FOCUS is a mainframe reporting tool that allows users to extract data from all of the major information systems of the University including HRS, ISIS, FMS, and SRIS. It is a programming language that looks very similar to SQL. However, since it is a mainframe application, it may seem intimidating to some. A menu front-end has been created to reduce the complexity of using FOCUS.

Main Focus Menu

Example of a FOCUS Program

FOCUS is meant to be a development environment for those who want to write their own extraction programs. These programs can be developed and debugged on the mainframe and then the program can be run through WebFOCUS to get output directly into Excel or Word.

Example of a FOCUS report display.

All of the Universities mainframe system files can be accessed through FOCUS (assumming that the relavent data steward has granted permission for the access).

Training is available and is usually conducted on a one-to-one basis or in a small group since the training is tailored to the users' specific needs.

Users who are interested in using FOCUS must obtain from Computer Business Services a license to install and use the Attachmate terminal emulation software.

For those who are not interested in creating their own extraction programs, WebFOCUS may offer a better reporting solution since it offers pre-designed reports that can be customized to some extent.