NetSPEX uses a standards database to store predefined
styles, attributes, drawing types, configurations, and
drawing components. This allows the standards content
to be both dynamic and current.
When a standards administrator makes changes to the
standards that are stored in the database, these changes
are immediately made available to both local and remote
design participants.
Because the information contained in a NetSPEX standards
database is distributed through a web server, the standards
database can be accessed from virtually anywhere. This
allows remote offices and consultants to be granted
access to the standard drawing components and other
resources stored in the standards database without a
LAN/WAN connection. In addition, off-line or part-line
users can access a snapshot of any NetSPEX standards
database. If an administrator makes changes to a standard,
a snapshot can be created from the main database and
sent to the off-line or part-line user on a CD or via
e-mail.
NetSPEX also provides the capability to set up multiple
mirror servers. This feature allows an organization
to maintain a primary standards server, and at predefined
intervals, push standards information to mirror servers
at remote offices. This database-driven distribution
model minimizes network traffic, ensures that standards
information is synchronized throughout the entire organization,
and reduces common concerns related to tracking, management,
and deployment of new or revised versions of a CAD standard.
Importing Standards into
the Database
To facilitate the population of the standards database
with information, NetSPEX supports import and export
of CAD standards to and from Excel® spreadsheets.
This enables a CAD administrator to develop standard
drawing types, layer structures, component types, and
component groups, as well as color, style, and weight
attributes. With the help of a few easy-to-use interface
wizards, the spreadsheet can be imported into the CAD
standards database. Changes to an existing standard
in a NetSPEX CAD standards database can be made directly
in NetSPEX Administrator, or if desired, the standard
- or portions thereof - can be exported to another spreadsheet
for editing purposes.
NetSPEX supports Microsoft
SQL Server®.