Is this the software for me?

[Marc Chavez]

I just downloaded the free trial and I am just wondering if this is the program that I have been looking for? I am an office manager for a small business with a large customer base. I simply want to setup a database basically for just a quick rolodex, an address book, and some fields that I could put information and tech data for the customer I am servicing. I am also needing the capability to create templates to send out quotes, purchase orders, work orders, and even invoicing if I could convince my boss that this program works in that capacity. I really don't know where to start in creating my database, neither do I know how to do the script. I would like to know if there are some classes I could attend or some type of training program that I could use to deploy this unit in my business.

[Robert Picard]

RE: Is this the software for me?

Hi Marc

First thing have you ever worked with or created databases?

If not the first thing I would do is get a basic how to on database theory and design.

You won't need a programming book ala visual basic because A5 Will allow you to create very sofisticated events and actions without getting into there programming language (X-Basic.

To answer your question directly; YES!!! this is the software for you.

There is are two very good books by Dr. Wayne (X-Basic for everone and Learning Alpha Five).

As well you don't have to re-invent the wheel. The "Learn Alpha5" web page has many real world solutions for developers. Not to mention this excellent Message board.

Good Luck

Robert

[Keith Hubert]

RE: Is this the software for me?

Marc

I am not a programmer. I have done all the things you want to do with Alpha 5 and more. Start slow, do lots of experiments and get the feel of it. Its like riding a new bike. What ever you may think of is a problem like you have just done now, ask here. You are not alone!!

Keith Hubert
London.

[whanigsberg]

RE: Is this the software for me?

The answer to your question is "yes".

Bill

[forskare]

RE: Is this the software for me?

Marc,

The advice given above is very good advice. There are hundreds of folks using A5 that were in the same position you are. Some ask for help from one of many alpha consultants simply because they don't have the time. Many have done exactly what you want to do.

There is also a section on the Board, called the Code Archive, where folks have posted free scripts for many, many uses. You will, at some point, find it helpful.

If you decide to purcahse A5v4.5 before the release of A5v5, the purchase price is 100% applicable towards A5v5 and it comes with a money back guarentee.

Incidently, A5v5 will allow you, yes you, to create applications that look as if a major experienced developer created it.

"Easy to use" is not a bunch of hype once you get some of the basics down. Don't worry about learning or using scripts, you won't need them for now and many folks don't even use any of it.

Finally, this message board is second to none. I'll admit I'm biased but I've been on other message boards; they simply don't measure up.

You'll be surprised how much you'll be able to do. No questions is a dumb question and many here will be glad to lend a helping hand.

kenn

[russ Boehle]

RE: Is this the software for me?

I'm in the same boat as Kenn and Keith - not a programmer - but have been using Alpha products for years, Simply put they make the best and easiest database rapid application development tools!!, bar none, and I've tried quite a few. If you have a pretty good understanding of computers and know what you want to do, and are willing to spend the time Alpha 5, particularly ver 5, soon to be released will knock your socks off. You can do pretty much anything with it without being a programmer.
If you decide you want to program it will do that to. Xbasic is a powerful language that the guru's on this board have down pretty well. And they are willing to help mere mortals.

Try it, as Kenn said, if you don't like it you can get your money back.

Russ

[Brenden Cobb]

RE: Is this the software for me?

Marc-

I work at Alpha Software, and I can say in candid, unbiased terms, this software is for you.


-Brenden

[Robert Adler]

RE: Is this the software for me?

Marc:

alpha 5 is designed for non-programers. You can design, create and enhnace your own applications without any programming knowledge. If you read through the manuals as you design and build your application(s) you will find that have created a rich and highly functional system.

The newest version Alpha 5 ver. 5 anticipated relase date this month is light years ahead of the current version.

If you ever decide to code on your own the new XBasic and Xdialog languages will give you even greater power and capabilities.

There are also many on this board who are available as consultants. And as you can tell many provide support for their fellow "Alphians".

I hope this helps.

bob adler

[Emery Fabrice NZEYIMANA]

RE: Is this the software for me?

I am really impressed by Alpha DAtabase system.

But I want to know one thing: when I create a database solution for a customer using Alpha Database, do I need to install Alpha Software on his/her computer in order to use the application I created?


Let me clarify: after creating a database system using Access 97 or 2000, a customer cannot use it without installing Access on his/her machine. But by creating the application using Visual Basic or VC++, you just compile it and create a deployment package; you don't need to install VB on the customer computer, instead, you install runtime libraries.


Thanks
Emery

[Peter.Greulich]

RE: Is this the software for me?

You have to buy the runtime for your customers (or have them buy it). The runtime is identical to the development version, except you cannot develop in the runtime.

PG

[Alan Sawyer]

RE: Is this the software for me?

Emery,
Yes the customer will need to purchase either the Run Time software and license, or a buy a copy of whatever A5 version you are using.
Alan Sawyer

[John Mattison]

RE: Is this the software for me?

Hi, Marc!
I am just a beginner also but I started by using one of the TEMPLATES Alpha packeged with the basic program. I then added, subtracted, tweaked etc. the basic template to meet my needs.
I do not know wheather the tamplates are included with the DEMO version or not, but the Contact Manager or the Mail List Manager or the Membership Manager sound like a wonderful starting point for you then modify as you see fit.
Just a suggestion.
Regards


John

[forskare]

RE: Is this the software for me?

To be clear, I believe this is how it works.

You will buy Alpha 5 and create your application for the customer. Alpha5 doesn't compile like Access does in VB. Thus the customer must buy Alpha5 but that allows the customer access to the code, designs, etc. Some customers want that.

For a smaller customer (1-5 computers) I don't think it will be feasible for the customer to buy Runtime in v5. I think most developers purchase the Runtime and then supply the Runtime along with the app. The cost is spread out over many customers.

On the other hand, if your customer has many computers and you supply runtime, you'll be charging for the app on each computer so it works out about the same. Either the customer buys runtime or you supply it.

Other alternatives are a 3 or 5 multiuser license. It really depends on how much of a developer you want to become, for one customer or many customers and how many computers your customer has. I have the Runtime so I simply charge the customer 1 fee. I feel it's better than charging for the app and then telling them they have to buy Runtime. As a customer, that would turn me off.

I might not be totally correct but I don't think I'm off by much.

kenn

[Glen Goode]

RE: Is this the software for me?

I have both versions of A5V4.5 full and runtime. The application is developed in the full version and I send the application with runtime useing wise software. It has a very professional look and most clients are very impressed with the Wise set-up. The V5 beta was exceptionally easy to use and I am not a programmer or much of an application builder.

Glen Goode

[martinwcole]

RE: Is this the software for me?

unless I am mistaken, regardless of who buys the runtime - unlimited copies may be distributed to unlimited locations - period. each client does not have to buy the runtime.