<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><HTML><FONT SIZE=2 PTSIZE=10 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">Joe:<BR>
<BR>
I still use filePro on UNIX, of course. But on Windows, I've switched to FileMaker; version 7, Developer, was the first version "good enough" for me, and 8 is even better. I completely rewrote my Web site, <A HREF="www.transpowercorp.com">www.transpowercorp.com</A>, in FileMaker, and it's now up--it's my first e-commerce site. Alas, there are a couple of problems that FileMaker, Inc. has not yet addressed:<BR>
<BR>
1. The Guest account is supposed to (when enabled and set in File Options) automatically load the data base in Instant Web Publishing, but it doesn't--the user must still select Guest to login.<BR>
<BR>
2. On close/exit, the Exit Application script step should cause the program to completely exit--but it doesn't--the user still has to close the window.<BR>
<BR>
So, FileMaker has its own problems, although everything else seems to be working properly. I've programmed in 18 different computer languages, and filePro and FileMaker rank at the top.<BR>
<BR>
Regards,<BR>
Ron Satz<BR>
Transpower Corporation<BR>
<A HREF="www.transpowercorp.com">www.transpowercorp.com</A>, transpower@aol.com<BR>
Commercial and Custom Software Manufacturing Since 1976<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
In a message dated 2/3/2006 10:39:09 AM Eastern Standard Time, joe_kroboth@chernay.com writes:<BR>
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<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Ken,<BR>
<BR>
Our business (like many) have completely changed over the last 10 years with<BR>
most of the change coming over the last 5 years. We now capture and store<BR>
tons of data from many sources. Every new Machine in our industry, be it a<BR>
printing press or a piece of bindery equipment can be 'programmed' instead<BR>
of manual setup. <BR>
<BR>
Along with this machine data we are now storing all customers files and<BR>
plates digitally. We currently store about 6-7 TB of data. <BR>
<BR>
Our younger employees who grew up with computers can visually handle tons of<BR>
information at one time. Something you can't give them in a 80x24 screen.<BR>
We also need graphical screens to show image files and the ability to use a<BR>
mouse. They also understand what they can do with the data. Creating<BR>
exports so they can mine for information in excel and other programs is<BR>
becoming a pain. People have great ideas for reports. It would be nice to<BR>
let them make their own in a graphical environment. We tried purchasing<BR>
reportPro for this but it turns out it was awkward to use and wasn't Y2K<BR>
compliant.<BR>
<BR>
Up to a couple of weeks ago I thought I could get away without ODBC but all<BR>
the new pre-press workflow software we look at has the ability to connect<BR>
via ODBC and update production databases. I'm tired of all the workarounds<BR>
and double entry.<BR>
<BR>
Not only has our business changed but so have our customers. The print<BR>
buyers are all computer literate. They want to order online, Check status<BR>
online, view invoices online. This is the true 'I want it now' generation.<BR>
We need to be quick and nimble and change with their needs our they will go<BR>
else where. There seems to be no loyalty anymore.<BR>
<BR>
While I'm confident that you Ken, and others can make this all work with<BR>
filepro. We don't have the time, expertise or money to accomplish this with<BR>
filepro. <BR>
<BR>
Just to start I would need fileProODBC, FileproGI, FileproCGI. If another<BR>
tool can do all this with more ease and cost less, I need to start moving<BR>
in that direction.<BR>
<BR>
I have used Filepro for about 20 years now. Since I was 18. It pains me to<BR>
look for another solution. <BR>
<BR>
Joe Kroboth<BR>
Chernay Printing, Inc <BR>
<BR>
<BR>
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