Q: What could a Patented, Rule Based, Master Data Management System that offers is Interoperable, Virus Immune, and a Hacker Proof platform do for you?

A: As a Master Data Management System IQware allows for data mining and data scrubbing controlled on the fly with rules, not written code and can do this with any data source. With IQware, "business process experts" can set the rules (without writing code) for controlling function and presentation and deliver an application that addresses the real needs of the business. This eliminates the "traditional" software development cycle of write code/compile/test/debug over and over again and the associated time and cost.

IQware's system will save you time and money. IQware's rule-based architecture is flexible. Rather than traditional programming, a set of 'rules' govern IQware's operation. This feature is fundamental to the architecture of IQware and is also one of the primary reasons for IQware's tremendous flexibility. By design, IQware's system can be reconfigured as needed so it can adapt to radical changes in its operational requirements and/or its deployment environment.

IQware can also adapt to significant changes in the tasks that the system is required to do. This eliminates the need for extremely expensive re-design, re-programming and re-deployment of large-scale software systems. IQware's design also ensures 100% continuity of operations - even while reconfiguration underway. This is a unique advantage of IQware and makes it suitable for all critical infrastructure applications.

Q: What do you mean by "Rule-based"?

A: We mean that a set of rules - rather than formal programming - is used to specify and control the operation of the IQware system, as delivered. This feature is fundamental to the architecture of IQware and is also one of the primary reasons for IQware's tremendous flexibility.

Traditional software applications are developed through design and programming efforts. Nearly all decisions are made at compile time, and only a very restricted set of user inputs is allowed at run-time. There is almost no provision for significantly altering the behavior of the delivered system in response to significant changes in the operational environment and/or significant changes in the tasks that the system needs to correctly perform. In such cases, the existing software system must usually be discarded and a new software system must be designed, built and deployed. This is always an expensive undertaking and results in a serious loss of operational capability and continuity. The never-ending "code-compile-test-debug" loop always drains dollars and delays delivery.

In contrast, IQware's rule-based architecture is far more flexible. The tools for easy reconfiguration are intrinsic to IQware's design. In this way it can adapt to radical changes in its operational requirements and/or its deployment environment. This eliminates the need for extremely expensive re-design, re-programming and re-deployment of large-scale software systems. IQware's design also ensures 100% continuity of operations - even while reconfiguration is underway. This is a unique advantage of IQware and makes it suitable for all critical infrastructure applications.

Q: Can I integrate my legacy data and legacy software with IQware's software system?

A: Yes, IQware's software system easily integrates with existing systems without outside help or tech work.

Q: What happens if our system requirements change? Do I need to re-code, re-compile, re-test, re-debug my software?

A: No, not with IQware. If you were using a traditional software application approach, your pharmacy would have to re-engineer, re-compile, re-test and "re-debug" its existing application. Having to go back to your IT department every time you want something changed and going through this painful process is expensive and time-consuming.

IQware eliminates this disruption by solving the problem of ongoing, never-ending costly error-prone software development by offering a patented software that is flexible, interoperable, and displays immediate results whenever a change is made. IQware breaks the vicious software development cycle and lets you keep pace with a changing environment, allowing you to focus on your customers. IQware understands these issues and provides a comprehensive solution.

Q: How easy is it to use IQware software?

A: Very easy. On the user side, IQware is rule-based so it is configured to act exactly as you want it to act. By setting up the rules, IQware functions in an intuitive way that makes sense for your specific operations. The rules control how the IQware's screens "look and feel". The rules control how and where IQware gathers data, how it analyzes data and how it presents information to you.

On the configuration side, IQware is also very easy to use. The rules are set up graphically so you can see what you are doing as you do it. There is no lengthy, error-prone "code-compile-test" loop.

Q: How easy is it to deploy IQware?

A: It depends upon the application (of course) but it is quite simple. IQware's rule base can be centrally deployed. Why does this matter? Well, if you have a large number of users and/or they are geographically distributed, then a central deployment means that there is never a need to slide a DVD/CD into each machine to install/use/upgrade or react to a changing environment. For command center and first responder applications, this ability is critical because it ensures that as the operational picture changes, everyone sees it right away.

Q: What happens when I upgrade my current software or Operating System?

A: Nothing. IQware's intelligent software works equally well on all systems and platforms, you do not need to upgrade IQware software for improved functionality for it to work flawlessly. IQware's software is designed for exactly this kind of event.

Q: Do I need to replace my existing system when using IQware?

A: No, but you will want to utilize IQware's secure server (the TCB) in order to take full advantage of the intelligence added to your software. IQware's software is secure, but it cannot secure poorly or badly designed software from itself.

No one else can either - despite the frequent claims

When you install IQware under your insecure software, it will now be placed on a solid foundation. Applying it the other way around will never make anything secure.

Q: My app is already web-based; all I need is a web browser to be interoperable, correct?

A: IQware is also browser-viewable so there is no issue there. The real problem remains "How easy is it to change your dedicated app to respond to a new market or operational need?" Because IQware is rule-based, making major configurational changes to its operation is straightforward. A web-based app must still be re-designed, re-built and even re-deployed to add new functionality or operational capability.

Another very serious problem is security. Web-based apps are not secure, and encryption does not make them secure. The web browser simply interprets an HTML string (or XML string) and implements the instructions contained therein, which may include the launching of JAVA (or similar) applets. The problem with that approach is that sensitive information is contained in an XML/HTML string. A well-written spyware app can easily access this information (in decrypted form) and send it anywhere. This is a growing problem across all markets.

Q: What do you mean by "Interoperable"?

A: IQware can be launched from any client platform, including Windows, UNIX, Linux, Apple, and Sun machines. There is no need to install a new piece of software for each specific platform - in sharp contrast to nearly everyone else. This feature can save you a tremendous amount of time, money and headaches as you do not need separate software, separate license agreements, and separate installations, or new software which requires re-testing, re-debugging, re-checking and re-writing. IQware is coded so that it makes API calls only to the "common core" that all O/S have (e.g., a subset of the IEEE/POSIX standards, for example). IQware's architecture is patented and unique in this regard.

Standard dedicated applications are not interoperable - you have to purchase and install different versions of software for each platform. With IQware, you can upgrade your computers and operating systems at any time and be confident that IQware will function perfectly.

Q: How is IQware able to work with all desktop and emerging wireless technologies without requiring upgrades?

A: IQware is client-server. Its "client piece" is coded so that it makes API calls only to the "common core" that all O/S's have (e.g., a subset of the IEEE/POSIX standards, for example). IQware's architecture is patented and unique in this regard.

Q: I can buy programs for each one of the platforms we use, why is IQware better?

A: There are several reasons.

First, IQware works equally well on all platforms; you only need to install and maintain one version. Since you do not need separate software, separate license agreements, separate installations, or new software which requires re-testing, re-debugging, re-checking and re-writing, you are saved tremendous amounts of time, money, and hassle.

Standard dedicated applications are not interoperable - you have to purchase and install different versions of software for each platform. You will have to spend more time and money deploying their software.

Second, other applications are not secure. By using such applications for critical medication therapy management functions, your patient's data, your data and your operational capabilities are at risk. This exposure may be extreme and your recourse is minimal. Security must be designed in from the ground up. It cannot simply be "bolted on" and be 100% effective. Please click here to view an in-depth PDF presentation on common risks and how IQware protects against them.

Third, IQware can be centrally deployed and managed so that changes in the rules can take effect almost immediately to the deployed system. The vast majority of competing applications are not rule-based, so they are very difficult and expensive to modify as your needs change. IQware gets you off of the merry-go-round of non-stop, expensive, error-prone software development.

Q: Does your software require anything special?

A: IQware can work with your existing systems, but we require you to use our secure server (the TCB) to ensure data protection.

Q: Aren't the same functions that IQware delivers available in other programs?

A: Not necessarily. Certainly, a dedicated application can do some of what IQware does, but when regulations, audit requirements, reporting formats, business needs, operational requirements or deployment platforms change, what then? The dedicated application must either be rewritten or discarded. Either way, it costs a significant amount of time and money to adapt - not to mention the disruption to your ongoing business operations. This situation is so bad that many organizations are forced to find cumbersome "work-arounds" because their IT systems cannot adapt to new functional requirements and operational needs.

IQware eliminates this disruption and lets you keep pace with a changing environment. IQware's rule-based architecture means that rules, rather than traditional programming, govern IQware's operation. These rules control data acquisition, data analysis, data presentation and data storage. By changing the rules, you change how IQware behaves. These changes may be made while IQware is running. These rules also let IQware deploy across any client platform, including all Windows, Linux, Apple, and Sun machines.

Q: Does using IQware mean I have to learn new software?

A: It depends on how you plan to use IQware, but if you configure IQware properly, then you can continue to interact with your software the same way that you do now. Of course, should you want to change the interaction so that fewer steps or "mouse clicks" are needed to get something done, IQware can handle that easily. With IQware, you are in complete control.

Q: How does IQware eliminate information silos?

A: IQware can access data from multiple systems so the integration part is not the problem. The actual elimination of the stovepipes comes from IQware's unique ability to permit information sharing without losing control of that information. IQware's careful use of the TCB's security mechanism permits object marking and access checking at the lowest software operational layer. Therefore, information objects can be "marked" and the access to these objects controlled according to the desired security policy. The enforcement occurs via the TCB's proven security measures using a reference monitor to control all object accesses. Note that all activities may be tracked, monitored, controlled and audited. While sharing information and eliminating stovepipes is considered a "requirement" for many projects, it is truly an intrinsic function of IQware.

Q: How does IQware solve the problem of costly custom code development?

A: Because IQware avoids the common pitfall of Code-Compile-Test-Debug that all other programs suffer from:

Code-Compile-Test-Debug

 

This process is drains dollars and delays delivery.

It is the Achilles heel of all software development.

This process should not only be avoided - it should be prevented. IQware does exactly that. Having to go back to your IT department every time you want something changed and going through this painful process is also expensive and time-consuming.

 

Q: What does "Secure and Virus Immune" mean?

A: It means that IQware's fundamental operation will not be compromised by any desktop virus, worm, script file or other malicious software. IQware's "Trusted Computing Base" (TCB) is rated DoD B2/C2 (depending on the version).Further, IQware's TCB was rated as "Cool & Unhackable" at DEFCON 2001 held in Las Vegas (see www.defcon.org).

IQware's unique software is designed from the ground up to be secure. It uses the TCB's proven security attributes to ensure compliance with object access and activity audit trail requirements. Other competing MDM/BI systems are not designed this way, so they inherit all the bad attributes of the operating system and any other "built-in" software products that they may have used.

Software that has not been built correctly from the beginning cannot be 100% secured because the flaws are built-in. In order to "fix the problem", all existing applications would have to be discarded and redesigned from the ground up. The huge installed base prevents this activity from happening because of the tremendous cost and inconvenience. Software makers are simply not willing to expend that kind of time and money on this, so their software continues to have flaws and is vulnerable to attacks from computer viruses, cyber attacks, lapses in computer security, etc.

A good analogy is trying to build a house on a faulty foundation - no matter what the carpenters do, the house can still fail structurally. IQware's foundation is secure and its entire architecture is secure, so using IQware keeps users free of unwanted intrusions and faults.

Q: Why is IQware's architecture important?

A: Software's architecture is its DNA. Chimp-like software has a primitive architecture which is why it is inflexible. IQware's intelligent architecture is "better DNA" and is the key to its performance and flexibility. IQware's architecture transcends the specific software module implementation and its corresponding realization through actual coding. IQware's architecture, implementation and realization are all functionally segregated which produces an operationally integrated software system.

IQware can thus easily adapt to new and emerging secure server platforms with few (if any) changes. IQware can also take advantage of new development environments as they emerge. Further, IQware easily deals with new deployment environments and mechanisms without any changes in its data structures or internals.

Q: Is IQware a Development Tool or an Application?

A: IQware is both. IQware is both a stand-alone application and a tool to field a dedicated application that delivers the right data to the right place at the right time. IQware is rule-based which means that the services and functions that IQware delivers are controlled by rules. When you change a rule, you change what IQware does - no programming required. Using rules, IQware acts as a dedicated application that handles Master Data Management (MDM) operations, including Business Intelligence (BI), command/control center data operations and all other data acquisition, analysis, presentation and archiving functions.

The vast majority of dedicated "data handling" applications are really subsets of MDM and BI functions. That is why most of these applications start out as "home-grown" spreadsheet macros - or JAVA web applets - and then expand over time to a standalone application. The trouble with that approach is its lack of flexibility, scalability and power. That approach creates "islands of automation" where it may work on one system but cannot be shared across multiple (disparate) platforms or deployed across many simultaneous users. That approach also results in "hard-coded" business rules and an application that that cannot be "scaled-up" as the need for its services grows. Finally, that approach has little security and cannot be made secure.

IQware understands these issues and provides a complete solution. IQware grows as your needs grow, is secure and platform-independent.

Q: Is IQware a security tool?

A: No. IQware is an inherently secure software system. IQware's security is built in from the ground up. It is secure and virus-immune because it is designed that way, it is not a security blanket or band-aid to use after the fact. Effective security requires proper architecture, coding and deployment of the O/S, the application and all layers in between. A secure system must feature:

Policy

  • Security Policy - System must enforce a well-defined security policy.
  • Marking System must associate all objects with access control labels (sensitivity & access modes).

Accountability

  • Identification - System must identify individuals and their various authorizations in a secure manner.
  • Audit Trail - System must keep & protect audit trail so actions may be traced to responsible party.

Assurance

  • Evaluation System must have hardware/software mechanisms that can be independently evaluated to assure that policy & accountability are enforced.
  • Continuous Protection - System must continuously protect trusted mechanisms that enforce policy & accountability from tampering.

Q: Can I deploy the software myself?

A: Yes, but we recommend that we assist you the first time and show you how to do it correctly.

Q: Will IQware make my existing software system more intelligent?

A: The architecture of a software system - its "DNA" - determines the software's intrinsic capabilities. Good architecture means good capabilities and poor architecture means poor capabilities. Unfortunately, IQware cannot change your existing software's DNA. Whatever genetic defects were designed into the existing systems will remain. The good news is that using IQware, your organization can be more productive, efficient and adaptable. After all, that's what really matters.

Q: What sources of rules and information can IQware utilize?

A: IQware's rules come from various sources. The rules are informally categorized based on the areas of IQware's operation(s) that they control. The categories of items that are governed by rules are the following:

  • Interactive data presentation and display
  • Data acquisition and some pre-filtering
  • Data analysis
  • Menu items and corresponding operations
  • Report output and formatting
  • Database queries, data source(s) and related operations
  • Database organization, structure and datatypes

Q: Why is IQware's design so much more intelligent than the other guys'?

A: IQware's software is adaptable - the hallmark of intelligence. We combined three existing technologies that together provide the flexibility, adaptability and security that you need. We did not reinvent the wheel. IQware's core technologies are:

  1. Rule-based architecture
  2. Interoperable client
  3. Secure design

The key to intelligence is adaptability. IQware's software can morph into the solution you need by proper rule-based configuration. IQware's software adapts to the changing operational and deployment landscape: If you are dealing with inferior software, if your software isn't smart enough, we can give it more IQ!

Q: What security mechanisms does IQware utilize?

A: Click here

Q: Can I talk to a live person if I have questions?

A: Absolutely! Just call (330) 659-3272.

And you can always contact us