windows compatible business application that builds document databases on
low-cost computer storage and provides a variety of retrieval and output options. Alchemy
is well-known for its innovative use of new archival media such as CD-R and DVD. It is
ideal for managing large volumes of images, computer report files (COLD), MS Office files,
PDFs, AutoCAD and other common PC files, and includes all the functions necessary for
indexing, archival, query, retrieval, viewing, printing and routing via e-mail. Alchemy
also has programmable interfaces for integration into other business applications.
What's new in Alchemy Release 6-
Click here to
check out the latest advances and enhancements available in Alchemy Release 6
What makes Alchemy the best choice?
- Worldwide leader: for utilizing CDs in image archival
and report distribution applications. Endorsed by the leaders in CD and DVD storage
hardware and software.
- Widespread usage: installed in over 3,000 corporate
and government installations in more than 40 countries.
- Flexible solutions: install as a standalone solution
for small offices or company departments, or integrate into an enterprise management
application.
Diversity of file formats supported: uniquely
combines TIFF, COLD, Office files, PDF, HTML and 250+ file formats into one electronic
filing system.
Alchemy consists of two main programs bundled together: Build and Search. Optional
modules add special features such as scanning and OCR, COLD/COM file import, AutoCAD
support, task automation and a Web server.
Alchemy Build is used by those responsible for creating document databases for
archival, publishing or distribution. Build can archive an entire document database
(documents, data, full-text index, search program and viewers) to any storage media (CD,
DVD, RAID etc). Alchemy remains the industry leader in this. Alchemy databases are
compliant with the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) industry standard and can be accessed
using SQL tools and applications.
Unlike client/server database or document management systems, Alchemy requires
absolutely no database management skills, no programming and no client/server expertise to
operate.
Alchemy Search is the full-featured Windows
client used for read-only access to the document databases created with Alchemy Build.
Each database can have one to hundreds of simultaneous users. Access to databases means
the end user can query by full-text or data fields, view a hit list, view the contents of
a document or data record, and print, fax, or e-mail the document. Accessing databases
using a Web browser is simple with the optional Alchemy Web Server.
Unlike similar sophisticated and powerful search engines and document managers, the
Alchemy user interface is simple to learn and use. Customers range from microfilm research
clerks to CEOs.
Alchemy Gold Feature Overview
- 32-bit software compatible with Windows 95, 98 and NT.
- Includes a document database manager developed by IMR specifically to index and store
object files and data together. Files are stored in their native format. Each database can
easily scale to handle millions of files and records with no hit on query and retrieval
performance.
- ODBC compliant database for SQL access to Alchemy indexes and documents.
For higher volume applications, global query across databases can link hundreds of
millions of files to users.
High-performance, ultra-efficient full text indexer developed by IMR with
industry-leading compression and support for most text file formats. Unsurpassed for
report file indexing. Typical index overhead of only 3-5%.
Over 250 file filters and viewers, including TIFF, Office, PDF, and HTML.
Security privileges assignable at the database, folder or document level.
Database template design: fields, profile and folder templates, indexing methods, lookup
tables, stop words.
Storage manager writes to CD-R, CD-RW, ISO image, RAID, any hard disk or other logical
storage devices.
Intelligent on-the-fly data compression.
CD-SPAN recording and retrieval capability.
Portable runtime Alchemy Search program which includes all licensed viewers. Runs direct
from archive disc, from network drive or on each desktop.
Extremely fast queries and hit list display.
Many search options: Boolean, adjacency, fuzzy, combined full text and data field, date
range, filename, numerics, relevancy ranking, search list refinement.
Output options: advanced printing functions, send to fax, retrieve to hard disk, send to
e-mail, export data to ASCII delimited file.
Personalized user interface: each user can set viewing and query preferences.
Command line interface for "lights-out" unattended batch operations.
Forms overlay designer for report files.
The Pro license for service bureaus has the same features but is licensed and sold
separately.
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How Alchemy Works |
The Alchemy process is very simple:
- Create a document database with user-defined fields and indexing methods.
- Add files to the database using drag and drop from Explorer.
- Write the files to a destination disk. During this stage, files are automatically
indexed by content, attributes and fields, and compressed. Optionally the search program
with viewers and the indexes can be copied to the disk at the same time.
- The files are now ready for search, retrieval and viewing using Alchemy Search or
Alchemy Web Server. Access from a standalone PC, PC LAN, Intranet or Internet connection.
- Query the database by full-text and profile fields. Search across multiple databases.
- View the document in a WYSIWYG viewer, copy, retrieve to hard disk, print, send to fax
or send to e-mail.
The Alchemy Database Architecture
IMR developed a unique flat-file object database structure that is at the heart of
Alchemy, which is now on its 6th generation and is field-proven in thousands of
business applications. Its large installed base makes this database architecture one of
the most widely used databases for imaging and COLD applications. And experience in real
world applications continually shows that when it comes to indexing and storing large
numbers of object files, the Alchemy architecture is more efficient with smaller overhead
and is easier to maintain when compared to a relational database.
The database structures are optimized for full-text operations and the integration of
document properties and metadata. Originally developed for slow access CD-ROMs, Alchemy's
retrieval performance is even more impressive when the databases are stored on RAID or
other hard disks.
Unlike any other database used in imaging and COLD applications, Alchemy has highly
developed end user interfaces that are completely tuned for one fundamental application:
filing and finding documents and data. As a result, Alchemy does not require any special
database administrator training. Typical users are deploying their first Alchemy database
the same day as installation.
Alchemy's unique architecture allows the read-only database index files, the data
containers and the Search program to be located anywhere on a network, or packaged all
together on an archival disc. This unusual flexibility enables the end user to configure
an Alchemy system to meet his/her specific needs, not the other way around.
While the database has many unique features and is virtually maintenance-free, it is
also open to other applications through the ODBC driver interface.
System Requirements
- Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT
- For 95/98: 16 MB minimum, 32 MB recommended, 64 MB optimal
- For NT: 32 MB RAM minimum, 64 MB recommended
- Pentium processor
- 25 MB free hard disk space for programs
- Free temp space for database building: should be at least twice the size of the database
buffer setting.
- Supported CD writer or other disk drive
- SCSI adaptor recommended by drive vendor
- For PDF indexing: NT Workstation with 64 MB RAM highly recommended
Alchemy Search: we recommend the same amount of RAM
for PCs using Alchemy Search. Viewing large files (i.e. multipage TIFF, PDFs) may require
the use of temporary hard disk space. A good rule of thumb is to reserve free disk space
at least twice as large as the largest file in the database that will be opened for
viewing. For example, if the largest file is 10 MB, keep at least 20 MB free on the hard
disk.
Ordering Information
Contact
AMS for more
information.
1. WINDOWS 98 COMPATIBILITY
2. ODBC (OPEN DATABASE CONNECTIVITY) SUPPORT
Alchemy Release 6 includes an ODBC 2.50 Core Level compliant driver. The ODBC driver opens
up a powerful, industry-standard interface to Alchemy. It translates Alchemy's
hierarchical data structure to a relational tabular form (using rows and columns), and
makes this tabular form accessible to SQL or any ODBC compliant program like Excel, Access
or Crystal Reports. Additionally, the driver provides extensions to SQL making Alchemy's
databases available through any ODBC-compliant application.
3. NEW DATA TYPES SUPPORTED IN PROFILE FIELDS: INTEGER, FLOATING POINT, DATES
Support for new data types has been added to Alchemy and DataGrabber. When users create
custom fields they will be able to define the data type to be associated with the field as
Text, Integer Number, Floating Point Number or Date.
4. NUMERIC AND DATE RANGE SEARCHING
For custom fields that have been defined with a data type of Integer Number, Floating
Point Number or Date, users will be able to use the following search operators:
> (greater than)
< (less than)
> = (greater than or equal)
< = (less than or equal)
= (the equal operator is implied by default when no other operator is used)
5. E-MAIL DOCUMENTS
From the file menu, you can now e-mail documents stored in Alchemy to anyone as an
attachment.
6. CD DATABASE COPIER
Once an Alchemy database is built to CD, the CD Copier tool can be used to make multiple
copies of the Alchemy database. Users can choose to copy from one CD to another, from an
ISO image to CD, or from a CD to an ISO image.
7. PURGE FILES FROM HARD DRIVE
Users of Alchemy Release 6 now have a means to easily manage the space on their hard drive
using the Purge Files option. Once an Alchemy database has been successfully built, using
the Purge Files option, the user now has the option to remove the original scanned images
or any other document built to the database.
8. INDEX AND MANAGE FILES WITHOUT MOVING THEM
When the new Copy Files to Data Containers option is not selected during the Build
process, files are indexed in place in their current location, but are not copied to a
database data container file. This is convenient for users who already have disks and CDs
full of documents (especially images) and want to use Alchemy's great search and retrieval
program, but do not want to be forced to copy those files onto another disk. Users can
search these databases as usual. This option works with files located on any logical drive
letter accessible from Alchemy Build.
9. CUSTOM COLUMN SETTINGS PER DATABASE
Column settings can now be configured on a per database basis, as opposed to a global
setting.
10. USER-CUSTOMIZABLE PROFILE CARD VIEWS
Users now have the ability to customise their views of the document and folder profile
pane. These views will allow the users to build databases with fields-on-the-fly without
the manual step of adding those fields to the profile template. Select View | Template
Fields to see the profile card as designed by the database creator with their selection of
custom and default fields. Select View | Custom Fields to only view the "Document
Title" followed by any user defined profile fields. Select View | All Fields to see
all fields including custom and default fields.
11. CONTROL AUTOMATIC VIEWING OF FIRST DOCUMENT
Users can now control whether or not Alchemy will automatically view the first document in
the search result list. This control is set by selecting Tools | Settings, and toggling
the "Open First Search Document" option.
12. ALBATCH: ACCESSING PASSWORD PROTECTED DATABASES
A password command is available to create, access and perform operations on global and
group password-protected databases.
13. DYNAMIC RE-SIZING OF DOCUMENT PROFILE TAB IN SEARCH DIALOG BOX
The user is able to search on any document profile fields through the document profile tab
in the search dialog box. This document profile tab will automatically resize (and add
scroll bars when necessary) to accommodate all profile fields.
14. COMMIT PARTIALLY FILLED BUFFERS TO THE DESTINATION DRIVE
Alchemy Release 6 now supports the option "commit partially filled buffers to the
destination drive". When this option is NOT selected, tracks are not written to disc
until the buffer is full. In this situation, data is held in the buffer on the hard drive
until the buffer is full. Then, when the buffer is full, a session is written to disc and
closed. Using this feature, and setting the buffer size very large (i.e. 500MB), users can
virtually create a single-session disc.
15. SCANNED IMAGES ARE SAVED IN RELATIVE PATHS
Scanned images are now saved using paths relative to the database. Consequently, if the
entire database folder is moved to a new location, the scanned images are moved with the
database and the links are not broken.
16. PRINT OPTION - IMAGES ONLY
A new option has been added to print image files only.
17. RIMAGE INTEGRATION
Integration with the Rimage CD Duplicator is provided through the Alchemy Build dialog
box. This option is only valid if the Rimage dll is detected.
18. DOCUMENT ID FIELD
Alchemy Release 6 exposes the document ID as a unique field. This field is automatically
created and can be used to access Alchemy documents and folders through the ODBC
interface.
19. NEW RAM REQUIREMENTS FOR ALCHEMY RELEASE 6
Windows 95: minimum 16MB, recommended 32MB
Windows 98: minimum 16 MB, recommended 32MB
Windows NT: minimum 32 MB, recommended 64MB
Ordering Information
Contact AMS for more information.
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Last Update: Monday, 22-Jan-2007 14:56:36 EST
Created: September 14, 1996
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