Data Conversion
Different operating systems have different application software, and each application normally has its own internal way of saving data. There are some standards such as CSV files for databases and RTF files for word processing text, however, these are few and far between and often only save the basic information rather than the full structure. Other significant areas of incompatibility come from mainframe type applications that use EBCDIC and packed numbers to keep their data.
Conversion problems can arise with any interchange system, and although networks and the Internet can mask many media and format interchange problems, data incompatibility can still remain.
To determine the best route for your situation, you need to consider the following:If:
- The data cannot leave your facility, the conversion tasks may be repetitive but not too large in volume, the data may require some manipulation or interpretation on site, you can attach the tape drives concerned to a Windows 95, 98, 2000 or NT PC via SCSI to perform the work. If yes to all or some of these situations, MM/PC software may be the solution for you. A free trial download is available.
- The data can or may be allowed off site, you have inadequate resource to perform the conversion on site, the convesion task is large, the conversions are too complex for your company to easily tackle. If yes to all or some of these situations, you need to talk to one of our service centers in the USA or UK.