AUSTIN, TEXAS and TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA, July 2, 1998 - Nichols Advanced Technologies is pleased to announce that the Athena library automation system has been certified as being Level I Compliant with the Data Flow Controller developed by Information Systems of Florida (ISF). (See their web site at http://www.isf.com.) This collaboration has exciting implications for school districts throughout the nation.
The Data Flow Controller (DFC) is a software product designed to enable the sharing of data among dissimilar software applications throughout the education environment. At the school district level, the DFC permits common data to be shared between compliant applications, regardless of the hardware or operating systems employed. For example, many school districts use computer applications to automate their student information, food service, transportation, and libraries. Through the use of the DFC, districts can actually link these systems together, and enjoy the advantages of an integrated system - without purchasing new application software, or maintaining interfaces.
"While several library systems participated in the development of the standards for the DFC, the Athena library automation system is the first library application in the nation to become DFC compliant," said Tom Solano, president of ISF. "We believe that this demonstrates their commitment to facilitating the exchange of data among many types of education software applications. School systems that use both Athena and the DFC will see an immediate improvement in their efficiency of information processing, and a reduction of the costs associated with data redundancy, input errors, and interface maintenance".
D. Bruce Butler, President of Nichols, recognizes the importance of the venture. "The exchange of data throughout schools in a district is extremely important. The Data Flow Controller simplifies the exchange, providing schools the ability to retrieve information they need from other schools within a district easily. We're pleased to be recognized for our efforts to comply with the Data Flow Controller standard."
Athena is the best-selling library automation system for Windows and is rated #1 by the American Library Association's Library Technology Reports (L.T.R.). The L.T.R. report rated 36 library automation systems in twelve categories and awarded Athena the highest ratings in 10 of the 12 categories considered and the highest ratings overall. Athena provides circulation, searching, cataloging, Internet solution options, cross-platform capabilities (Windows, Macintosh, and DOS), and related functions for large and small public, academic, corporate, and school libraries and school districts.
Austin, Texas-based Nichols Advanced Technologies, which has additional offices in Edmonton, Alberta and La Crosse, Wisconsin, provides powerful, easy-to-use library solutions for all major microcomputer systems. Founded in 1983, Nichols delivers library automation systems, retrospective conversion services, barcode readers, and automation supplies.
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, ISF provides consultative technological solutions to a broad range of clients in the area of information management and planning, systems development and change management. For over 20 years, ISF has assisted clients in turning information technology into a competitive advantage.
