direct access

a method of reading data from a computer file without reading through the file from the beginning as on a disk or drum

direct access

[də′rekt ′ak·ses] (computer science) random access

direct access

(1) See Microsoft DirectAccess.

(2) The ability to read or write a specific storage location without having to go through any locations before or after it. Generally synonymous with "random access." Magnetic disks, SSDs, optical data discs and RAM are the primary direct access hardware in a computer.

Access Via Software First
Data are commonly accessed by first scanning an index or by a direct access computation that determines their storage addresses. See index, direct access method and random file.

Early Direct Access

Using a deck of 3x14" magnetic cards, NCR's CRAM was a direct access storage device in the 1960s. By the end of that decade, magnetic disks were becoming mainstream. See CRAM for more details. (Image courtesy of NCR Corporation.)

direct access

Permission to examine, analyse, verify and reproduce any records and reports critical in evaluating a clinical trial of a drug product or intervention. Parties (e.g., domestic and foreign regulatory authorities), a sponsor's monitors and auditors with direct access must take all reasonable precautions within the constraints of the applicable regulatory requirement(s) to maintain the confidentiality of subjects' identities and the sponsor's proprietary information.

direct access

Managed care adjective Referring to a Pt's ability to be treated by a specific provider without gatekeeper approval. See Gatekeeper.