Programming Language - Navision was
originally developed in C/SIDE - a 100% graphical environment that, like
the application, has a graphical user interface. It is useful to
understand that almost every application is developed in a specific
programming language (like “C”), using a set of predefined tools for
creating instant dialog boxes and other objects (such as “SIDE”). Hence
Navision was written in C/SIDE, or “C” with an assortment of predefined
tools on the “side”.
Databases - Navision runs on three different
databases - the native Navision database, the Microsoft SQL Server
database, and the Microsoft MSDE database (which is basically a scaled
down version of Microsoft SQL Server). Navision charges the same fee for
either the Navision or SQL Server database, and the MSDE version is
priced 30% less. Historically, approximately 80% of Navision customers
have selected the Navision database, but the popularity of the Microsoft
SQL Server database has been rising steadily. Both are excellent
databases. The Navision database has a stellar reputation for speed,
stability and a lower total cost of ownership because it requires less
on-going administration to maintain. The Microsoft SQL Server database
is considered to be the best choice for larger Navision customers.
The Navision database (which was formerly called
the C/SIDE database) is a relational database which scales very high.
The integrity of the C/SIDE database is outstanding by design. Each time
a transaction is recorded in Navision, the change is actually recorded
in a copy of the database after which a copy of the database is written
and the originally database is then over written. The result is that you
can turn off the power during heavy data entry or posting, and
Navision's design will prevent the data from becoming corrupted. An
article to this effect was published in the December 1996 issue of
Datamation. The article described how Triad Resources – a
contract-manufacturing company in Campbell, CA. lost power with 20 users
concurrently using the Navision system. When the power came back on, the
Navision systems came back up with no problems.
It could be argued that the Navision database is a
proprietary database. Typically we frown on proprietary databases.
However, Navision has earned both the Designed for Windows XP logo (in
addition to older logos such as the “Designed for Windows 95 NT/95” and
“Microsoft BackOffice” logos.) Further, the Navision database is
extremely similar to Microsoft Access and the corresponding tool set is
very similar to Visual Basic. Navision is also compliant with many
industry standard products such as Crystal Reports, and Office XP. The
product also uses the Windows Print Manager for all printing – a widely
adopted industry standard. Given these facts, it is easy to see why so
many of Navision’s smaller customers choose to implement Navision on
this proprietary database.
Of course the Microsoft SQL Server database is the
most popular selling database today and it packs a powerful one-two
punch with the SQL Server and MSDE versions of the database. The MSDE
version is priced lower and requires less database administration which
makes it an excellent choice for smaller companies with up to 10
concurrent users. The Microsoft SQL Server database scales very high and
can easily meet the needs of a larger ERP class customer. There have
been many reports that companies have replaced their SAP installations
with Navision software and found Navision to be far faster and easier to
use than SAP.
Navision Financials utilizes Sum-Indexed Flow
Technology (SIFT). With this technology, amounts, balances and
statistics used in the application are always fully updated in the
database. The result is that when you want to see a statistic or produce
a report, the numbers do not need to be generated from a large number of
database entries.
Source Code - Navision is a 32-bit
application. The product is highly customizable and source code is
available for a very small fee. This single feature is perhaps the most
important feature to Navision’s success. Source code rights allow
resellers and end users to easily develop and adapt Navision to specific
industries or companies. For example Serenic software has developed a
not-for-profit version of Navision using Navision’s built-in
customization and source code tools. The results have been very
successful as Serenic Navigator is now considered to be the most
powerful not-for-profit solution available today.
Testing - The Company has never revealed
specific details about their internal product testing. However, many in
the industry report that Navision has been one of the most bug free
products, if not the most bug free product, in the world.
Note - As an interesting technology note,
Navision, and all its’ data, can be completely backed up – even when the
product is opened. In addition, the product can be completely
customized even when the product is open and being used by others.
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