networking issues

[Mark Campbell]

I have a small 3 person consulting engineering firm and have used Alpha 4 to maintain internal project information and telephone databases on a single macine for a number of years. I like its speed and flexibility. I have also one copy of Alpha 5 v 4.03, but have never used it due to the increased complexity of the GUI (ironic isn't that!?).

We have no need to develop applications for other users, and have relatively modest database needs. My administrative assistant is intimidated by non-GUI interfaces, and we are going to finally network our machines in-house, as well as set up a VPN for our off-site accountant to maintain our Peachtree Books on a file server. The question is this: We don't need on-going development; our database editing will be limited to one individual. However, it would be desireable to have reporting access available to perhaps 5 people, but non-concurrently. All of the product options appear way too powerful and too expensive for our modest needs.

We have examined switching to mySQL (powerful, flexible, but non-friendly), FileMaker Pro 7 (less powerful than Alpha 5 but enough for our needs, sold as a network available package, popular usage) and converting to active use of Alpha 5 (powerful, friendly, but not networkable for even limited use without buying a whole lot more power than we need.)

I need some compelling advice to stay with Alpha systems for our limited needs. Can you help?

Thanks,

Mark Campbell, P.E.
RTE Technologies, Inc.

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: networking issues

Mark,

I suggest you download the test drive version of Alpha Five Version 5 and play with it over the holiday weekend. They really beefed up the action scripting capabilities for non-programmers. Permits folks to build the types of applications you are describing using a menu driven (well, point & click anyway) system.

Version 6 of Alpha Five is expected to be released soon, too. It's possible I suppose that the pricing on Vers 5 will drop a bit when Vers. 6 comes out.

Any Windows based database development system will involve a learning curve for you. Version 5 of Alpha Five substantially flattens it vis-a-vis the other database systems you're considering.

-- tom

[Mark Campbell]

RE: networking issues

Tom,

Thanks for your quick response. While usability is not trivial, it actually is the minor issue. My real concern is that from my own review of the Alpha Products offered, I am going to be required to purchase fairly powerful, multi-user versions of Alpha 5 or whatever, just so my employees can look up current phone numbers in the centralized company file server database! It seems like I am going to be using pile drivers to install tiny tacks.......

One workaround (that I do not like), is to purchase a single user desktop version of Alpha to maintain and manipulate the databases, then publish reports that are posted on the file server for reference. I need a low power copy on the file server for people to simply access information, NOT manipulate,... or a low cost, moderate DBMS, that can be installed on a small workgoup file server. It doesn't even have to support concurrent users, just be available to less than 10 other networked desktop machines, one at a time.

Mark C.

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: networking issues

Mark,

The full version of Alpha Five v5 would be the developer version... used to create and maintain the app.

The runtime version of Alpha Five v5 would be installed on the workstations.

You'd need licenses for both.

-- tom

[Ken L Herrold]

RE: networking issues

Mark:

Tom's got the idea.

Pricing as he suggests looks like you could have the Full verion at 349.00 and the three-runtime verson for 399.00 - 748.00 for the package. That seems steep until you consider that these programs keep giving and giving and giving right along with your growing needs. Stretch the cost over three years and the 250.00 per year doesn't seem that much.

Consider how long you've been running A4 - it doesn't owe you a dime.

Just some thoughts I've been running for my own needs.

Ken

[Mark Campbell]

RE: networking issues

On the other hand, I can install mySQL, convert my DBF's, edit to obtain the relational links, then use PERL on my desktops to access simple reports using browser style pages. Certainly less "user" friendly to set up and to create the simple reports that we need, but quite a cost advantage (almost zero $). In addition, I can have unlimted user access, from any place in the world connected to the internet. I don't particularly like this scenario either, but it comes closer to fitting our needs. We simply do not need to "actively develop" database applications. We regularly edit/add records, but we rarely modify DB structure or create new databases. I once was an active upgrader of Alpha Software, but soon it became apparent that I was spending more time updating new releases in a vicious upgrade cycle, than I was in actually manipulating our databases! That doesn't sound like prudent use of resouces to me....

I already own Alpha 5 v4.03 single license. Why wouldn't I maintain the database using that, and simply publish report files out to my server for my users to read? Even a text file that they could read would satisfy the need. Or better yet, export and import records using a spreadsheet on the desktops?

I appreciate your reviews and comments.

Mark Campbell, P.E.

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: networking issues

Mark,

""I already own Alpha 5 v4.03 single license. Why wouldn't I maintain the database using that, and simply publish report files out to my server for my users to read? Even a text file that they could read would satisfy the need. Or better yet, export and import records using a spreadsheet on the desktops?

You wouldn't even need to do that, you could continue to maintain the data using Alpha Four, right?

But you need Windows to minimize training costs, like everyone else.

To me it sounds as though you're undervaluing your own time. (This is something I happen to be an expert at myself.) If you enjoy programming with 3rd generation languages the Perl approach will give you a real challenge, could keep you occupied for quite a while! If getting it done as quickly as possible is a priority, then I'd recommend moving to V5. If keeping the door open for multi-user data entry down the line is a priority, V5 would also be a better choice.

Do you currently have any networked applications? Do they employ a file sharing model, or are they client-server?

Is the server machine running XP or Windows 2000?

-- tom

[Mark Campbell]

RE: networking issues

Hello Tom,

We currently have no networked application, but recognize the need to at least have a modest LAN for file and printer sharing. We DO have several machines linked to a router for sharing our cable modem. We are planning to step up a little, because our bookeeping (Peachtree) needs to be shared between in-house and off-site bookeepers. We also need to have the company project, phones, and joint calendar available to multiple machines/people...but less than 5. We DON'T need (or even want!?) full modification capabilities available to all desktops, just availability to read/review.

I am very anti-Microsoft, but realize that I must have some MS machines. However, I don't think my file server has to be MS controlled, and am seriously looking for consultants who can construct/manage a network that has a Linux file server with MS, Apple, and Linux desktops.

Assuming that architecture, doesn't that mean my Alpha 5 software will need to reside on a networked MS desktop, not on the (non-MS) file server?

Thanks for your continued input...

[Lenny Forziati]

RE: networking issues

Alpha Five (or Four for that matter) does not need to be actually installed on your server, it is just your data that is stored there. This means that your server can be running any OS that can share files on a Windows network, including LInux using Samba. In fact, I have spoken to several users who have increased the performance of their networked Alpha Five apps simply by installing Linux ontheir previously Windows-based server.

-Lenny

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: networking issues

Mark,

Yes, the runtime engine or the full version are 32 bit Windows applications. They are typically installed on the workstations. Typically these are Windows machines.

-- tom

[Mark Campbell]

RE: networking issues

Lenny,

Terrific comment/suggestion! Thanks!

Mark A. Campbell, P.E.

[Mark Campbell]

RE: networking issues

I think I am now clear on an upgrade path. It is not ideal, but we live in a real world and I can accept that. I need to spend a little more time organizing my network implementation plan, but will probably upgrade to networkable versions of Alpha 5. I think we can close this thread; if I need additional help, I will start a new thread. Thanks Much!