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So I bought this program written in Oracle...

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    So I bought this program written in Oracle...

    I purchased this browser based inventory & production program that was already developed by a local guy I know. It included a new Win 8 server, digital scale, scanner and label printer plus the software and install with 90 days support for $12k. Such a deal...

    However, he has set up the server so I cannot gain access to the files on the server. Nor can I reach the printer, scanner, thin client or anything related to this program. That includes setting up a backup routine for the files.

    1st question: Is this normal OP for developers to do?

    2nd question: How would you suggest I approach him about gaining access to MY equipment?

    The first time I asked, he wanted to know "why?" My carefully worded answer was "what difference does THAT make?"
    He told me to set up a remote desktop - right like I can do that...

    ps: stop chuckling Doron
    Robin

    Discernment is not needed in things that differ, but in those things that appear to be the same. - Miles Sanford

    #2
    Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

    1st question: Is this normal OP for developers to do? for a lot of them, YES Most of my desktop apps for sale are locked up about as tight as I can make them.

    2nd question: How would you suggest I approach him about gaining access to MY equipment? Ask nicely and probably pay more money

    What language is it written in?? What database? any information at all??

    Some get too spoiled by stuff like alpha. Most desktop or other apps give No access to much of anything. Mostly to keep them from fiddling and/or reverse engineering.
    Dave Mason
    [email protected]
    Skype is dave.mason46

    Comment


      #3
      Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

      Yet there is plenty of 3rd party software around to let you import, export, report and view file contents of sql and many other file formats. What problem does that create for you as the developer that you would want to prevent your users from being able to do that?

      As noted, all I know is he wrote the program in Oracle. I have no interest in trying to reverse engineer his somewhat user unfriendly program. But he also knows I have been working on my own program in Alpha, but have been unable to get the hardware configured. And since I have now paid him for that, I figured I could utilize his setup.

      Am I wrong to expect that?
      Last edited by MoGrace; 02-12-2016, 02:18 AM.
      Robin

      Discernment is not needed in things that differ, but in those things that appear to be the same. - Miles Sanford

      Comment


        #4
        Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

        I have been working on my own program in Alpha, but have been unable to get the hardware configured. And since I have now paid him for that, I figured I could utilize his setup.

        Am I wrong to expect that?
        yes. in short.
        robin, i know you are an experienced developer. these comments are in no way disrespectful to you.

        you bought a program, somewhat user unfriendly program. you should have known that ahead of time. feeling about that after the fact is waste of time and discouraging you to use that program to its full potential.
        you have developed your alpha program to run your company/business, then you have been unable to get the hardware configured. there are plenty of alpha developers who could have helped you for next to nothing. definitely it will not cost you $12k!. rather expensive tuition fee with no return in sight.
        what is the best way to ask? ask before you sign on the dotted line and at the bottom of the check. everyone needs the money. once they get that, it is difficult to negotiate. one could argue that the price will be higher than the $12k, possible but if you ask after he quoted price and willing to walk away most of the time you could win.
        you say you have no interest in reverse engineer the program, you may be truthful, you may know that. the question comes down does he know that, does he trust your statement?
        can you name one individual who when an opportunity knocks on the door they did not take advantage of it?
        in life you just negotiate in everything. it boils down to that. in this situation it should have taken place ahead of the time.
        nothing will be lost. for all its worth the program will be perfect for you. your life will be enriched by it (either by using it or by the experience of getting it).

        if for any reason you believe i have offended you, please accept my apologies.
        thanks for reading

        gandhi

        version 11 3381 - 4096
        mysql backend
        http://www.alphawebprogramming.blogspot.com
        [email protected]
        Skype:[email protected]
        1 914 924 5171

        Comment


          #5
          Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

          Just get him to get it working - don't get involved, all you want is what you paid for doing what you expected it to do. That's what you say.

          Then never forget this = "A service on only half as valuable once it's been rendered." - always pay the last payment when your satisfied.. never before.
          Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
          Albert Einstein, (attributed)
          US (German-born) physicist (1879 - 1955)

          Comment


            #6
            Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

            Seems to me if you bought hardware, you own it and have a right to access it. Of course, it would have been better if you had asserted that right before plunking down dollars. But I would raise hell until you can access the server.
            Peter
            AlphaBase Solutions, LLC

            [email protected]
            https://www.alphabasesolutions.com


            Comment


              #7
              Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

              Thanks guys. I paid for the hardware separately from his software, and I have 30 days to try it out. Although he did require payment COD and at that time, required I sign a contract that I would not mess with his software. So the bottom line would be that I could tell him to take the software off, give me back that money and give me access to the hardware. Perhaps accompanied by a letter from my attorney...
              Robin

              Discernment is not needed in things that differ, but in those things that appear to be the same. - Miles Sanford

              Comment


                #8
                Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

                I had a developer colleague create a Point of Sale system and he sold the sold all the software and hardware together as a package. You bought his system not just pieces. If you took it 'apart' you were on your own. No support no fixes.

                If you have 30 days use it to your advantage and test the heck out of it. If you want to return it don't wait until the 30th day.

                Best of luck with the purchase
                Regards,

                John W.
                www.CustomReportWriters.net

                Comment


                  #9
                  Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

                  if you are not satisfied with the software, you have 30 days to return it and you have the right to exercise that. I don't think a lawyer's letter is necessary. besides costing you more money it won't achieve anything different except leave behind hard feeling between the involved parties. you bought from a guy you already knew, you don't have to make him undesirable. he did not do anything to that end yet. just inform him that you are not happy and return that portion of the money. the computer is yours to keep.
                  that is how I do it if it were i.
                  thanks for reading

                  gandhi

                  version 11 3381 - 4096
                  mysql backend
                  http://www.alphawebprogramming.blogspot.com
                  [email protected]
                  Skype:[email protected]
                  1 914 924 5171

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

                    In the car dealer - big ones:
                    Dealers uses Reynolds and Reynolds(or similar) usually 1M for hardware, software and severs. Then there are some extras and monthly fees for maintenance, upgrades, updates. You are not allowed to touch the software, or database server or even the computers and printers(except ribbon changes).
                    There is a lot more, but it gets boring.
                    If you decide to remove them, you get to keep the hardware, but no refunds at all.

                    Just to clarify - R&R includes ALL parts of a dealership and needed connections for all manufacturers.
                    Dave Mason
                    [email protected]
                    Skype is dave.mason46

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

                      Hi Robin,

                      I would assume that to save money sometimes going to the wrong direction will cost you more at the end of road. You get what you paid for...
                      I hope you will able to do something with that software and hardware. You all the time can call us the Alpha Five developers to help you if need be.

                      Regards,

                      Doron
                      The Farber Consulting Group, Inc.

                      Main Web Site: http://www.dFarber.com
                      Database Design
                      Alpha Five Development
                      Last edited by DoronF; 02-15-2016, 11:55 PM.

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

                        Hi Doron,
                        As you know we have talked about developing an SQL app, but I was in a hurry to get the barcoding implemented ASAP - because we need it so badly. I am hoping within the year to have my own database sufficiently working in A5v11 that reverse engineering might actually produce a decent program using SQL.

                        Don't give up on me!
                        Robin

                        Discernment is not needed in things that differ, but in those things that appear to be the same. - Miles Sanford

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

                          A new issue keeps coming up since I have decided to keep the software. The developer has a pat answer for every question I ask about making the program work more intuitively: "the windows IE browser doesn't allow that".

                          Some of the look ups utilize a progressive find in the list so the user can keep typing to find the record in the list, while others don't. It seems to me that if it can work like that one place, then it can in others. Mr. Developer says no, windows is quirky that way. My guess is that if Oracle can do it then Windows allows it, if he would take the time to make it.

                          Also when opening up a section of the program in a new tab, can't the title of the tab be changed to reflect the name of the open window? Again, I am told no that is not possible. Yet the Tabs all say "knitting" - which is not the name of any element in the program, so that title was set somewhere.

                          Open to any advice...
                          Robin

                          Discernment is not needed in things that differ, but in those things that appear to be the same. - Miles Sanford

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

                            I m not all that familiar with Oracle apart from a pretty high level look and some P-SQL statement. I would say if it works one place it should work in another. Windows is not that kind of quirky so far as I know. You really are talking the difference between the OS level and Application Development Software level. I would think the developer either does not want to do any customization, or the integration of the feature costs too much in development time. Either way for him/her its viewed as not worth doing.
                            Regards,

                            John W.
                            www.CustomReportWriters.net

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Re: So I bought this program written in Oracle...

                              Other queston beside the software your database is that Oracle Express or == iff === then is the yearly subscription fee to Oracle included in your contract price =

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