g open IVR systems designed to interface with specific database pro- grams. The use of ASCII for this purpose has diminished as a new interface called DDE has been developed. Any database that is DDE compliant can communicate with most IVRs. (DDE stands for Dynamic Data Exchange.) On-Board database: Some IVRs have the ability to exchange information with other programs that are running on the same server. If this is the case, then the IVR must be running on an operating system capable of running multiple applications simultaneously, such as Windows 2000, Windows NT or UNIX. Some IVRs can run a local database manager that allows the users of the IVR access to local relational data- bases for more complex applications. On-Board spreadsheet: In the same way that some IVRs can exchange information with other database programs run- ning on the same machine, they may also be able to exchange 174 * The Telecom Handbook CHAPTER 8 information with spreadsheet programs on the machine. The spreadsheets allow data access and manipulation. Advantages of using a local database are the following: Lower Development Cost: An application using a lo- cal database will most likely be less expensive to develop. You will not need to program for file access into a host machine. Less Complexity: Many of the local database applica- tions are less complex and therefore more easily developed, changed and supported. No Interaction With The Host Computer: Since there is no direct interface with the mainframe or server, there is no need for complex interaction between the IVR and the host. May Be Faster and More Responsive: Because no com- plex interface is required, the local database may be faster and more responsive than a host database system. Disadvantages of the local database: May Not Have Real Time Information Access: If the information in a local database is being uploaded or downloaded from a server or mainframe, the informa- tion on the IVR may not be completely current. Whether or not this is important depends upon the needs of th