Question on some older Diagram Types

[ArtF]

Is there any way in this tool to do some of the older types of diagrams like ERDs and DFDs. The other question is there any way to import models from Erwin and Embarcadero to this tool? I. Thanks much.
                  ART

[thomaskilian]

You can use alternate notations for ERD (see the help). Regarding import I remember that it was NOT possible. But you should search the forum for ERWIN.

[KP]

EA 7.1 provides technology support for DFDs.

[Richard L. Warren]

I'm glad to see there is some interoperability, at least at the DFD level, but I'll have to wait until ERwin 7.3 (at least) before I can even run it again.  v7.2 and previous are totally INOP on Vista x64 and CA won't even commit to x64 support in 7.3...just x32 support...

[sargasso]

Hi Richard,

I'm currently evaluating Nizana's "dbWrench" www.dbwrench.com and Aquafold's "Data Studio" www.aquafold.comas alternatives in order to enhance our db modellers' attitude to life.

Caveat:
The evaluation basis is postgresql on linux.
Both are java based implementations.
Day 6 of 30 day eval.

Summaries:

PRODUCT: dbWrench
PLUS
- cheap
- stable
- exceptionally lucid and crystal clear diagramming
- features = 8/10
- useability = 9.5/10 (about a 3 minute read of the docs "will do")
- standouts (functional) forward and reverse engineering AND reverse synch (thank Huey it doesn't try to forward synch!)
- standouts (usage): data table viewer
- standouts: (usage)foreign key "snapping" in data viewer edit modes (brilliant for prototyping highly codified models!)

MINUS
- one "extremely-weird" issue seen so far (FK linking to correct attribute but displaying on another)
- constrained to IDEF0 (ymmv)
- quirk: main form doesn't dock properly at the bottom occasionally (can be corrected by re-docking)
- no visual (QBE) query designer  


Product: Data Studio
PLUS
- QBE query designer - nicely advanced
- features 8/10
- useability 8/10 (RTFM will help
- standouts (functional): coverage of postgres internals is complete
- multiple open connections (although this confused the heck out of me at first)

MINUS
- memory hungry? Mama Cass was anorexic!
- expensive (ymmv re ERwin etc   )
- no explain for postgresql

BIG CAVEATS
1) Both systems are a tad light on multi-user, it is possible to get quite out of synch with reality when more than one user is updating the same schemas.
2) Neither system provides any "out of context" annotation.  By this I mean that in EA you can add notes anywhere (e.g. WTF is this key here for???").  Both these products have the "final plan" attitude i.e. the model is the truth.

hth
bruce