Support : Publications : Chronolog Archives : May 2001

New Features on DataStar™

New features on DataStar generate better-tailored solutions for every user. The ability to host internal, or "private," information as a DataStar database has been available for some time, offering a common platform from which to access both internal information and DataStar content.

PrivateStar—Private File Hosting

The new PrivateStar feature lets you automatically upload DataStar content into your Private (PRIV) File.

Any DataStar database with ERA (electronic redistribution and archiving) rights may be used to feed information into your PRIV file. You can combine this data with your own research material and information from other external sources. For example, you may want to create a Private File to track the progress of your pharmaceutical competitor's product line. Your Private File can combine biomedical research articles from MEDLINE (database label: MEDL), drug pipeline reports from Pharmaprojects (PHAR), a company financial profile from ICC (ICFF), and news coverage of that company from World Reporter (REPO).

Special Features. There are two important additional features. You can annotate documents in your Private File—perhaps to include descriptive keywords or to make user-specific comments. This aids in finding the archived information later.

Administering your Private File. Each user number can have only one Private File. The manager or administrator loads data into the PRIV through Alerts (..ALERT) or Deliver (..DELIVER). The manager can also access a web-based utility where he/she can upload external information by copying and pasting it into the appropriate PRIV fields.

With the launch of PrivateStar, it will be possible to upload into the Private File from the classic DataStar system and the upload utility. The PRIV database, however, can be accessed through all interfaces, including DataStarWeb. More information on how to make the most of PrivateStar can be found in the BASE database—search as BASE-PRIV, or from the PRIV datasheet on the Dialog web site.

DataStar SearchForms

Another new capability that allows users to tailor access to DataStar information is DataStar SearchForms. With this feature, users can replace the standard search page of DataStarWeb and gain access through a unique URL.

Using SearchForms, you can

• Modify the look and feel of the DataStar search
• Specify which databases to access
• Describe which fields to search
• Identify index terms to use
• Direct the search to a Private File

Private File Hosting and SearchForms make the power of DataStar more accessible for every user. For more information on these new features, including pricing details, contact your local representative.

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