Integrated Solutions Limited (ISL) is a developer of business applications in Hong Kong. It's flagship ERP system, MIS for Windows (renamed e-MPOWER), is widely distributed in Hong Kong, PRC, Korea, and Malaysia. It is based on Visual DataFlex and uses Mertech Data's SQLFlex to access data stored on the NT-based MS-SQL server database. "There was not much of a choice. We tried the ODBC-client driver from Data Access for three months and spent days helping them debug the system. The Mertech driver gave us some problems in the initial setup, but once we got it running, it worked like magic," said Dr. Ricky Leung, Managing Director of ISL.

MIS for Windows is a complete MRP-II system with accounting, production, and distribution modules. It requires a robust database to run and without any question, a SQL database must be found to replace the file-based DataFlex database. "The choice for Visual DataFlex as a language was natural since we have been a DataFlex developer since 1985, but we are not about to continue the use of file-based databases since they are so costly to support. Moving to MS-SQL is wonderful. The added cost was justified and it is definitely a lot easier to support," added Dr. Leung. "Mertech Data has been in the driver business for a few years. Their experience in DB/2 and Oracle helped them port their driver to the MS-SQL server environment. We find its cost reasonable and performance outstanding. The support from Mertech also gave us the comfort in choosing this route." Mertech Data played an important role in the development of MIS for Windows system. In deploying client-server capability, the driver now supports pass through SQL statements. "There is no way for us to be successful without the responsive support and proactive attitude from Mertech's personnel," said Dr. Leung.

MIS for Windows is now only sold in Asia, it is in the process of being hosted by a number of ASP's (application service provider) in the region. For more information, please visit ISL's web site, at http://www.isl.com.hk.