Everest is an information system that collects and organizes data about alcohol and substance abuse prevention programs. Starling Consulting maximized functionality and security of Everest by fusing Internet and client/server technologies. It is designed to capture pre-program and post-program measurements of the effect of prevention efforts on participants in a secure, confidential manner. The system collects data and provides a before-and-after look at alcohol and substance abuse prevention program participants, typically for a Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. It can also be used to collect Minimum Data Set (MDS) data as set forth by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.

Everest enables users to create custom tests by combining groups of questions gauging participants' exposure to, and attitudes on risk or protective factors. When pre- and post-test data are matched, reports show the degrees of change in participant's attitudes and behaviors. Multiple post-tests can be given. Instant feedback means prevention efforts can be measured mid-way, and continued or adjusted accordingly. Prevention providers use the on-line (Internet) portion of the system to enter participant test responses and to view reports about those test results. The client/server screens were designed to be used by headquarters-based staff who support web application data needs.

The application is a mixture of standard client/server screens written in PowerBuilder 6.0 and a set of browser-enabled (web) screens for which we used Interdev 6.0 as a development environment. We developed pages using HTML, JavaScript and VBScript. The server environment was IIS 4.0 using ASP (Active Server Pages). The database is Microsoft SQL Server. For more detailed technical specifications read more.

As an additional convenience to our Everest customers, Starling Consulting now offers web hosting services, eliminating down time, and saving both time and money.