Latest news with #SQLServer


Forbes
15-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
From QuickBooks To ChatGPT: How To Turn Your Software Stack Into A Smart AI Assistant
A data analyst using technology AI for working tool for data analysis Chatbot Chat with AI, You run a small business and every tech expert in the universe is telling you to "embrace AI" and warning that if you don't, you're going to fail. They're a little dramatic. But they're not wrong. So you have two choices. You can wait for your software vendors to develop AI features on top of their applications. Or you can build your own. Unless you're a huge corporation with lots of resources, building your own AI system was not a great option even as recently as a year ago. But there's been a significant change in the tools available. Let's say you're using an accounting system like Epicor, Dynamics, Sage, or QuickBooks Enterprise for your quotes, orders, invoices, inventory and payables management. And let's say you're using a CRM software like Zoho, Salesforce, Insightly or HubSpot for your sales and marketing. Can you turn these systems into an AI based system so that you can query all of this data like you can do with ChatGPT? The answer is yes. But it's still complicated and expensive for many small businesses. However, if you want to consider this option, then here are 6 not-so-easy steps you'll need to take to do so. You're not going to do this on your own and all the remaining steps will require a human to bring the apps, tools and data together. A good developer will cost you $150K-$200K annually. The good news is that - thanks to AI - many tech firms (see Meta) and the government (see DOGE) are laying off developers. So there's talent available. How do you want to use your data like ChatGPT? You're going to want to think of all the prompts you'll be doing like "give me the status of a customer order" or "based on prior projects how would I price this project?" or "what materials can we substitute to manufacture this product?" or "how much machine time should I consider for this job?" This will keep you focused on results. Just like you would license a database like SQL Server to write an application, you'll instead need to license an LLM (Large Language Model) to be your ChatGPT. There are lots of options available and that's an entirely different article I could write. But you should know the big players: OpenAI, Llama, Anthropic, Google, Microsoft. All of these companies will deliver to you a ready to go LLM model that can be populated with your data and trained. Now the really hard part. You will need to use the APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) provided by your accounting and CRM vendors to move data from these systems into your LLM. Or you can consider out-of-the-box data integration tools like Zapier, Fivetran, Airbyte, Talend or Make. Or your developer can write custom scripts. LLM's are different than databases. A database has tables with rows and columns of data. In an LLM data is unstructured. So instead of having an invoice record showing date, customer, amount and description, an LLM would have the same information but in the format of 'on June 12, 2024 Acme Corporation was invoiced $354.60 for dry goods.' This information needs to be indexed so it can then be prompted. Tools like LlamaIndex or LangChain can turn this data into unstructured chunks that can be queried. Key information about this data needs to be stored in a 'vector' database using tools like Pinecone, Weaviate or Chroma. Different than an LLM – which is considered to be the 'brain' that understands and generates language – a vector database is a filing cabinet, or a type of database that helps computers quickly find things that are similar to each other - like finding a photo that looks like another photo, or a sentence that means something similar to another sentence. It works by turning things like text, images, or sounds into sets of numbers (called vectors) and then comparing those numbers to find the closest matches. LLMs and vector databases work together. Metadata filters then need to be created to make that happen. You'll also need to schedule workflows to update data from your accounting and CRM systems into your vector database and LLM so that your queries are using the most recent information available. I'm simplifying this whole process. There's more work involved. And there are licensing costs which can be significant depending on your data needs and usage. All of this should be investigated in advance and before you get started. Now do you see why you need a developer? ChatGPT has a very simple user interface. But there's a lot going on behind the scenes so that it can translate the prompts we submit into a format that its LLM understands. You don't have to build this from scratch. You can use dashboards like Streamlit, Gradio or ChatGPT's custom interfaces. Or you can develop and embed the interface into Microsoft Teams or Google Gemini. Your custom interface would need security to limit data access to users based on their logins and roles. Authentication, encryption and audit logs also need to be created and maintained. Do you notice how ChatGPT and other chatbots are becoming better at answering questions? That's because, since their introduction in 2022, there's been countless millions of queries made to their LLMs and with each query the system gets smarter. The same goes for your system. Your users will need to test and train and review and help your AI system become smarter too. I recently showed these steps to a client and they were overwhelmed by its complexity. They're not wrong: it is complex. But it is something that can be done with the right developer in place using the right tools, including the ones I've mentioned above. For smaller companies that don't want to wait for their software vendors to catch up, or for those that have data stored in multiple places and need to consolidate to truly build a meaningful generative AI system there is now a (somewhat) affordable path. All of this will take time. Probably a year. Do you do this? Do you wait? At least now you have options.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Procede Software Introduces the Next Release of Its Industry-Leading Intelligent DMS Platform, Excede v10.5
The latest release enables seamless integration with world-class technology platforms and adds intelligent features that empower dealerships to work more efficiently and boost performance. SAN DIEGO, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Procede Software, a leading heavy-duty commercial vehicle dealer management system (DMS) and solutions provider, today announced the release of the next iteration of Excede architecture, Excede v10.5. This evolution enhances workflows while maintaining an intuitive user experience and establishes a foundation for continuous performance optimization while leveraging best- in-class platforms. The release introduces new features and powerful enhancements for faster decision making, a better customer experience, and increased profitability. "The latest release of Excede v10.5 marks an important milestone in our product evolution, as we continue to integrate powerful technologies into one centralized, user-centric environment," said Procede CEO Larry Kettler. "We continue to reinforce our commitment to increase interoperability with modern technology platforms to elevate our customers' performance and unify the user experience, laying an even stronger foundation for future innovation." For over 20 years, Procede has been building on the powerful and stable Microsoft® SQL Server architecture of Excede® DMS and drilling down to deliver the features and functionality dealerships depend on to remain competitive in an ever-evolving market. With the Excede v10.5 release, Procede continues to leverage partnerships with world-class, innovative technology platforms, including Microsoft for SQL Server and Power BI for reporting. Combined with the application of Procede's user-centered design, this strategy creates a robust, scalable solution with features and workflows that closely align with customer needs and expectations. Through its Insider Program, Procede involves dealership subject matter experts and daily Excede users in the product development process to capture and prioritize enhancements that will drive their businesses and the industry forward. Eric Fortin, Senior Vice President of Product, said, "Our close collaboration with Procede Insiders focuses our investment where it delivers maximum value to customers," He continued, "The Excede v10.5 platform reflects the combined expertise of our customer base and directly addresses what dealerships demand to operate more efficiently and to gain a competitive advantage." The Excede v10.5 release creates a foundation for faster iteration of features and lays the groundwork for future artificial intelligence that enhances a dealership's ability to plan, predict, and perform. The release introduces functionality advancements across every dealership department, including: Service enhancements that eliminate double entry of records, streamlining the estimation process Parts enhancements that reduce errors and guesswork Accounting enhancements that eliminate the need to generate multiple reports Global changes include a cloud-based Procede Help Portal that gives users easy access to up-to-date documentation without requiring a software update. In addition, Procede has delivered major enhancements to its third generation Lease Rental Solution by leveraging expertise gained from previous iterations and extensive user feedback over the past 20 years. This latest version integrates new and existing Lease Rental department functionality seamlessly into Excede, centralizing the user experience and streamlining workflows with a unit-centric approach. All Lease Rental functionality, from daily operations to reporting and preventive maintenance, is now inherent within Excede, benefiting from the core product's improvements such as enhanced performance, better UX/UI, and access to advanced technology platforms. Excede v10.5 Is Immediately Available for Dealerships Seeking to Upgrade More than 85% of Procede Software's customers upgrade to the latest version with each major release. To immediately begin taking advantage of the new functionality available in Excede v10.5, please contact customersuccess@ About Procede Software Since 2001, Procede Software has been a leading provider of enterprise-level Dealer Management Solutions for the heavy-duty truck and ancillary markets. Serving dealer locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia, the industry's leading dealerships trust Excede to run their business because of its full functionality across all dealership departments, high reliability, and strong integration with their OEM providers. Excede, its powerful DMS, leverages the strength of Microsoft® SQL technology to provide advanced Windows® and browser-based applications with real-time information. Learn more about Procede Software at and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. Media ContactJen YorkProcede Softwaremarketing@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Procede Software Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DataNumen Unveils Enhanced SQL Recovery 7.3 to Combat Database Corruption Challenges
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - March 18, 2025) - DataNumen, Inc., a pioneer in data recovery solutions since 2001, today announced the release of DataNumen SQL Recovery 7.3, a significant update to its flagship software designed to address the pervasive issue of SQL Server database corruption. This latest version introduces groundbreaking features to maximize data retrieval, ensuring businesses and IT professionals can mitigate losses caused by damaged or inaccessible databases. DataNumen SQL RecoveryTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Key Enhancements in Version 7.3 Text-based Recovery Fallback: Export user objects to text files when direct database recovery is hindered (e.g., syntax errors in object definitions). Enhanced Recovery Rates: Optimized algorithms extract more data from severely compromised databases. Bug Fixes: Improved stability and performance across Windows OS environments, including Windows 11 and Server 2022. Who Needs DataNumen SQL Recovery? Database Administrators (DBAs) & IT Teams - Protect and recover critical SQL Server databases efficiently. Data Recovery & Computer Repair Professionals - Offer best-in-class SQL database recovery services. Business Owners & Enterprise Users - Safeguard business-critical financial, customer, and operational data. Support Centers & IT Consultants - Assist clients in restoring their SQL databases with high success rates. Why Choose DataNumen SQL Recovery? DataNumen SQL Recovery boasts an unmatched 92.60% recovery rate, the highest in the industry, significantly outperforming competitors in restoring corrupted SQL Server databases. Additionally, it offers the Best Recovery Guarantee, ensuring a full refund if any other software recovers more data, providing users with complete confidence in its performance. Other key features include: Comprehensive Recovery Features - Recovers tables, indexes, deleted records, and all other SQL Server objects. Direct Recovery from Disk Images - Supports database recovery even from raw disk or drive image files. Broad SQL Server Compatibility - Supports SQL Server 2005 and higher versions. For more information, visit: About DataNumen Founded in 2001, DataNumen is a leader in data recovery innovation, with solutions trusted by Fortune Global 500 companies and cited in leading technical publications. Case studies, media reports, and accolades underscore its reputation. Discover more about DataNumen. Links: Company website: Product page: Download: Download DataNumen SQL Recovery Media Contact: Alan ChenDataNumen, Inc.E-Mail: pr@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio

Associated Press
05-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Skyvia Achieves Key 2024 Milestones Including 30bn Records Processed Monthly, Over 200 Connectors, and 380+ Global Partners
Skyvia, the most comprehensive data integration platform, has wrapped up 2024 results with several key milestones, strengthening its position as a trusted leader in the Data Integration industry. Prague, Czechia, February 5, 2025 -- Skyvia's Key Achievements in 2024: 30 Billion Records Processed Per Month: Skyvia continues to handle massive data volumes smoothly, enabling businesses to streamline operations and make data-driven decisions. 200+ Pre-Made Connectors: Expanding its library of connectors, Skyvia now supports seamless integration across an even broader range of cloud applications, databases, and data warehouses. 2,000+ Loyal Customers and Thousands of Freemium Users: Trusted by organizations across industries, Skyvia empowers businesses of all sizes with its accessible and efficient solutions. 380+ Global Partners: Collaboration with partners worldwide highlights Skyvia's commitment to delivering value and innovation to its customers. 10-Year Anniversary: In 2024, Skyvia marked a decade of contributing to the Data Integration industry. Recognition and Awards With a focus on cost efficiency, ease of use, and flexibility, Skyvia's suite of integration, backup, and automation tools has received numerous industry recognitions: Moving forward, Skyvia continues its mission to democratize the Data Integration market and create user-friendly solutions that work for both business users and IT specialists. Skyvia is a no-code cloud data integration platform for ETL, ELT, Reverse ETL, data migration, one-way and bi-directional data sync, workflow automation, real-time connectivity, and more. Benefits of Using Skyvia: Cost efficiency: With affordable, flexible pricing plans for each product, Skyvia suites for businesses of any size. Ease of Use: Based on extensive customer feedback, ease of use is Skyvia's strongest quality. Flexibility: Skyvia provides adaptable, no-code integration tools for both basic and advanced business scenarios Trust: Skyvia is trusted by thousands of data-driven organizations around the globe. With a vast library of 200+ connectors, Skyvia provides seamless integration among various cloud applications, databases, and data warehouses, including Salesforce, Dynamics CRM, QuickBooks Online, SQL Server, Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery, and others. Key Solutions: ETL, ELT, and Reverse-ETL Workflow Automation SaaS Backup & Restore Real-Time Connectivity Online SQL Query Builder For more information, visit Skyvia's website. Contact Info: Name: Nataliia Polomkina Email: Send Email Organization: Skyvia Release ID: 89152320 In the event of detecting errors, concerns, or irregularities in the content shared in this press release that require attention or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we kindly request that you inform us promptly by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will promptly address your feedback within 8 hours and take necessary actions to resolve any identified issues diligently or guide you through the removal process. Providing accurate and dependable information is our utmost priority.