Fractal:Server



Frequently Asked Questions



General
Further Information

What is Fractal:Server?


Fractal:Server is a middleware layer that preprocesses data on the server allowing you to deliver up-to-date, personalized Fractal Maps to connected clients. Please see the Fractal:Server Product Sheet for more information.

What are the system requirements for Fractal:Server?


Fractal:Server requires a PC running Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, Vista or Server 2008 and access to relevant data sources. The minimum hardware requirements are:
  • 1 GHz Processor
  • 256 MB RAM
Note: For large project data sources (> 10,000 items), a significantly faster processor and more RAM may be required to ensure satisfactory performance.

What does Fractal:Server currently not do?


Fractal:Server can not currently deliver true real-time (i.e. intra-second) data updates. For more information on client-based solutions for handling real-time data please contact us.

What can Fractal:Server be used for?


Fractal:Server can be used to disseminate Fractal Maps to a large audience or to preprocess large and/or commonly used Fractal Maps centrally to ease database loads.

How can I benefit from using Fractal:Server?


Fractal:Server provide a clear picture of overall performance along with the ability to quickly focus on key underlying drivers in an instant. This drives deeper analysis, allows real-time control of critical systems and enhances returns from your existing information resources. Please see the Fractal:Server Product Sheet for more information.

Is Fractal:Server expensive to deploy?


No, Fractal:Server is licensed via a one-off payment ensuring low ongoing cost of ownership. It is easy to install and work with so new users can get up and running within minutes with minimal IT support and little or no impact on the IT infrastructure.

What support and services are provided?


Fractal:Edge provides the following optional support and services:
  • project configuration;
  • product training;
  • product maintenance;
  • product support via email; and
  • development for extensions to the product if required.
Please contact us if you wish to receive more information about these services.

What data sources is Fractal:Server limited to?


Fractal:Server supports a wide range of enterprise data sources via Fractal:Edge's set of standards-based data adapters, allowing quick and easy configuration 'out-of-the-box'. Further data adapters can be created using the Fractal:SDK. Please see the section on Data Adapters for more information.

Can a Fractal:Server project query a variety of different data sets?


Yes, Fractal:Server can combine information from several different data sources simultaneously and 'on-the-fly' if necessary.

Can the end user reconfigure the Fractal Map 'on-the-fly'?


Yes, options are provided to manipulate the way that the Fractal Map is appears or behaves and these results are displayed immediately.

How long does it take to create a Fractal:Server project?


This depends on the size and structure of the data, but typically a large project can be created within half an hour and fully refined within a few hours.

What language is Fractal:Server written in?


The application itself is written in Windows 32-bit C++, but it can be scripted using any common server-side language such as ASP, Java, PHP and C#.

What platforms are supported by Fractal:Server?


Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, Vista and Server 2008.

If the structure of my data changes over time, will I be able to keep Fractal:Server up to date to accurately reflect the changes?


Yes, an existing project can typically be adjusted to reflect changes in the underlying data structure in a few minutes. If the structure remains unchanged and only the contents of the data source are updated, the new contents will be available immediately.

Is Fractal:Server easy to uninstall?


In the unlikely event you want to stop using Fractal:Server, or if you wish to clear your system before installing a newer version of the product, you can uninstall the application by selecting "Uninstall Fractal Intelligence" from your Start Menu (by default Program Files -> Fractal Edge -> Fractal Server 2.0 -> Uninstall Fractal Server), or by using Window's Add/Remove Programs feature in the Control Panel.

What are Fractal Maps?


A fractal is a simple pattern repeating at smaller and smaller size to create an intricate whole. Fractal Maps use circles arranged within circles to display structured data. Please see the Features and Benefits Sheet for more information.

Why are Fractal Maps Useful?


Fractal Maps can represent very large amounts of data onscreen without losing the detail. This expanded vision generates a level of contextual understanding and explanatory power not possible with other user interface techniques. Please see the Features and Benefits Sheet page for more information.

What can Fractal Maps be used for?


Fractal Maps can be used to navigate, analyse or manage almost any large, complex or fast moving data source. Fractal:Edge have created a number of products to allow you to apply Fractal Maps easily in situations where these conditions exist including:
  • Financial Services Front Office functions including fund management, trading, broking and risk management;
  • General Business Intelligence functions including financial control, compliance, operations monitoring;
  • Website and search engine navigation; and
  • PC, network and other device management.
Please see the Experience section for more information.

Do Fractal Maps have to be based on circles?


No, but a pattern based on circles is the most flexible fractal pattern we have discovered.
Please contact us if you wish to explore the use of Fractal Maps based on shapes other than circles.

What visual cues can be used in a Fractal Map to highlight particular values or patterns in the data?


A variety of visual cues can be used to highlight the values in one or more data fields, including colour, size, texture and associated icon.

Where can I get further information?


You can find additional information about Fractal:Server from the following sources:
 

The Fractal Map shown to the right is a simple map of the Fractal:Edge website. Each circle represents a page in the site starting with the largest, outer circle representing the homepage. If there are further links from that page they will be shown as smaller circles within it.

Fractal Map with the homepage highlightedBy moving your mouse over a circle and "hovering" over it (by keeping the mouse still) for a short time, you will see labels appear to show you the titles of the page you are hovering over (at 12 o'clock) and the pages it is linked to.

Clicking on a circle opens the relevant page in your browser window.

Fractal Map with the homepage highlightedIn addition, the Fractal Map will show a "crumb trail" for the page you are viewing by highlighting the relevant circles in red. The smallest red circle represents the page you are viewing and any "parent" pages higher up in the website structure will also be highlighted red showing you the route you would take to reach the page. Note that the homepage itself is never coloured red in this way.

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About the Fractal Map