SIMPLIFIED INTERFACE FOR RELATIONAL DATABASE ACCESS USING OPEN DATABASE CONNECTIVITY

A user interface is provided to a relational database to provide simplified data access for users. A user input/output device interacts with an application tool accessible via a computer. A template accessible to the application tool via an API or native interface provides a selection of attributes corresponding to a particular category. The attributes specify information obtainable from data stored in the relational database and are selectable using the application tool. The template is responsive to attributes selected using the application tool, for retrieving data from the relational database and forwarding the data to the application tool via the API or native interface. The template is independent of the application tool, thereby enabling the user interface to access information from the relational database using any of a plurality of different application tools. Functions are also provided for use in calculating complex attributes from data contained in the database, where the complex attribute is not itself contained in the database.