PC Mag Article

[russ Boehle]

In the new issue of PC Mag there is an article on entry level databases. Alpha 5 is not on the radar. How unfortunate!

Russ

[French]

RE: PC Mag Article

They do have a "Letters" section where people sometimes write them to correct errors or omissions...

[Geoffrey Hollander]

RE: PC Mag Article

Russ,

I think that you have a good point. As a reviewer, and a big fan of Alpha Five, I have written reviews on it for various publications over the years. It's going to be very hard, I think, to get Alpha Five out beyond the gene pool of current users without going more into mainstream advertising and distribution.

It's been difficult to get clients to use or switch to Alpha Five when they haven't heard of it or seen it on the shelves. Propellerheads, experienced users and those who have just had enough of the typically "available" database products seem to me to be the folks who will make the effort to find this product on the Web.

Internet Blah blah blah not withstanding, most of my clients still don't know how to download; or don't have a PKZip-style utility loaded; or are a little suspicious of software that's only Web based (to buy, that is).

It's a tough one, especially when you consider that in software devlopment, the best "man" doesn't always win.

Best regards,

Geoff Hollander

[Ohlen Cartmell]

RE: PC Mag Article

Someone who has a subscription to PC Magazine needs to write the letter. I don't have a subscription or get the magazine and don't feel qualified to write. Any volunteers?

[russ Boehle]

RE: PC Mag Article

Usually they post their reviews on their web site. I can't find this there as of yet, perhaps because of the tragedy in NY. I'll keep looking, if it's there they usually put in a means of commenting on the review. I will comment, but still if it's just on the web very few people will see it. A5 is on their download site but apparently has escaped their attention. The review was limited to Filemaker, Access (of course), and Paradox. (They also have a section on web based databases.) The article makes no claim to be inclusive, however, comparing it would be beneficial for Alpha to be compared to Paradox and Filemaker as I think it would compare favorably. Access is OK but lacks many of Alpha's strengths (but has its own)
As a fan of Alpha products, and one who depends on them for business reasons, I want Alpha to be sucessful. The more copies sold, the more people on this board and the more books on Alpha etc. All of which makes my job using Alpha easier. It's just aggravating to see such a fine product ignored by the press. Hopefully this will change with the release of v5.

Russ

[Geoffrey Hollander]

RE: PC Mag Article

Amen,

Geoff Hollander

[Greg Judd]

RE: PC Mag Article

Geoff's observation re: his clientele {"most of my clients still don't know how to download; or don't have a PKZip-style utility loaded; or are a little suspicious of software that's only Web based (to buy, that is).") is true in spades for mine; insurance/financial services types, whose idea of the internet begins at email & ends at Yahoo (provided they only need to click a link, & don't need to type in any search terms, or other hard stuff).

Often, of course, that can be a desirable quality in a client. We've joked about running an ad reading something like this: "You're dumb as a rock. Not that there's anything wrong with that."

[csda1]

RE: PC Mag Article

To "Misquote" a fake Nostradamus prediction going around the internet,

In the City to the east, there will be a great thunder,
Two brothers, trampled upon by the access to the gates of knowledge,
While the fortress endures the decisions of Judges,
the great leader will succumb to that which bears the mark of the 1st

I'll leave it to others to interpret the quadtrain.

Unfortunately, any product that does not have a large market penetration will often be ignored or dismissed by those who do these articles, unless, they are convinced that is the best thing since sliced bread. Maybe A5V5 will help bring a new awareness to the journalists.

Regards,

Ira J. Perlow
Computer Systems Design & Associates
[email protected]

[French]

RE: PC Mag Article

...heck, I was waiting for you all to do it. Got tired of waiting. Here's what I sent.

==========================================================
In your review of database products, "Getting to First
Database" in your October 16, 2001 issue, you
overlooked a couple of desktop products that aren't
commonly seen on retail shelves, but which continue to
be available and which combine powerful database
functionality with relative ease of use.

Lotus Approach is an easy to use relational database
product and was one of the first Windows database
products with real power and ease of use. It is
available as a part of Lotus SmartSuite, or with Lotus
1-2-3 (which utilizes Approach components for database
forms and reporting for 1-2-3 data tables). While
it's native data format is the .dbf file, it can
seamlessly connect to and utilize data in tables in a
variety of other formats.

Alpha Five from Alpha Software is a relational
database product that utilizes the .dbf file format as
well, and has a wealth of "field rules" that allow
users to easily implement features that would require
programming or would be impossible to implement in
other products. There is a bit steeper learning curve
than with FileMaker Pro or Approach, but once you find
your way around, Alpha Five will take you farther
without resorting to programming than any other
product I've seen. It also has a very competent
report writer.

Both of these products are a bit behind the curve in
terms of connectivity to the Internet, but for folks
who need a relatively accessable way to push their
data around, both are worth hunting for.

Paul French

[Trimcom]

RE: PC Mag Article

Hi,

I'm surprised nobody knows the secret. The publications only give publicity to products that advertise with them.

Of course there are exceptions to this rule. But this is usually limited to products that they can't ignore, due to their wide market acceptance.

I chalange anyone to get Alpha mentioned without any ads being placed first.

That much for the objectivity of these publications. Maybe if enough of us write them, it will be hard to ignore. So why don't we do it? You don't have to have a subscription to write.

All the best,

TR

[Geoffrey Hollander]

RE: PC Mag Article

Hi,

Actually, I have been able to place four reviews for Alpha Five over the years (2 in Infoworld, 1 in Home Office Computing -- I can't remember which was the fourth).

Most PC magazines try to be fair about covering what's pertinently available for their readers -- which is where their primary loyalty typically rests. I have had a tentative OK from PC World regarding a review on version 5, although it's been so long in coming that I think I'll have to start all over again when its release is finally in sight.

To this end, Alpha Software should be actively contacting reviewers, sending them product, educating them and sponsering their presence at various Alpha functions -- rollouts, the annual conferrence, etc. My feeling is also that, as long as prospective new users can't see A5 on shelves, ads and reviews in magazines, comprehensive developer support and a lot more documentation, A5 may well remain the wonderful, powerful and virtually unknown product we use and love today.

That being said, you are absolutely right; if you can't get into [enough] print by being readily recognized, get some ads into these pubs and leverage them into editorial coverage or, better yet, do ALL of the above to the extent Alpha is able...

Regards,

Geoff Hollander