Summary

ItDataClips is a data retrieval application comprised of three software components (QueryMaker, QueryManager and QueryReader). The primary objective of itDataClips is to provide a simple way for both the novice and expert Sql Developer to quickly create complex Sql Queries and make available itDataClips (query result files) to Data Consumers via a free QueryReader. An itDataClips file like any file may be saved to the local machine, network or cloud (i.e. SkyDrive). The Data Consumer will only require the QueryReader.

QueryMaker
QueryMaker at its basic level assists in the creation of Sql Queries. There are many tools for generating Sql Queries, however; QueryMaker displays an intuitive hierarchical table relationship allowing the Sql Developer to create complex joins incredibly fast. For example, a QueryMaker query written by a Sql Developer against the Microsoft Adventureworks database created a Sql Script that joined 25 Tables (it took less than 2 minutes). Of the 25 joins some tables were referenced multiple times. This happens for numerous reasons but a common reason is where a table has more than one column joining to the same column of another table. For example, an Address table that has an AddressID column is referenced by an Account table that has HomeAddressID and WorkAddressID columns. In this scenario the Address table would be displayed twice. A join will be created only when a table has column(s) selected unless the table is a Link Table which is included in the join process automatically. Joins automatically take into account one to many and one to one relationships based on a tables hierarchical path and determines left or right joins. QueryMaker also provides a simple input format for the entry of complex hierarchical Where and Having filters. Column Expressions and Sorting input capabilities are also provided.

QueryManager
QueryManager executes Sql created by QueryMaker and saves the result in the same itDataClips format as created by QueryMaker. QueryMaker generated Sql may also be modified when the query requirements have not been fully met. The Sql Developer may also execute existing Sql Scripts, Views and Stored Procedures.

QueryReader
QueryReader accesses itDataClips files and displays data in the itDataClips grid. The data in the grid may be re-filtered, re-sorted, re-grouped and may be saved for re-distribution or exported to Excel or Word. In addition the original Data Consumer may remove sensitive column information from re-distribution. QueryReader has no dependence on the database server or proprietary database software. Because there are no database dependencies a typical scenario could be for the Data Consumer to retrieve an itDataClips file from the cloud and save it to his or her local machine for later viewing when access to the cloud may not be available. ItDataClips can handle hundreds of thousands of rows because of data virtualization. This allows the Data Consumer to mine very large itDataClips files offline using the filtering capabilities of the itDataClips grid.

MetroQueryReader (In development)

QueryReaderMetro for Windows 8 and Windows RT use the new modern (Metro) user interface and is functionally equivalent to the QueryReader. MetroQueryReader is optimized for touch and will work well with various size touch devices and will not require any legacy desktop software. MetroQueryReader will be distributed from the online Microsoft App Store. A future version using Html5, CSS3 and JavaScript will target iOS and Android platforms.