Arete Software has designed a packaged central pupil database system named IMPULSE which is comprehensive in its approach to the new requirements, including the need to provide information which will significantly aid the task of improving educational standards. IMPULSE is designed to provide around 85% of the requirements of all LEA's, leaving some 15% to be tailored for specific requirements. It uses the best of modern technology and is a stable base for future developments to meet the changing requirements of the Education community.

IMPULSE is an Oracle based database system with a central core of data on pupils, establishments, assessment results, benchmarking, contextual data and financial data. Around the core are a number of modules for provision of operational systems like SEN, FSM, Transport and so on. The system comes with all necessary standard and statutory reports, including Form 7 in all of its variations. It also has special tools with which to drill down into the data and provide information that will support planners and advisers and provide information to support under or over achievement.