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Release Date?

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    #16
    RE: Release Date?

    I totally agree. Just working with the beta, I can tell many many hours went into this version.

    Best of luck to Selwyn and staff!

    Comment


      #17
      RE: Release Date?

      I concur - Three Cheers for Selwyn, Richard, and everyone else, there, for putting up with all of us tugging at their shirt-tails, whining about wanting the new version, pronto!

      BTW - Ken - I thought your poem was ingenous, and I think you're quite the handsome chap to boot! As for your singing, though - maybe we should have a talent (or lack-of-talent) show at the next conference so we can form our own opinions about whether you can sing!

      Wanda

      Comment


        #18
        RE: Release Date?

        For the time being, the release date is no longer an issue for me. In order to meet my own deadline, I needed the program to be released around the first half of June. This does not mean that I will not upgrade...but the upgrade may have to wait a few months. For the time being, I'm concentrating on meeting Microsoft's July 31st deadline to upgrade my Office Suite.

        Now to the point of my post: I have not been critical of Alpha Software management for the delay in the release of version 5. As anyone who developes software knows--things happen. Some things are uncontrollable. But I have been critical about the lack of information or explanation from the management about missed deadlines. I still have an Alpha Software document from last year stating that Version 5 would be released in the second or third quarter of 2001. June, 2001 passed without a word and it took several months for one of the Alpha programmers to post an explanation. Several months without even so much as "Sorry, we missed the deadline."

        Now to the present: Reports from the conference had Selwyn stating that the program would be released in June. I saw no post by Richard or Selwyn indicating that this had been changed. I logged into the board a number of times in the beginning of June to see if the program was out. No word. On June 13, I asked in a post if there had been a change in the release date. This was the first time I heard about the radio interview in which Richard said the program would be out in July. The radio interview took place on June 1.

        You state that you would forgive Selwyn for not announcing "minor release date changes." When a program is more than a year late, there is no such thing as a "minor release date change."

        You state that Selwyn and company are busy making arrangement for the release of the software. I agree. But is it too much to expect Richard to make a one line posting announcing the delay in the release date. Are you saying he had enough time to do a 10-15 minute radio interview on June 1 but not enough time to post a one line announcement on the delay from June to July. He seems to find time to post frequently on other subjects. I note his last post on June 21st.

        Please don't take my comments as negative toward Alpha Software. I have used Alpha 4 and 5 as my main database programs for many years. I use the program and unlimited runtime in my business every day. I have been loyal to the program when others have insisted that I switch to Access. But loyalty is a 2-way street. And the least I expect from Alpha management is to be up-front with their loyal customers.

        John Pintado

        Comment


          #19
          RE: Release Date?

          John,
          Thank you for YOUR explanation - I must agree that it would be nice to get updates from Selwyn - and yes, a simple one-liner would suffice for the bottom line of WHEN we might see the new version. I do agree, too, that loyalty goes both way. At this point, I'm not planning on upgrading at any certain date in the future - as it is obvious that we can not count on v5 coming out in July, August, or even next year...time will tell. I will be upgrading when it is released - but am not making any plans to use it until I have it in my hot, little hands!

          Wanda

          Comment


            #20
            RE: Release Date?

            I agree in that Alpha should be much more forthcoming with respect to keeping their customer base informed with regard to product release dates. FWIW, I think they are unwilling to stick their necks out, given that in the past they have missed their deadlines by years! But, you are right, that is not an excuse and they should show us a little more respect. Nonetheless, IMHO the product is ready to ship now. Therefore, it can't be long for release. Any day now, this week, next week or the week after... Time wise we are hovering around the bulls eye.

            Peter
            Peter
            AlphaBase Solutions, LLC

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


            Comment


              #21
              RE: Release Date?

              John

              While I agree that more information about release dates would be nice and the program is late, anyone who does development knows that setting firm deadlines can be a killer, especially in a complex product. In the computer world, prudent developers work with what exists, not what might exist. I can't imagine establishing a deadline where I had to rely on something not yet released and with unknown capabilities. I am still doing my development in V4.5, while I "play" with the V5 beta.

              It is interesting that you mention Microsoft, the worlds largest producer of vaporware. The only way they get close to their deadlines is with hundreds of programmers who manage to get something out, eventually. Of course, most users wait for the first "service pack" to have any assurance that at least some of the bugs are gone. Ever use the first version of Microsoft Media Player 6? It was so buggy that Microsoft suggested not loading it until it was "fixed" I would rather wait for a program that has been properly debugged.

              By the way, there have been over 500 builds in the Beta since the conference in March. I have gotten emails from Selwyn dated on Saturdays, Sundays, and late at night. I seriously doubt they could work any harder. Give them a break. They are a small company doing amazing things with a small group of dedicated people. Like most, I will wait.

              Jerry

              Comment


                #22
                RE: Release Date?

                Peter, you got the point of my post.

                I have not been critical of the delay. I have been critical of the lack of communication between the management and the customers.

                John

                Comment


                  #23
                  RE: Release Date?

                  Jerry

                  Thank you for your reply. You made some good points and I will respond briefly and then let this issue go.

                  1. I know that firm deadlines are sometimes difficult to meet. For that reason, my post was not critical of the delay in releasing Version 5. I was critical of the lack of communication between the management and its customers regarding the delays in general.

                  2. I am not going to defend Microsoft. As a matter of fact, I, like many other Microsoft customers are upset with their "upgrade or else" licensing policy. Indeed, I think this could be a marketing opportunity for Alpha Software. There is definitely a discontent with Microsoft right now and people are looking at non-Microsoft alternatives. On the other hand, I have not experienced the bugs in Microsoft programs that you have. I expect every program, including Version 5, to have bugs. That's why they invented the service pack.

                  3. Finally, and I want to make this VERY CLEAR, I know that Selwyn, Richard and everyone at Alpha Software is working very hard to produce an excellent product that will make us all more productive in the future.

                  Comment


                    #24
                    RE: Release Date?

                    S-E-L-W-Y-N
                    Dave Jampole
                    www.customalpha.com

                    Women and cats will do whatever they want. The sooner men and dogs realize that, the happier they will be.

                    Comment


                      #25
                      RE: Release Date?

                      Hi guys,

                      While the Alpha team churns out excellent sorry second to none products. I think they could not do any better than employing most of the users on this site for marketing / PR / tech etc etc.

                      As even though we have had no release date as such I get all the info / views etc from you guys alone its great (sorry hugs are limited)

                      Mike Lyon

                      Comment


                        #26
                        RE: Release Date?

                        Forgoing any hugs...

                        There is (are) release date(s). They are...

                        according to Selwyn R. - June

                        according to Richard R. - July

                        Looks like Richard is about to win...
                        Peter
                        AlphaBase Solutions, LLC

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


                        Comment


                          #27
                          RE: Release Date?

                          Peter,

                          What gave you the clue? :>)

                          July, lets see, 31 days in the month. My money is on July 12th, scratch the 13th & 14th, but no later than July 15th.

                          Wonder how close I'll be?

                          ~(:>}

                          kenn
                          TYVM :) kenn

                          Knowing what you can achieve will not become reality until you imagine and explore.

                          Comment


                            #28
                            RE: Release Date?

                            How about July 4th (A new Independence Day (remember I'm a Brit!)) Independence from MS?
                            Glen Schild



                            My Blog

                            Comment


                              #29
                              RE: Release Date?

                              Glen,

                              Wouldn't that be a Big Bang (pun intended)? I hope you're right but .......

                              kenn
                              TYVM :) kenn

                              Knowing what you can achieve will not become reality until you imagine and explore.

                              Comment


                                #30
                                RE: Release Date?

                                Just a quick note on this topic.

                                We are very close :)

                                For those of you who are working with the latest Beta's I think you will agree. We are just as anxious at this point to release and it should not be much longer (1-3 weeks)!

                                Thanks for your support and patience. We believe version 5 will truly be a "turning point" product for our customers and for the company.

                                Sincerely and Best Regards
                                Richard Rabins
                                Richard Rabins
                                Co Chairman
                                Alpha Software

                                Comment

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