At 02:57 PM 5/19/2005, James Hageman wrote:
I am looking for some help in examples of why Rbase is better and that is does use a real programming language and a list of major organizations that are using rbase.
James,
It's funny that once in a while you have to explain your position on "Why are you still using R:BASE?" I invite all those who are subscribed to "this" list to also explain why.
Some are using R:BASE and making a good living while others have gotten full time positions because of their R:BASE knowledge and experience with the product.
We receive facts and feedback from users every now and then, and here is some data to pass along. Having not used Access, I cannot confirm nor dispute the feedback. But, the facts are solid.
Facts:
. R:BASE is the first true relational database.
. There has been continued development since 1981 (before many databases were even born, including MS Access).
. As a pioneer of relational databases, even the big Microsoft sold R:BASE under their name. You probably have seen that blue box in my office.
R:BASE allows the storage of more data than MS Access in file size and I believe, the number of columns. R:BASE has a 2 GB file size limitation (use R:BASE V-8 "Turbo" otherwise) and allows 16,000 tables, and 16,000 columns. Access is limited to 1GB per file. R:BASE supports TEMPORARY Tables, Triggers and "After" Triggers, along with Stored Procedures.
R:BASE is a viable and attractive option to address data storage concerns. What makes R:BASE attractive in this situation is the cost, performance, stability, functionality options, and efficiency benefits that R:BASE brings to the table. Because of these advantages, R:BASE is not only an excellent on going solution, but should be seriously considered as a standardized resource for many others.
Here is why:
Stability:
R:BASE has PROVEN stability in your own department as well as others. I'm not sure exactly how long it has been used in your own department, but R:BASE has been used at the University of Delaware Admissions Department for over 13 years.
Adaptability:
Look at what your department's original system was and look at it now. You were able to convert that system into a normalized, hierarchical, relational database system. This conversion was completed at a fraction of the cost that would have been incurred with any other systems (MS Access, SQL Server, Oracle, etc.).
Scalability:
R:BASE's simple database development tools allow non-programmers to create simple databases, forms, and reports with minimal training. The Application Wizard will even allow non-programmers to wrap the forms and reports into a menu driven application for one or more co-workers to use. This non-technical interface makes R:BASE a superior tool for small individual or larger departmental data tracking and reporting needs. At the same time, R:BASE provides the professional strength programming, security, and graphical interface tools that allow programmers to create solid and secure enterprise applications accessible by a large numbers of users.
Compatibility:
R:BASE is ODBC 3 compliant which puts it at the leading edge of its competitors. ODBC 3 compliancy means that R:BASE is an excellent back end for the front end applications that need to port data with ease. R:BASE also has unprecedented import/export functionality. R:BASE data can be exported to 18 different formats including dBASE (dbf), Paradox, CSV, MS Excel, SLK, DIF, Lotus 1-2-3, SQL Script, XML, RTF, LDAP, and others. R:BASE can import data from 9 different formats including DBF, XLS, TEXT (fixed record length and comma delimited), Excel, HTML, XML, and MS Access.
Cost Effectiveness:
R:BASE programmers world wide have reported that they have been able to develop and implement large and small applications in a fraction of the time that it would have taken them using more commonly used tools from Visual Basic to Oracle. And with its unique, non-technical interface, R:BASE provides non-programmers the ability to implement effective solutions without being limited by a spreadsheet, needing to learn Visual Basic, or requiring the services of a trained programmer.
Programmers will be able to complete projects faster with R:BASE's powerful relational database tools and command sets. With network per seat licenses costing $154.00 each, R:BASE provides a practical alternative to high end products with similar capabilities with a price point and user interface that supports low end projects.
R:BASE solutions also avoid the on-going support and maintenance costs associated with "canned" applications. These hidden costs can significantly increase the total cost of ownership of such programs.
R:BASE is the only database including a complete product package where everything is built-in and integrated, including:
. Data Designer . Data Browser/Editor . Query Wizard/Designer . Form Wizard/Designer . Report Wizard/Designer . Label Wizard/Designer . Application Wizard/Designer . Image Manager (BLOB Viewer/Editor) . File Gateway/Export including XML . Syntax Highlighting Editor . R> Prompt . Built-In PDF, HTML, XHTML, RTF ... Writers . Built-In 128 Bit PDF Encryption . Built-In Bar Codes . Over 70 Native Form Controls . Over 20 Report Controls, including CrossTab . Sub-Reports . Themes on the fly . Built-MAPI E-Mail . Support for Custom Plugins . Portable Application Files (.RBA) . Multi-Session . Support for Triggers and "After" Triggers . Support of Temporary Tables/Views
Raw Power:
R:BASE is a true relational database with referential integrity, multi-user and security built in at the engine level. It is fast, stable, and supports an extensive, object based programming environment that is faster to develop in than other alternatives in its class. It supports nested reports and report output in formats such as HTML and Adobe PDF with 128 bit encryption which puts it in front of the alternatives. Integrated add-on tools such as mail merge, charts, spell check, email automation, fax, runtime, compiler, and archive make R:BASE a price/performance industry leader.
For more information on R:BASE capabilities and background, please check out the following links:
Strengths of R:BASE http://www.razzak.com/fte/strengths.htm
R:BASE vs. Others http://www.razzak.com/fte/rbasevsothers.htm
While the documents referenced by these links were written some time back and refer to R:BASE version 6.5, the points are still valid -- an indication of R:BASE's history as a leading edge database engine. In fact, now that R:BASE 7.5 is available, many points are really understated. R:BASE V-8 "Turbo" is also available for those who have reached the limit of 2GB.
In addition to the facts above, if you would like to see how federal, state, local, educational, law enforcement agencies and big corporations are using R:BASE today, please feel free to contact me for an on-site demonstration.
I hope that the above will be helpful in assisting you to realistically evaluate your options. The information may be a bit technical in nature for the people you have to pass it along to, but I wanted to provide the concrete details that would be helpful for any IT staff who might review this document. Please feel free to forward it to anyone you feel might find it useful or helpful.
Very Best R:egards,
Razzak.
