• It's now possible to select data from other sources real time. There's no need for information technology staff to physically move data from transactional systems to a relational database on a routine or ad hoc basis.
• Users can now rely on one ad hoc query tool rather than purchasing the best of breed for each database they access. There's no costly purchase, implementation or maintenance of gateway products, which range in price from $15,000 to $120,000 per database.
• It allows a 360-degree view of data.
• It can be used to pump data into the data warehouse regardless of source location.
• It blows gateway tools out of the water. Simply put, there no longer is a need for them.
• It leverages existing systems. There's no need to rewrite or make major modifications to access data. For new applications, whether tactical or strategic, users can access all of the data required by end users regardless of location.
• It enhances and supports open data architecture.
• It allows users to create a materialized view if they really need a copy of the data locally.
• It allows users to join data in external databases just like they would in a local database table.
• It's totally platform independent -- it's Java.
• It works within the security model established.

"Real-Time Access of VOS Data Using Microsoft(r) Tools" - by Jim McFadden, President, WhiteCap Applications.
Would you like to access VOS data from a Microsoft(r) SQL Server, Microsoft Access, or Microsoft Visual FoxPro database? How about accessing real-time VOS data from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet? Maybe you are thinking about web-based access for VOS? Now you can do that, and more, with the Periscope Open Database Connection. Click here to read more.