HYB: Database

From: Sharon McAllister <73372.1745@compuserve.com>

Phyllis Soine wrote:

>  Is the software you are referring to database software into which you
have to
>  put all the data?
>  Or is it software which contains all the data on iris pedigrees?  There
>  difference is significant, in terms of all the hours individuals must
spend
>  entering their own data into such data bases when the basic information
that
>  each individual is entering is the same.  All the redundancy wastes a
lot of
>  "irisarian time" that could be focused in different ways.

The difference is the distinction between software and the database it
works with.   

This is sofware designed for HYBRIDIZERS, not for the typical irisarian who
grows and shows only registered cultivars.   There is very little
redundancy because we are primarily interested in our own breeding stock
and examining "what if" scenarios.   No one could possibly provide me with
a database that includes all of MY OWN breeding stock, much less that of
all of the other active hybridizers.  What I need is a customized database
-- and I understand that I have to build it myself because I'm the only
person who has the information.  

As for duplication of effort, this software also has a provision for
sharing databases with other hybridizers.  For example, I could export a
file, send it to Walter, and he could simply merge my database with his.  
Which would be much easier for me than copying over 20 years of seedling
records for him if he asked for those pedigrees.  [I realize that not every
active hybridizer cares to share that much information, but I've never been
shy about answering questions about WHY I've made certain crosses.]

I mentioned named cultivars because that was what Walter was writing about,
but the ones that I ultimately register myself go into my database years
before anyone else knows anything about them -- and those registered by
others consistute only a very small portion of the entries. 

I realize that it would be convenient if this software could come with an
extensive database -- that's why I offered a copy of my own database as a
bonus with any purchase of the software through our catalog.   And it would
be VERY nice if whatever form of database that AIS chooses to publish is
compatible with existing software or the software could be modified to
access it.  

But the real power is in the software and I'm glad that I went ahead and
computerized my records when I did.  Otherwise, I'd have missed a lot of
crosses, had far fewer seedlings worthy of introduction -- and still be
waiting for an AIS database.

Sharon McAllister
73372.1745@compuserve.com

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