Re: [U2] Change is a coming! [not-secure]
So are they not yet free to make an actual announcement or what? Just curious. --dawn -- Dawn M. Wolthuis Take and give some delight today On Thu, Sep 17, 2009 at 10:47 AM, Hennessey, Mark F. wrote: > I believe this is more in the way of a "Happy New Year" type message. > > > > -Original Message- > From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org > [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Doug Miller > Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 11:33 AM > To: U2 Users List > Subject: Re: [U2] Change is a coming! > > As A FYI, Rocket Software has posted a " > > Letter from Andy Youniss" on their website. > > http://rocketsoftware.com/about/enterprise-software > > It appears it addresses some of the concerns voiced here and is > probably a front end to a future announcement regarding the > acquisition. > > We are interested in what changes may be coming as well. Our > President has a scheduled conference call tomorrow with Rocket > Software to discuss some questions we have. > > > > Doug Miller d...@s7.com > Manager of Technical Services > Strategy 7 Dallas TX > ___ > U2-Users mailing list > U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org > http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users > > ___ > U2-Users mailing list > U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org > http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users > ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] U2 come back
I applaud David's comments - probably because they all happen to agree with my own views (LOL). I'll add a note that I frequently see in business magazines and other media: One of the major features that business owners and IT Managers don't have in their modern software is the versatility to make fast changes. I've seen that statement so many times that my mouth no longer drops open. Here is the MV market where we pride ourselves on our ability to make fast changes to source code that most developers leave on the server, and this is exactly what people want. But I don't think many VARs in this market sell their apps using this as a key selling point against competitors. I hope that will change for some of you as soon as you read this. In The Art of War, Sun Tzu said you need to know the terrain, know your own strengths and weaknesses, and know those of the enemy. That was in chapter 43 where he was discussing MV people marketing their software to upper management and new sales prospects. ;) Tony Gravagno Nebula Research and Development TG@ remove.pleaseNebula-RnD.com Nebula R&D sells mv.NET and other Pick/MultiValue products worldwide, and provides related development services remove.pleaseNebula-RnD.com/blog Visit PickWiki.com! Contribute! > From: David Jordan > One thing I have noticed from the GFC, is that > management are no longer impressed by sparkle. They > are looking for delivery and some of the market > leaders have a reputation for not delivering, for cost > blowouts and failure to perform to expectations. When > times are tight, management are looking for cost > effective solutions that deliver ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general
Glen A U2 application just threw SAP out of a site it can and is being done. I believe there is a case study available of it on the IBM U2 site. The CEO stated that SAP did not deliver for the cost and this U2 application did. I would challenge the consultants who recommended SAP to advice what homework they did and what products they compared. (Doubt if they did any.) Second ask what commissions and financial incentives did they receive for recommending SAP. Under worldwide governance legislation such as SOX, these are questions that have to be answered for due diligence. These guys get away with it, because no one challenges them. Like bullies, they often run away at the first challenge. Regards David Jordan ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general
What do you mean "just"? For building a new app, they got to the top of my list a couple of years ago. Now that they (Cache') have a number of conversions from various mv platforms under their belts, this change in U2 ownership might prompt a few more folks to think about migrating, but for the most part, unless a U2 customer was already hurting, I don't see them jumping quickly. In other words, this is unlikely to prompt mass migrations [but we would be happy to have folks join us, of course, and I'm sure folks on other mv platforms are thinking the same right now]. --dawn On Thu, Sep 17, 2009 at 8:03 PM, Tony Gravagno <3xk547...@sneakemail.com> wrote: > >> From: Doug Chanco >> Maybe they will hire apple's marketing dept. and in a >> release or two down the line we'll have customers >> standing in line to buy U2? They did it with iPhone so >> I'm sure they can do it with U2 > > Actually a key difference here is the mindset of the people > offering the products as well as the mindset of the target > audience. Apple thinks on a daily basis about tools like iPhone. > They market it to end-users who see obvious uses for the tools. > They make it relatively easy for developers to create and deploy > end-user solutions. > > But I have yet to see a single company express interest in > deploying MV-served functionality through an iPhone (real apps, > not browser), Blackberry, Android, or Palm, and even front-ending > an app with Windows Mobile is still seen as something exotic. > And we can do all of those today! While many MV people use the > devices, the same people can't get their head around the benefits > of making their own applications available on them. People > deploying apps on devices don't think of their apps as "MySQL" > apps or "SQL Server" apps, they're device apps, or just mobile > access points to business software. Change the mindset of how > your company thinks about its applications, to focus on the > business offering, without the stigma of "well, it's Pick so I > can't use it with devices", and you'll be on a rocket toward > success without relying on some new company to make it happen for > you. > >> From: Frank Eperjesi > >> 2) Jbase (& I think Cache) are successful application >> software companies that basically created their own >> version of Multi-value to migrate to save their >> investment. I have not looked a Jbase in a while, but >> Cache has some nice new features. > > Part of that is incorrect. I hope I can summarize this properly. > > jBase International doesn't sell anything outside of the database > and related options - it's not an application company. They are > owned by mPower1, who also owns Temenos, who has a successful > banking application built over a variant of jBase called T24. So > it's their "sibling" that has the app. To my knowledge jBase is > and always has been purely about the DBMS. > > InterSystems (who produces Caché) is also fundamentally a DBMS > company. They didn't add support for MV because they needed it > for their own applications, but (I believe) because adding MV > support allowed them to open their platform to an extensive base > of MV end-users and resellers - errr, you guys. They already > provide a world-class platform (with a Who's Who list of > clientele to go with it) and they don't "need" MV. They built-in > MV support (a choice, not a shotgun marriage) to facilitate > porting a lot of applications to their platform, and of course > new sales for those apps. If you're looking for another big name > to associate with your offering, these guys have just bubbled to > the top of the list. > > HTH > > Tony Gravagno > Nebula Research and Development > TG@ remove.pleaseNebula-RnD.com > remove.pleaseNebula-RnD.com/blog > Visit PickWiki.com! Contribute! > > ___ > U2-Users mailing list > U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org > http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users > -- Dawn M. Wolthuis Take and give some delight today ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general
> From: Doug Chanco > Maybe they will hire apple's marketing dept. and in a > release or two down the line we'll have customers > standing in line to buy U2? They did it with iPhone so > I'm sure they can do it with U2 Actually a key difference here is the mindset of the people offering the products as well as the mindset of the target audience. Apple thinks on a daily basis about tools like iPhone. They market it to end-users who see obvious uses for the tools. They make it relatively easy for developers to create and deploy end-user solutions. But I have yet to see a single company express interest in deploying MV-served functionality through an iPhone (real apps, not browser), Blackberry, Android, or Palm, and even front-ending an app with Windows Mobile is still seen as something exotic. And we can do all of those today! While many MV people use the devices, the same people can't get their head around the benefits of making their own applications available on them. People deploying apps on devices don't think of their apps as "MySQL" apps or "SQL Server" apps, they're device apps, or just mobile access points to business software. Change the mindset of how your company thinks about its applications, to focus on the business offering, without the stigma of "well, it's Pick so I can't use it with devices", and you'll be on a rocket toward success without relying on some new company to make it happen for you. > From: Frank Eperjesi > 2) Jbase (& I think Cache) are successful application > software companies that basically created their own > version of Multi-value to migrate to save their > investment. I have not looked a Jbase in a while, but > Cache has some nice new features. Part of that is incorrect. I hope I can summarize this properly. jBase International doesn't sell anything outside of the database and related options - it's not an application company. They are owned by mPower1, who also owns Temenos, who has a successful banking application built over a variant of jBase called T24. So it's their "sibling" that has the app. To my knowledge jBase is and always has been purely about the DBMS. InterSystems (who produces Caché) is also fundamentally a DBMS company. They didn't add support for MV because they needed it for their own applications, but (I believe) because adding MV support allowed them to open their platform to an extensive base of MV end-users and resellers - errr, you guys. They already provide a world-class platform (with a Who's Who list of clientele to go with it) and they don't "need" MV. They built-in MV support (a choice, not a shotgun marriage) to facilitate porting a lot of applications to their platform, and of course new sales for those apps. If you're looking for another big name to associate with your offering, these guys have just bubbled to the top of the list. HTH Tony Gravagno Nebula Research and Development TG@ remove.pleaseNebula-RnD.com remove.pleaseNebula-RnD.com/blog Visit PickWiki.com! Contribute! ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] What Problem with Multi-value market in general
You can take the boy off the farm but you cannot take the farm out of the boy... You CAN take a UniVerse and put it into a Rocket and you CAN take a Rocket and send it into the UniVerse. --Bill ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Z_xxxxxxx not created
If it was permissions then it would happen all the time. I would look at a timing issue. Windows is known to hold on to resources, maybe a sleep command in the right place could avoid it? Thanks, David A. Green www.dagconsulting.com (480) 813-1725 -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Kevin King Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 3:26 PM To: U2 Users List Subject: [U2] Z_xxx not created The UDT.OPTIONS manual explains that when a program does a EXECUTE... CAPTURING... there is a temporary item created in _PH_ called Z_ followed by the PID. I have tested this and found it to be true, and the item is immediately removed after the CAPTURING has read its value. I have a client on a Windows UD server where from time to time they get a message that says: Can't open D:\...path...\Z_xxx for writing/capturing job. It's enough to blow SB+ GUI out of the water unfortunately. Permissions issues aside, what might cause this to happen? The client is literally thousands of miles and an ocean away so I can only diagnose remotely, have no access to view or verify the Windows permissions settings (though they assure me that's not the issue) and this doesn't happen with enough regularity to be able to watch for it, but it's irritating them. Help? -Kevin http://www.PrecisOnline.com ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general
Like a matter/anti-matter conversion gun? What happens when the problem is the business procedures and the company still wants you to "make it all better" without changing processes? Flawed processes can not be fixed with software. The effects of their inefficiency can be reduced by streamlining other processes, but the original problems will persist. Being a non-mainstream software vendor, is it your/my/our position to tell a company how to run? How do the big guys get away with doing that and repeatedly run companies into the ground? They can buy SAP and it forces them to make process changes because they can't afford to rewrite half the code to make their business run the same as before. (I'm not saying SAP has efficient data entry processes... heh) We can make the software run the way they want it to, but that isn't always the best thing. There is a middle ground, but who has the clout to compete against the big boys in all three major areas. A trio of trusted business, software, and technology consulting is the key. I guess the scope of "problems" here is the problem with suggesting that "we make your problems go away". Glen Batchelor IT Director All-Spec Industries phone: (910) 332-0424 fax: (910) 763-5664 E-mail: webmas...@all-spec.com Web: http://www.all-spec.com Blog: http://blog.all-spec.com > -Original Message- > From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users- > boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Kevin King > Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 6:49 PM > To: U2 Users List > Subject: Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general > > Why can't we just stick with "we make your problems go away"? Technology > is > a commodity. People want solutions. > ___ > U2-Users mailing list > U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org > http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Z_xxxxxxx not created
How about D:\path...\ filling up, even just momentarilly? Are they monitoring for that? I don't know UD, but UV has UVTEMP to do something very similar with CAPTURING. Could process B get the message you describe, but it's really a downstream effect of process A, a different process independent of B, that may have just filled it up, maybe aborting, maybe deleting its temp file(s) on the way out, maybe without the user noticing? I think that's the 1st thing I'd look for on a UV system, anyway, cuz that's where I've been bit, permission issues aside. Chuck Kevin King wrote: ...when a program does a EXECUTE...CAPTURING . . . there is a temporary item created in _PH_ called Z_ followed by the PID. . . . I have a client on a Windows UD server where from time to time they get a message that says: Can't open D:\...path...\Z_xxx for writing/capturing job. Permissions issues aside, what might cause this to happen? . . . ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
[U2] U2 come back
One thing I have noticed from the GFC, is that management are no longer impressed by sparkle. They are looking for delivery and some of the market leaders have a reputation for not delivering, for cost blowouts and failure to perform to expectations. When times are tight, management are looking for cost effective solutions that deliver. There has never been a better time to grow the U2 market than now. That PICK is inferior is a mindset, the grass is not greener on the other side. I have dealt with other products and some of the stuff they do is archaic. One brand name GL that has replaced PICK general ledgers with something that is supposed to be more modern is a COBOL application. It is all in the marketing. I have an OEM product and my business grew 40% this past year. The IBM name did not help, it was sold on its merits and what it delivered to management. IBM marketing was no help so no loss there. I am seeing situations where users are talking about dropping brand name GUI general ledger packages and selecting a character based green screen general ledger. We just have to look a cache and see what they have done with Mumps technology. The problem with U2 is not the technology, it is a failure to sell its strengths, to have direction. Get some switched on people and U2 sales will go through the roof. It is attitude, attitude, attitude I have seen 20 years of change from Prime to vmark to Ardent to Informix to IBM. I am still in business. Over 20 years ago I saw the newspaper headlines PICK is dead, well the coffin is still in the corner collecting dust. Over 20 years ago I saw the headline, Unix spells the death knell for PICK, now the question is will Unix survive linux. The world will change, companies come and go. Don't judge the world on the ones that have gone, but on the ones that are coming. The GFC has caused brand name comapnies to collapse. As a small business, I use it to tell potential clients that large public listed companies do not guarantee continuity and that I provide better security of future by partnering with other businesses. The problem with the PICK market, is the siege mentality. We have bunkered down for so long in the castle, that all we think is that we are under attack by superior forces. It is a mentality that is dragging down the industry. It is time to drop the draw bridge and charge as PICK is far superior in many ways. The decision about Rocket software is a done deal, nothing we can change about that. Now it is about how to make the most of the opportunities provided by the Rocket acquisition. Focus on the positives, build on the strengths. Regards David Jordan ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general
Cheater!! Don't you get tired of zooming and scrolling? A native app is better suited for complex web applications. Safari on the iPhone does an amazing job with typical web sites, but it's still a major pain to have to zoom and pan to type into fields all over the page. We're considering a mobile version of our site because of how cumbersome it is to use sites designed for 800 or larger screens. Anyway, this is getting way off-thread. Maybe we can debate this on the U2C list. I'm often on irc.freenode.net ##pick after 10pm ET(earlier or later depending on the girls) too. Glen Batchelor IT Director All-Spec Industries phone: (910) 332-0424 fax: (910) 763-5664 E-mail: webmas...@all-spec.com Web: http://www.all-spec.com Blog: http://blog.all-spec.com > -Original Message- > From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users- > boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Kevin King > Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 6:29 PM > To: U2 Users List > Subject: Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general > > I can access MV data from my iPhone today. Sure, it's through the > browser, > but it's access nonetheless. > > -Kevin > http://www.PrecisOnline.com > ___ > U2-Users mailing list > U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org > http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general
Why can't we just stick with "we make your problems go away"? Technology is a commodity. People want solutions. ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Worst Case/Best Case
No offense to anyone, though it will likely come off that way. One of my gripes about this industry is that we've all be doing so much for so long with so little we've become, as the old saying goes, "able to do everything with anything for nothing". Problem is, our "anything" is qualified as "anything MV" and the prevailing attitude is anything non-MV be damned. I love this environment, I really do. And the people in this industry are really top shelf. But let's be reasonable, there's a big world out here with loads of opportunity to be excellent irrespective of the technology. Yet, so many are content to remain Unidata experts, Universe experts, SB+ experts (yes, I realize the hypocrisy), or some expert in some specific MV "thing" and the end result is a whole lot of one-trick ponies with a shrinking field in which to ride. But we are not alone in this predicament. The same is true with many dot-net programmers. Hell, they can hammer hard as long as it's a dot-net nail. Yet I for one am not content to ride one color pony the rest of my life. True, I do not have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in a product that may someday have to be ported to something else, but I will tell you this: Regardless of what happens with this acquisition, the adaptable amongst us will thrive. We've been here before, we'll likely do it again, and a year or two from now we will have learned many great lessons that will help us with our "next", whatever that happens to be. If we don't learn and adapt, God help us. ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general
while I agree that marketing cannot totally save every product it sure can't hurt, I agree that saying "we run on an IBM database" sounds so much better than "we run on a rocket database" at least until rocket becomes (hopefully) a more well known company. To be perfectly honest my point was more of an attempt at humor than a "this is the solution" idea. I want U2 to succeed but the I have to agree with others that losing the IBM name (whehter you felt they were improving U2 or not) is a blow to thoes trying to sell a U2 solution And I have to slightly disagree with you about apple's marketing team, NEVER in the history of cell phones has there EVER ben a phone released where people stood in line for HOURS (20+) just to get a phone, not just because the iPhone had the app store or a touch screen or a web browser or visual voicemail, or the many other things it LACKED (prior to 3GS coming out) trust me I have had an iPhone since about day 200 and while I did not stand in line I was amazed that it took weeks before I could get an iPhone without having to wait hours. I do have mac book and I am actually working on a iPhone app (abeit not one that connects to U2), while I would love to do one (maybe tied to u2pipe) I want to wait and see how "rocket universe"/rocket U2 shakes out. I am very hopefully that rocket will take the ball and score a touchdown! dougc -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Glen Batchelor Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 5:50 PM To: 'U2 Users List' Subject: Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general The iPhone was a progression of proprietary touch technology and combined supporting technologies and software (stemming from the original ground-breaking iPod through to the iTouch/iPhone) that did not exist with other mobile multi-media or cellular phone products. Other makers have been trying to catch up with their versions of Apple's mobile products, but they're just not in the same league. It wasn't _just_ marketing that has made iPhone popular. The overall design and execution of the technology progression was planned very well. Can you say the same for any MV database? Apple has had a long-term (and huge) client following for many of their hardware devices and software applications. Many facets of the iPhone including interface design and app design and deployment venues contributed to the fast growth. It's not just a smart phone with web toys on it. It's a business sales channel with access to many markets. It will change the way business is being done, even more so than the Palm and Blackberry. Suggesting that marketing can help U2 grow the way the iPhone has is just absurd. Sure, we need marketing help in general but what has been said before is still true; people don't buy databases, they buy solutions. The iPhone is a solution (which runs SQLite for the apps BTW). Write an application for the iPhone that talks to U2 and sell it if you want to broaden the horizon. I have a few ideas of my own, but I'm not paying $800 for a used MacBook just to try a market idea out. :) I got twin toddlers to feed and bills to pay!! Glen Batchelor IT Director All-Spec Industries phone: (910) 332-0424 fax: (910) 763-5664 E-mail: webmas...@all-spec.com Web: http://www.all-spec.com Blog: http://blog.all-spec.com 2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general
I can access MV data from my iPhone today. Sure, it's through the browser, but it's access nonetheless. -Kevin http://www.PrecisOnline.com ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
[U2] Z_xxxxxxx not created
The UDT.OPTIONS manual explains that when a program does a EXECUTE... CAPTURING... there is a temporary item created in _PH_ called Z_ followed by the PID. I have tested this and found it to be true, and the item is immediately removed after the CAPTURING has read its value. I have a client on a Windows UD server where from time to time they get a message that says: Can't open D:\...path...\Z_xxx for writing/capturing job. It's enough to blow SB+ GUI out of the water unfortunately. Permissions issues aside, what might cause this to happen? The client is literally thousands of miles and an ocean away so I can only diagnose remotely, have no access to view or verify the Windows permissions settings (though they assure me that's not the issue) and this doesn't happen with enough regularity to be able to watch for it, but it's irritating them. Help? -Kevin http://www.PrecisOnline.com ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general
The iPhone was a progression of proprietary touch technology and combined supporting technologies and software (stemming from the original ground-breaking iPod through to the iTouch/iPhone) that did not exist with other mobile multi-media or cellular phone products. Other makers have been trying to catch up with their versions of Apple's mobile products, but they're just not in the same league. It wasn't _just_ marketing that has made iPhone popular. The overall design and execution of the technology progression was planned very well. Can you say the same for any MV database? Apple has had a long-term (and huge) client following for many of their hardware devices and software applications. Many facets of the iPhone including interface design and app design and deployment venues contributed to the fast growth. It's not just a smart phone with web toys on it. It's a business sales channel with access to many markets. It will change the way business is being done, even more so than the Palm and Blackberry. Suggesting that marketing can help U2 grow the way the iPhone has is just absurd. Sure, we need marketing help in general but what has been said before is still true; people don't buy databases, they buy solutions. The iPhone is a solution (which runs SQLite for the apps BTW). Write an application for the iPhone that talks to U2 and sell it if you want to broaden the horizon. I have a few ideas of my own, but I'm not paying $800 for a used MacBook just to try a market idea out. :) I got twin toddlers to feed and bills to pay!! Glen Batchelor IT Director All-Spec Industries phone: (910) 332-0424 fax: (910) 763-5664 E-mail: webmas...@all-spec.com Web: http://www.all-spec.com Blog: http://blog.all-spec.com > -Original Message- > From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users- > boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Doug Chanco > Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 5:14 PM > To: U2 Users List > Subject: Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general > > Maybe they will hire apple's marketing dept. and in a release or two > down the line we'll have customers standing in line to buy U2? > > They did it with iPhone so I'm sure they can do it with U2 > > Dougc > > > -Original Message- > From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org > [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Frank > Eperjesi > Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 4:53 PM > To: U2 Users List > Subject: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general > > Not to knock Rocket (Especially now that I guess I am be a dealer of > there). Also I have no history with them > > A lot of what all you say as to U2 not evolving enough is true, but part > of the reason for that and problems in the D3, U2 or mult-value world in > general is that almost all the current multi-value providers are doing > one or more of these things .: > > 1) Either living off the bones of their installed base and/or swooping > in to feed off of whoever is still running D3 and its flavors, but doing > nothing to attract new users. IBM falls into the 2nd category. > > 2) Jbase (& I think Cache) are successful application software companies > that basically created their own version of Multi-value to migrate to > save their investment. I have not looked a Jbase in a while, but Cache > has some nice new features. > > > My company (BAI) is one of the dwindling software providers still > bringing in "fresh meat" to the table. > > Up to now just saying U2 was part of IBM made a HUGE difference. The > original Unidata name was not a good as saying we were an IBM database > but their name and support material were very good. > > As good a Rocket may be, not sure saying we are running on a data base > from a company called "rocketsoftware" will be any help in selling to > our prospect base. > > Unlike IBM we will have to sell RocketSoftware viability as well as our > applications. > > Unless Rocket comes up with a super marketing effort, things just got a > lot harder for us. > > > > > > > > > > Frank E. Eperjesi > Vice President > Business Automation, Inc. > (714) 998-6600 phone (714) 998-6170 Fax > > * * * * Internet Email Confidentiality Footer * * * * > > Privileged/Confidential Information may be contained in this message. If > you are not the addressee indicated in this message (or responsible for > delivery of the message to such person), you may not copy or deliver > this message to anyone. In such case, you should destroy this message > and kindly notify the sender by reply email. Please advise immediately > if you or your employer do not consent to Internet email for messages of > this kind. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message > that do not relate to the official business of my firm shall be > understood as neither given nor endorsed by it. > > -Original Message- > From: u2-users
Re: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general
Maybe they will hire apple's marketing dept. and in a release or two down the line we'll have customers standing in line to buy U2? They did it with iPhone so I'm sure they can do it with U2 Dougc -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Frank Eperjesi Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 4:53 PM To: U2 Users List Subject: [U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general Not to knock Rocket (Especially now that I guess I am be a dealer of there). Also I have no history with them A lot of what all you say as to U2 not evolving enough is true, but part of the reason for that and problems in the D3, U2 or mult-value world in general is that almost all the current multi-value providers are doing one or more of these things .: 1) Either living off the bones of their installed base and/or swooping in to feed off of whoever is still running D3 and its flavors, but doing nothing to attract new users. IBM falls into the 2nd category. 2) Jbase (& I think Cache) are successful application software companies that basically created their own version of Multi-value to migrate to save their investment. I have not looked a Jbase in a while, but Cache has some nice new features. My company (BAI) is one of the dwindling software providers still bringing in "fresh meat" to the table. Up to now just saying U2 was part of IBM made a HUGE difference. The original Unidata name was not a good as saying we were an IBM database but their name and support material were very good. As good a Rocket may be, not sure saying we are running on a data base from a company called "rocketsoftware" will be any help in selling to our prospect base. Unlike IBM we will have to sell RocketSoftware viability as well as our applications. Unless Rocket comes up with a super marketing effort, things just got a lot harder for us. Frank E. Eperjesi Vice President Business Automation, Inc. (714) 998-6600 phone (714) 998-6170 Fax * * * * Internet Email Confidentiality Footer * * * * Privileged/Confidential Information may be contained in this message. If you are not the addressee indicated in this message (or responsible for delivery of the message to such person), you may not copy or deliver this message to anyone. In such case, you should destroy this message and kindly notify the sender by reply email. Please advise immediately if you or your employer do not consent to Internet email for messages of this kind. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of my firm shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it. -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Results Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 5:28 AM Mecki Foerthmann wrote: > George, > I think Dawn's emphasis was on survive, and that doesn't necessarily > mean thrive. > To my ears the Rocket business plan for "legacy" products sounds more > like running a rest home for no longer wanted technology > They keep it alive as long as there is a profit to be made from > licence and support fees, and when that runs out they let it pass away.. > The U2 products will "survive" OK, but all we're most likely going to > get in future are maybe some patches but no new development. > > Nobody buys a business to kill it? Do hedgefonds managers know that too? ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by SecureMail, and is believed to be clean. ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Personal Edition
I am running it on centos 5.x and like it BUT be aware that there are some limitations 2 user limit File sizes have to be under 10,000 But otherwise it runs just fine dougc -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Barry Rogen Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 2:14 PM To: U2 Users List Subject: Re: [U2] Personal Edition Thanks Martin. I will be giving it a go it a bit. Barry Rogen PNY Technologies, Inc. Senior Programmer/Analyst (973) 515 - 9700 ext 5327 bro...@pny.com - We are continually faced with great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems. John W Gardner P Before printing please think about your environmental responsibility -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Martin Scholl Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 2:02 PM To: 'U2 Users List' Subject: Re: [U2] Personal Edition I am running it with Fedora 7. You have to edit the install scripts and replace 'decompress' with 'gunzip'. There might be some other error messages coming up and you might have to install some other libraries. I never write it down when I go through it. Other than that it runs very nice. It feels by factor 10 faster than Windows. Later versions didn't do it for me and neither did Novell/Suze which I like the most of the Linux distributions. Martin Scholl 18910 New Hampshire Ave Brinklow, MD 20862 Phone: 301-924-5537 Cell: 301-613-9572 msch...@martinscholl.com -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Barry Rogen Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 10:55 AM To: U2 Users List Subject: [U2] Personal Edition Has anybody tried running the U2 (UniVerse) Personal Edition for Linux on Ubuntu ? If so, how is it working ? Are there any gotcha hiding ? Barry Rogen PNY Technologies, Inc. Senior Programmer/Analyst (973) 515 - 9700 ext 5327 bro...@pny.com - We are continually faced with great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems. John W Gardner P Before printing please think about your environmental responsibility 17/9/2009NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A WRITING NOTHING IN THIS E-MAIL, IN ANY E-MAIL THREAD OF WHICH IT MAY BE A PART, OR IN ANY ATTACHMENTS THERETO, SHALL CONSTITUTE A BINDING CONTRACT, OR ANY CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION BY PNY, OR ANY INTENT TO ENTER INTO ANY BINDING OBLIGATIONS, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY ENACTMENT OF THE UNIFORM ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS ACT, THE FEDERAL E-SIGN ACT, OR ANY OTHER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW OF SIMILAR SUBSTANCE OR EFFECT. THIS EMAIL MESSAGE, ITS CONTENTS AND ATTACHMENTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT AN OFFER OR ACCEPTANCE OF AN OFFER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT. NOTHING IN THIS E-MAIL, IN ANY E-MAIL THREAD OF WHICH IT MAY BE A PART, OR IN ANY ATTACHMENTS THERETO SHALL ALTER THIS DISCLAIMER. This e-mail message from PNY Technologies, Inc. is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.100/2375 - Release Date: 09/16/09 05:51:00 ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by SecureMail, and is believed to be clean. ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
[U2] Problem with Multi-value market in general
Not to knock Rocket (Especially now that I guess I am be a dealer of there). Also I have no history with them A lot of what all you say as to U2 not evolving enough is true, but part of the reason for that and problems in the D3, U2 or mult-value world in general is that almost all the current multi-value providers are doing one or more of these things .: 1) Either living off the bones of their installed base and/or swooping in to feed off of whoever is still running D3 and its flavors, but doing nothing to attract new users. IBM falls into the 2nd category. 2) Jbase (& I think Cache) are successful application software companies that basically created their own version of Multi-value to migrate to save their investment. I have not looked a Jbase in a while, but Cache has some nice new features. My company (BAI) is one of the dwindling software providers still bringing in "fresh meat" to the table. Up to now just saying U2 was part of IBM made a HUGE difference. The original Unidata name was not a good as saying we were an IBM database but their name and support material were very good. As good a Rocket may be, not sure saying we are running on a data base from a company called "rocketsoftware" will be any help in selling to our prospect base. Unlike IBM we will have to sell RocketSoftware viability as well as our applications. Unless Rocket comes up with a super marketing effort, things just got a lot harder for us. Frank E. Eperjesi Vice President Business Automation, Inc. (714) 998-6600 phone (714) 998-6170 Fax * * * * Internet Email Confidentiality Footer * * * * Privileged/Confidential Information may be contained in this message. If you are not the addressee indicated in this message (or responsible for delivery of the message to such person), you may not copy or deliver this message to anyone. In such case, you should destroy this message and kindly notify the sender by reply email. Please advise immediately if you or your employer do not consent to Internet email for messages of this kind. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of my firm shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it. -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Results Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 5:28 AM Mecki Foerthmann wrote: > George, > I think Dawn's emphasis was on survive, and that doesn't necessarily > mean thrive. > To my ears the Rocket business plan for "legacy" products sounds more > like running a rest home for no longer wanted technology > They keep it alive as long as there is a profit to be made from > licence and support fees, and when that runs out they let it pass away.. > The U2 products will "survive" OK, but all we're most likely going to > get in future are maybe some patches but no new development. > > Nobody buys a business to kill it? Do hedgefonds managers know that too? ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Worst Case/Best Case
All, There is something we can all do to help things move in the right direction. Now that we've all had a chance to experience or emotions on this non-trivial issue, we need to focus our energy. The U2-User list has survived and added value despite all of the ownership changes in the past. U2UG has only existed with IBM in the picture. This is the first test to see if the User Group is relevant in the new world. We have committees which are doing good work and need more help. If you worry about the U2 handover, you care about the health of the group. So, let's plug into that energy and give Rocket every reason to notice us, take us seriously, and be responsive to us. We are their most vocal segment. Have a look at this link to see what we are doing today (MUST BE LOGGED IN TO SEE IT): http://212.241.202.162/cms/cmswiki.wsp?id=182 - Chuck One of many people giving hundreds of free hours to making the community better ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Worst Case/Best Case
Just to pick up on one point - I am a .net developer but we use u2 as the data store in a growing business with many new customers every year. It is more a problem with peoples mindset than a problem with u2 technology itself, lets home rocket can tackle this head on. -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Bessel, Karen Sent: 17 September 2009 15:24 To: u2-users@listserver.u2ug.org Subject: [U2] Worst Case/Best Case I don't mean to be Ms. Doom & Gloom, but I have to disagree with Chuck. U2 has been headed towards a rest home for years. I've worked for several end-users as well as a few U2 VAR's over the years, and it's pretty apparent to me that it's on its way out. I'd really like to look at this Rocket thing as a positive development, and say, "YEAHthis is a GOOD THING", but I think it's time to strip off the rose-colored glasses. The "ostrich with its head in the sand" thing doesn't work for me any more. I wish that wasn't the case, but it is. The three companies that I have worked for since 2004 have either done away with U2 already, or are currently in the process of doing so. * A HUGE multi-national wholesale distributor in the mid-Atlantic region with THOUSANDS of users all over the US - Unidata - they are moving to SAP. * A small division of ACS in Richmond, VA which doesn't bear mentioning (handful of users) - U2 was phased out and its functionality was replaced with SQL/SSIS. * A VAR with about a hundred government clients in TX & GA - porting users to new .NET application over the next two years and phasing UV out entirely. These are three examples of a trend which is continuing all over the country. Changing jobs in the U2 world is like jumping from one lily pad to another - no one (that I've seen) is planning to continue a long term relationship with U2 any more. Myself? I've gone back to school and I'm studying .NET development. Over the next year or two, I'm going to bid UniBasic development a fond adieu in favor of an application development If Rocket wants people to pay maintenance, they will still have to port to new O/S releases where needed, still have to offer upgrades with new features, and still have to employ U2 support people. I hate to point out the obvious but they don't have to do anything with your maintenance fees other than provide support. Upgrades are not a given. Rocket does a lot of IBM mainframe work. So does IBM. So, Rocket offering UnIverse and UnIData to existing (read IBM mainframe & mid-size) customers is not a big stretch. IBM could've done this for years and didn't. Rocket has a lot of people with ":Engineer" in their titles. So does IBM. Why is there an assumption that Rocket is going to do anything more than IBM did with U2 (nothing)? Karen Bessel Software Developer Tyler Technologies, Inc. 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2000 Plano, TX 75093 Phone: 972.713.3770 ext:6227 Fax: 972.713.3780 Email: karen.bes...@tylertech.com Web: http://www.tylertech.com Tyler is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of The Court Technology Conference 2009 Sept. 22-24, 2009 | Denver, CO ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Personal Edition
Thanks Martin. I will be giving it a go it a bit. Barry Rogen PNY Technologies, Inc. Senior Programmer/Analyst (973) 515 - 9700 ext 5327 bro...@pny.com - We are continually faced with great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems. John W Gardner P Before printing please think about your environmental responsibility -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Martin Scholl Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 2:02 PM To: 'U2 Users List' Subject: Re: [U2] Personal Edition I am running it with Fedora 7. You have to edit the install scripts and replace 'decompress' with 'gunzip'. There might be some other error messages coming up and you might have to install some other libraries. I never write it down when I go through it. Other than that it runs very nice. It feels by factor 10 faster than Windows. Later versions didn't do it for me and neither did Novell/Suze which I like the most of the Linux distributions. Martin Scholl 18910 New Hampshire Ave Brinklow, MD 20862 Phone: 301-924-5537 Cell: 301-613-9572 msch...@martinscholl.com -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Barry Rogen Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 10:55 AM To: U2 Users List Subject: [U2] Personal Edition Has anybody tried running the U2 (UniVerse) Personal Edition for Linux on Ubuntu ? If so, how is it working ? Are there any gotcha hiding ? Barry Rogen PNY Technologies, Inc. Senior Programmer/Analyst (973) 515 - 9700 ext 5327 bro...@pny.com - We are continually faced with great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems. John W Gardner P Before printing please think about your environmental responsibility 17/9/2009NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A WRITING NOTHING IN THIS E-MAIL, IN ANY E-MAIL THREAD OF WHICH IT MAY BE A PART, OR IN ANY ATTACHMENTS THERETO, SHALL CONSTITUTE A BINDING CONTRACT, OR ANY CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION BY PNY, OR ANY INTENT TO ENTER INTO ANY BINDING OBLIGATIONS, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY ENACTMENT OF THE UNIFORM ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS ACT, THE FEDERAL E-SIGN ACT, OR ANY OTHER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW OF SIMILAR SUBSTANCE OR EFFECT. THIS EMAIL MESSAGE, ITS CONTENTS AND ATTACHMENTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT AN OFFER OR ACCEPTANCE OF AN OFFER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT. NOTHING IN THIS E-MAIL, IN ANY E-MAIL THREAD OF WHICH IT MAY BE A PART, OR IN ANY ATTACHMENTS THERETO SHALL ALTER THIS DISCLAIMER. This e-mail message from PNY Technologies, Inc. is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.100/2375 - Release Date: 09/16/09 05:51:00 ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Personal Edition
I am running it with Fedora 7. You have to edit the install scripts and replace 'decompress' with 'gunzip'. There might be some other error messages coming up and you might have to install some other libraries. I never write it down when I go through it. Other than that it runs very nice. It feels by factor 10 faster than Windows. Later versions didn't do it for me and neither did Novell/Suze which I like the most of the Linux distributions. Martin Scholl 18910 New Hampshire Ave Brinklow, MD 20862 Phone: 301-924-5537 Cell: 301-613-9572 msch...@martinscholl.com -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Barry Rogen Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 10:55 AM To: U2 Users List Subject: [U2] Personal Edition Has anybody tried running the U2 (UniVerse) Personal Edition for Linux on Ubuntu ? If so, how is it working ? Are there any gotcha hiding ? Barry Rogen PNY Technologies, Inc. Senior Programmer/Analyst (973) 515 - 9700 ext 5327 bro...@pny.com - We are continually faced with great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems. John W Gardner P Before printing please think about your environmental responsibility 17/9/2009NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A WRITING NOTHING IN THIS E-MAIL, IN ANY E-MAIL THREAD OF WHICH IT MAY BE A PART, OR IN ANY ATTACHMENTS THERETO, SHALL CONSTITUTE A BINDING CONTRACT, OR ANY CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION BY PNY, OR ANY INTENT TO ENTER INTO ANY BINDING OBLIGATIONS, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY ENACTMENT OF THE UNIFORM ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS ACT, THE FEDERAL E-SIGN ACT, OR ANY OTHER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW OF SIMILAR SUBSTANCE OR EFFECT. THIS EMAIL MESSAGE, ITS CONTENTS AND ATTACHMENTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT AN OFFER OR ACCEPTANCE OF AN OFFER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT. NOTHING IN THIS E-MAIL, IN ANY E-MAIL THREAD OF WHICH IT MAY BE A PART, OR IN ANY ATTACHMENTS THERETO SHALL ALTER THIS DISCLAIMER. This e-mail message from PNY Technologies, Inc. is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.100/2375 - Release Date: 09/16/09 05:51:00 ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] u2/rocket/datastage - Confirming DataStage is not coming
All, Just spoke with Susie and she confirmed that DataStage is not coming to Rocket. FYI, Steve O'Neal Services Sales Leader for U2 in North America,Information Management Lab Services,IBM Software Group From: David Jordan To: U2 Users List Date: 09/16/2009 08:36 AM Subject: Re: [U2] u2/rocket/datastage Sent by: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org Datastage is not part of U2. There is no comment about it being sold and I doubt if it would. It is a strategic component of their business intelligence stable. -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [ mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of doug chanco Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 12:05 AM To: u2-users@listserver.u2ug.org Subject: [U2] u2/rocket/datastage has anyone heard anything about datastage? Since it uses universe I would think that IBM would of sold it as well ... dougc ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Worst Case/Best Case
> From: Karen Bessel > I've worked for several end-users as well as a few U2 > VAR's over the years, and it's pretty apparent to me > that it's on its way out. ... The three companies that > I have worked for since 2004 have either done away > with U2 already, or are currently in the process of > doing so. > > Myself? I've gone back to school and I'm studying .NET > development. Over the next year or two, I'm going to > bid UniBasic development a fond adieu... In many ways I'm not fond of the state of the MV market but I haven't given up hope because there is still a lot of potential for change. (I wish I could say the same for global climate change but first things first.) As I mentioned in my recent blog, part of the problem with IBM owning U2 is that they don't market the software, and this leads to the sorts of migrations that Karen mentions. How can a VAR possibly hope to sell new systems to a mainstream audience when the upline developer is afraid to tell anyone about it? There's no telling if the Rocket connection will improve on this but the user/developer base needs to impress upon them that silence is not golden. Part (most actually) of the responsibility for marketing goes to the VAR channel too. Most VARs try to sell MV without mentioning the database, with the correct position that we sell applications and not databases, but making the database more obscure only continues to hurt all of us in the long run. I've seen MV shops go away too, in large part due to lack of information at the end-user tier - and you folks also need to do more to help drive the destiny of this market. Many MV people, both VARs and self-sustaining end-users, hold tightly to their character interfaces and all that they represent. They're adamant about using BASIC for everything with a "we don't need no stinkin mainstream development tools" attitude. Is it any wonder that these people and the platforms they hold so dear are going to get replaced by companies that want to move forward? Some of these sites could be saved if the developers and management just knew the capabilities of the platform. But despite all the industry chatter about Java, .NET, Web Services, XML, SOA, and SAAS over the years, most people simply don't pay attention. It's almost inevitable that at some point someone will be hired into management, with an aire of the new and fresh and modern, and a related desire to replace "legacy" systems, and no one will be around to tell them that they're already running a system with all of the capabilities of other modern systems. As examples of the lack of information prevalent in this market: The notion of U2 getting replaced by .NET is "awkward" (being very gentle here) since .NET is not a database and UV/UD are. An education with .NET has nothing to do with one's abilities to use a database. SAP is an application, not a database. Misinformation from people who support MV leads to the conclusion that MV people aren't really in touch with technology. The correct response to a "threat" from .NET or SAP is that .NET works fine with U2. And you need to compare the business functionality of your current application with the business functionality of an SAP application. If your company needs new business rules, you can write them in U2. If your company needs a new GUI or new communications interfaces, you can add them to your U2 app - all at a much lower cost than a completely new IT changeover. So educate yourselves. Educate your management, since decisions to replace everything usually come from that direction. Educate your VARs, and make them follow if they can't lead. And educate companies like Rocket that have influence on your destiny. IBM has never been well educated about how to position this product line. This whole situation is in part the result of failure to do proper internal marketing at IBM as well as external marketing to a market of companies seeking new business software. A change in ownership won't change the way this all works. Just look at the other MV DBMS providers, VARs, and end-users. They all approach this internal/external marketing thing the same way you do, and you're all pretty much in the same boat. Tony Gravagno Nebula Research and Development TG@ remove.pleaseNebula-RnD.com Nebula R&D sells mv.NET and other Pick/MultiValue products worldwide, and provides related development services remove.pleaseNebula-RnD.com/blog Visit PickWiki.com! Contribute! ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Null character causes odd UV behaviour
I think the other option for the SWAP statement is the CHANGE function. e.g. STATE = CHANGE(STATE, CHAR(128), "") This must be pretty old because the argument order is different than most everything else. HTH, Bill Baakkonen, Rodney A (Rod) 46K said the following on 9/16/2009 6:21 PM: I think if you looked at the hex values of Char(128) you would see two characters. Convert will only change one character for another (same size). Swap will change characters of any size to characters of any size. SWAP CHAR(128) WITH "" IN STATE should work if I remember right. -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of IT-Laure Hansen Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 7:58 PM To: 'u2-users@listserver.u2ug.org' Subject: Re: [U2] Null character causes odd UV behaviour Indeed. I'd call IBM or my VAR if I were you. And thanks for the mention! Laure Hansen, City of Redwood City I.T. Tel: 650-780-7087 Cell: 650-207-3235 - Original Message - From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org To: U2 Users List Sent: Wed Sep 16 17:54:12 2009 Subject: Re: [U2] Null character causes odd UV behaviour -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Baakkonen, Rodney A (Rod) 46K Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 5:16 PM To: U2 Users List Subject: Re: [U2] Null character causes odd UV behaviour Try SWAP instead of CONVERT. I can't find any UV documentation on the syntax for SWAP, and it what I tried wouldn't compile, but it looks like UV BASIC just can't see the null character as a character. Thanks to a suggestion from Laure Hansen I tried writing the value out to a file, and it is definitely character 128: Top. : P 0001: ^128 Bottom at line 1. I was able to work around it with: IF LEN(STATE) = 0 THEN STATE = '' Seems like a bug to me, though. Thanks, John ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Change is a coming! [not-secure]
I believe this is more in the way of a "Happy New Year" type message. -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Doug Miller Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 11:33 AM To: U2 Users List Subject: Re: [U2] Change is a coming! As A FYI, Rocket Software has posted a " Letter from Andy Youniss" on their website. http://rocketsoftware.com/about/enterprise-software It appears it addresses some of the concerns voiced here and is probably a front end to a future announcement regarding the acquisition. We are interested in what changes may be coming as well. Our President has a scheduled conference call tomorrow with Rocket Software to discuss some questions we have. Doug Miller d...@s7.com Manager of Technical Services Strategy 7Dallas TX ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Change is a coming!
As A FYI, Rocket Software has posted a " Letter from Andy Youniss" on their website. http://rocketsoftware.com/about/enterprise-software It appears it addresses some of the concerns voiced here and is probably a front end to a future announcement regarding the acquisition. We are interested in what changes may be coming as well. Our President has a scheduled conference call tomorrow with Rocket Software to discuss some questions we have. Doug Miller d...@s7.com Manager of Technical Services Strategy 7Dallas TX ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Worst Case/Best Case [not-secure]
I think offense to the Orioles isn't inferred or implied... but deserved... :) -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Charles Stevenson Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 11:30 AM To: U2 Users List Subject: Re: [U2] Worst Case/Best Case Charlie Rubeor wrote: > ... feels like getting traded from the Yankees to the Orioles. For those of you across the pond, think of being transferred from Chelsea to West Ham United. > [snip] > No offence was intended to West Ham United... so offence to Orioles is inferred? ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Rocket Software Purchase [not-secure]
Anybody know how much IBM sold it for? 30 pieces of silver? Or perhaps simply some beads and trinkets ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Worst Case/Best Case
Charlie Rubeor wrote: ... feels like getting traded from the Yankees to the Orioles. For those of you across the pond, think of being transferred from Chelsea to West Ham United. [snip] No offence was intended to West Ham United... so offence to Orioles is inferred? ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Worst Case/Best Case
Like most guys, I relate best to sports analogies. This feels like getting traded from the Yankees to the Orioles. For those of you across the pond, think of being transferred from Chelsea to West Ham United. Whatever direction that Rocket Software takes the product, it will now be more difficult to market and sell U2 based software. Just like most baseball players would rather play for the Yankees than the Orioles, most businesses would rather see a big name on the software proposals. And on a personal note, all the time I spent on the IBM certifications just went down the toilet. (No offence was intended to West Ham United. My son's coach played for West Ham, so they were the first team I thought of.) ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
[U2] Rocket Software Purchase
Anybody know how much IBM sold it for? __ This e-mail has been scanned by MCI Managed Email Content Service, using Skeptic(tm) technology powered by MessageLabs. For more information on MCI's Managed Email Content Service, visit http://www.mci.com. __ ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] GOOD NEWS From Susie
My constant struggle is trying to get end-users here to tell me what they want - they always want to tell me what we have - which of course I already know. Now that the picture has changed, U2UG has an opportunity to consider what we want. I seem to remember some DE tech manual pages having to do with integration with WebSphere. Now, other technologies like say Spring, could have a new role. --Bill -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of Mecki Foerthmann Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 3:25 AM To: U2 Users List Subject: Re: [U2] GOOD NEWS From Susie George, I think Dawn's emphasis was on survive, and that doesn't necessarily mean thrive. To my ears the Rocket business plan for "legacy" products sounds more like running a rest home for no longer wanted technology They keep it alive as long as there is a profit to be made from licence and support fees, and when that runs out they let it pass away.. The U2 products will "survive" OK, but all we're most likely going to get in future are maybe some patches but no new development. Nobody buys a business to kill it? Do hedgefonds managers know that too? George Land wrote: > 'It's being so cheerful that keeps me going' > > Maybe the world is going to end, but this is an initiative that is > fully supported by Susie and her team, maybe even initiated by them. > > You don't buy a business to kill it. There are no assets to strip, > all that matters is getting revenue from new licenses and maintenance. > Rocket have a track record of preserving and developing the companies > they buy, as Dawn said 'It doesn't look like a place that products go > to die, but a place they go to survive' > > If you want to be a pessimist that is your prerogative, but there is > nothing here to say the future is worse than it was at the start of > the week > > George > > On 16/09/2009 21:41, "Mecki Foerthmann" wrote: > > >> I hope you are right. >> >> But what if they are not even interested in selling new seats and are >> quite happy to collect licence and support fees without doing any new >> development? >> After all this is corporate America and acquisitions are not >> necessarily made to drive a product forward. >> IBM can show some positive figures for the next quarter, share prices >> might go up and managers can expect nice bonuses and sell some stock >> options. >> And for Rocket it may just be another legacy system they acquire and >> keep supported as it is their business plan. >> Since Universe and Unidata are so stable, they should be able to do >> that with very little staff. >> And a little asset-stripping may more than recover the purchase costs. >> So everybody wins as far as the investors are concerned. >> Who cares about the members of the U2 team, VARs and their staff or >> us MV-professionals who work for U2 end users? >> >> I prefer to be a pessimist - at least that way you never get >> disappointed; and if you happen to be wrong it is always to the better ;-). >> >> >> George Land wrote: >> >>> Personally I view it as a very good sign that they are taking a back >>> seat and letting the U2 people get their message out to their >>> customers. Sure a message from the new owners is needed soon but >>> not doing it up front is a sign that they are interested letting the >>> team get on with the business without getting too much in the way >>> >>> George >>> >>> >>> On 16/09/2009 19:33, "Charles Stevenson" wrote: >>> >>> >>> Chuck, Impress upon Rocket the need for THEM to make a public statement. It's nice to hear news from you & from Susie, and I look forward to reading whatever you post, but, come on, Rocket! the new owners need to say something. Chuck > All, >I've been speaking to an executive at Rocket and more calls are > being scheduled. What I've heard so far is vague (legal reasons) > but very upbeat. The next call should contain some genuine news. > As I get it, you will get it and it will be posted on U2UG.org. > > - Charles "Staying On The Hunt for Details" Barouch > > ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users >>> ___ >>> U2-Users mailing list >>> U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org >>> http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users >>> >>> >>> >> ___ >> U2-Users mailing list >> U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org >> http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users >> > > ___ > U2-Users mailing list > U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org > http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users > > ___
[U2] Personal Edition
Has anybody tried running the U2 (UniVerse) Personal Edition for Linux on Ubuntu ? If so, how is it working ? Are there any gotcha hiding ? Barry Rogen PNY Technologies, Inc. Senior Programmer/Analyst (973) 515 - 9700 ext 5327 bro...@pny.com - We are continually faced with great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems. John W Gardner P Before printing please think about your environmental responsibility 17/9/2009NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A WRITING NOTHING IN THIS E-MAIL, IN ANY E-MAIL THREAD OF WHICH IT MAY BE A PART, OR IN ANY ATTACHMENTS THERETO, SHALL CONSTITUTE A BINDING CONTRACT, OR ANY CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION BY PNY, OR ANY INTENT TO ENTER INTO ANY BINDING OBLIGATIONS, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY ENACTMENT OF THE UNIFORM ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS ACT, THE FEDERAL E-SIGN ACT, OR ANY OTHER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW OF SIMILAR SUBSTANCE OR EFFECT. THIS EMAIL MESSAGE, ITS CONTENTS AND ATTACHMENTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT AN OFFER OR ACCEPTANCE OF AN OFFER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT. NOTHING IN THIS E-MAIL, IN ANY E-MAIL THREAD OF WHICH IT MAY BE A PART, OR IN ANY ATTACHMENTS THERETO SHALL ALTER THIS DISCLAIMER. This e-mail message from PNY Technologies, Inc. is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Worst Case/Best Case
Customers do come and go, the thing with U2 is that you don't see most of the customer base because it's an OEM product, most of the customers run someone's application. That's the market and U2 is becoming just part of the mix for most VARs. Our application is U2 based but the code is increasingly outside the database so we don't really recruit many U2 people any more, we recruit java people. Doesn't mean that U2 isn't a big part of what we do, it just means that coding in UniBasic isn't a big part of it. The future doesn't include a great deal of green screen basic coding but that doesn't mean that it doesn't include U2. If you are a basic coder then the world of work doesn't look too good, you need to reskill, but that can still involve U2. As for maintenance, if people don't get anything from it they won't pay it. Taking the money and doing nothing isn't an option. The thing that is right about this is that the company fit U2, they are a technically orientated company, they sell OEM, they let their subsidiaries get on with it, they have a lot of positives about them. We'll see what happens but there is no need to be down about it, moving from basic coding to something like .NET is the right thing to do. But that doesn't have to mean leaving U2 you can use it as the database in your .NET application, many people do. George On 17/09/2009 15:23, "Bessel, Karen" wrote: > I don't mean to be Ms. Doom & Gloom, but I have to disagree with Chuck. > U2 has been headed towards a rest home for years. I've worked for > several end-users as well as a few U2 VAR's over the years, and it's > pretty apparent to me that it's on its way out. I'd really like to look > at this Rocket thing as a positive development, and say, "YEAHthis > is a GOOD THING", but I think it's time to strip off the rose-colored > glasses. The "ostrich with its head in the sand" thing doesn't work for > me any more. I wish that wasn't the case, but it is. The three > companies that I have worked for since 2004 have either done away with > U2 already, or are currently in the process of doing so. > > > > * A HUGE multi-national wholesale distributor in the > mid-Atlantic region with THOUSANDS of users all over the US - Unidata - > they are moving to SAP. > > * A small division of ACS in Richmond, VA which doesn't bear > mentioning (handful of users) - U2 was phased out and its functionality > was replaced with SQL/SSIS. > > * A VAR with about a hundred government clients in TX & GA - > porting users to new .NET application over the next two years and > phasing UV out entirely. > > > > > > These are three examples of a trend which is continuing all over the > country. Changing jobs in the U2 world is like jumping from one lily > pad to another - no one (that I've seen) is planning to continue a long > term relationship with U2 any more. > > > > Myself? I've gone back to school and I'm studying .NET development. Over > the next year or two, I'm going to bid UniBasic development a fond adieu > in favor of an application development > > > > > > > > > > If Rocket wants people to pay maintenance, they will still have to port > to new O/S releases where needed, still have to offer upgrades with new > features, and still have to employ U2 support people. > > > > I hate to point out the obvious but they don't have to do anything with > your maintenance fees other than provide support. Upgrades are not a > given. > > > > Rocket does a lot of IBM mainframe work. > > > > So does IBM. > > > > So, Rocket offering UnIverse and UnIData to existing (read IBM mainframe > & mid-size) customers is not a big stretch. > > > > IBM could've done this for years and didn't. > > > > Rocket has a lot of people with ":Engineer" in their titles. > > > > So does IBM. > > > > > > Why is there an assumption that Rocket is going to do anything more than > IBM did with U2 (nothing)? > > > > > > > > Karen Bessel > Software Developer > > Tyler Technologies, Inc. > 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2000 > Plano, TX 75093 > Phone: 972.713.3770 ext:6227 > Fax: 972.713.3780 > Email: karen.bes...@tylertech.com > Web: http://www.tylertech.com > > > > Tyler is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of > The Court Technology Conference 2009 > Sept. 22-24, 2009 | Denver, CO > ___ > U2-Users mailing list > U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org > http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
[U2] Worst Case/Best Case
I don't mean to be Ms. Doom & Gloom, but I have to disagree with Chuck. U2 has been headed towards a rest home for years. I've worked for several end-users as well as a few U2 VAR's over the years, and it's pretty apparent to me that it's on its way out. I'd really like to look at this Rocket thing as a positive development, and say, "YEAHthis is a GOOD THING", but I think it's time to strip off the rose-colored glasses. The "ostrich with its head in the sand" thing doesn't work for me any more. I wish that wasn't the case, but it is. The three companies that I have worked for since 2004 have either done away with U2 already, or are currently in the process of doing so. * A HUGE multi-national wholesale distributor in the mid-Atlantic region with THOUSANDS of users all over the US - Unidata - they are moving to SAP. * A small division of ACS in Richmond, VA which doesn't bear mentioning (handful of users) - U2 was phased out and its functionality was replaced with SQL/SSIS. * A VAR with about a hundred government clients in TX & GA - porting users to new .NET application over the next two years and phasing UV out entirely. These are three examples of a trend which is continuing all over the country. Changing jobs in the U2 world is like jumping from one lily pad to another - no one (that I've seen) is planning to continue a long term relationship with U2 any more. Myself? I've gone back to school and I'm studying .NET development. Over the next year or two, I'm going to bid UniBasic development a fond adieu in favor of an application development If Rocket wants people to pay maintenance, they will still have to port to new O/S releases where needed, still have to offer upgrades with new features, and still have to employ U2 support people. I hate to point out the obvious but they don't have to do anything with your maintenance fees other than provide support. Upgrades are not a given. Rocket does a lot of IBM mainframe work. So does IBM. So, Rocket offering UnIverse and UnIData to existing (read IBM mainframe & mid-size) customers is not a big stretch. IBM could've done this for years and didn't. Rocket has a lot of people with ":Engineer" in their titles. So does IBM. Why is there an assumption that Rocket is going to do anything more than IBM did with U2 (nothing)? Karen Bessel Software Developer Tyler Technologies, Inc. 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2000 Plano, TX 75093 Phone: 972.713.3770 ext:6227 Fax: 972.713.3780 Email: karen.bes...@tylertech.com Web: http://www.tylertech.com Tyler is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of The Court Technology Conference 2009 Sept. 22-24, 2009 | Denver, CO ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
[U2] Worst case, best case
All, Let's say that U2 is going to a rest home - not my opinion, but let's follow the path... If I need new licenses (or, in England, new licences), I can still buy them in this scenario. If I need to run the apps I have, nothing changes. If I need to update my apps, I either need U2 Professional Services (still there) or a vendor, or a product, or a consultant. So, worst case is that Rocket does nothing to grow the market. That's bad, but it doesn't change a lot in the foresee-able. If Rocket wants people to pay maintenance, they will still have to port to new O/S releases where needed, still have to offer upgrades with new features, and still have to employ U@ support people. If that's the worst case, we aren't doing that badly. Now assume better of them. Maybe they'd like to make money on this deal... Rocket does a lot of IBM mainframe work. MV on IBM hardware has sold well in the past. So, Rocket offering UnIverse and UnIData to existing (read IBM mainframe & mid-size) customers is not a big stretch. Selling new things to an existing base is always easier than starting from scratch looking for customers. So, they have an incentive to port to new IBM hardware and O/Ses as they come out and gain momentum. Rocket has a lot of people with ":Engineer" in their titles. LinkedIn pegs it at 40% and Susie has quoted a higher % to me. that sounds like they like to employ tech people. That implies that they have a lot of work for tech people and that bodes well. - Chuck ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] GOOD NEWS From Susie
I think time will tell whether they will grow the business or do what was done with Primos when Peritus just provided support for Prime Computer customers for several years with old Prime Computer personnel. Out of curiosity, What is the annual revenue stream for U2? Is it more than $100 million? On Sep 17, 2009, at 3:25 AM, Mecki Foerthmann wrote: George, I think Dawn's emphasis was on survive, and that doesn't necessarily mean thrive. To my ears the Rocket business plan for "legacy" products sounds more like running a rest home for no longer wanted technology They keep it alive as long as there is a profit to be made from licence and support fees, and when that runs out they let it pass away.. The U2 products will "survive" OK, but all we're most likely going to get in future are maybe some patches but no new development. Nobody buys a business to kill it? Do hedgefonds managers know that too? George Land wrote: 'It's being so cheerful that keeps me going' Maybe the world is going to end, but this is an initiative that is fully supported by Susie and her team, maybe even initiated by them. You don't buy a business to kill it. There are no assets to strip, all that matters is getting revenue from new licenses and maintenance. Rocket have a track record of preserving and developing the companies they buy, as Dawn said 'It doesn't look like a place that products go to die, but a place they go to survive' If you want to be a pessimist that is your prerogative, but there is nothing here to say the future is worse than it was at the start of the week George On 16/09/2009 21:41, "Mecki Foerthmann" wrote: I hope you are right. But what if they are not even interested in selling new seats and are quite happy to collect licence and support fees without doing any new development? After all this is corporate America and acquisitions are not necessarily made to drive a product forward. IBM can show some positive figures for the next quarter, share prices might go up and managers can expect nice bonuses and sell some stock options. And for Rocket it may just be another legacy system they acquire and keep supported as it is their business plan. Since Universe and Unidata are so stable, they should be able to do that with very little staff. And a little asset-stripping may more than recover the purchase costs. So everybody wins as far as the investors are concerned. Who cares about the members of the U2 team, VARs and their staff or us MV-professionals who work for U2 end users? I prefer to be a pessimist - at least that way you never get disappointed; and if you happen to be wrong it is always to the better ;-). George Land wrote: Personally I view it as a very good sign that they are taking a back seat and letting the U2 people get their message out to their customers. Sure a message from the new owners is needed soon but not doing it up front is a sign that they are interested letting the team get on with the business without getting too much in the way George On 16/09/2009 19:33, "Charles Stevenson" wrote: Chuck, Impress upon Rocket the need for THEM to make a public statement. It's nice to hear news from you & from Susie, and I look forward to reading whatever you post, but, come on, Rocket! the new owners need to say something. Chuck All, I've been speaking to an executive at Rocket and more calls are being scheduled. What I've heard so far is vague (legal reasons) but very upbeat. The next call should contain some genuine news. As I get it, you will get it and it will be posted on U2UG.org. - Charles "Staying On The Hunt for Details" Barouch ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Strive or Thrive - show me the money!
Ray, Well said. The key thing here is that there hasn't been a takeover. U2 wasn't a company, there were a division. Transfers like this have a different character - especially in terms of the number of steps they need to take before they are complete. Assume that there are still thinks to stamp and sign and the lack of details becomes clearer. Legal issues bind their mouths - for now. - Chuck Ray Jones wrote: I worked on 80 acquisitions/migration projects and I cannot remember one instance of a "Takeover Announcement" not being released on Day 1 by the acquiring company - both via Website, Press and Letters dropped in the outgoing mail for next day delivery to our customers. These deals don't happen ovenight, both Rocket & IBM would have had time to prepare something and if Rocket don't make some sort of positive statement pronto, then by implication they're making a negative one. ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] Null character causes odd UV behaviour
If you are trying to see if the value is null, try @NULL. Brenda L Price UniVerse Programmer Rapid Response Team Market America, Inc. Greensboro, NC > -Original Message- > From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users- > boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of John Hester > Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 8:54 PM > To: U2 Users List > Subject: Re: [U2] Null character causes odd UV behaviour > > > -Original Message- > > From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org > > [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of > > Baakkonen, Rodney A (Rod) 46K > > Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 5:16 PM > > To: U2 Users List > > Subject: Re: [U2] Null character causes odd UV behaviour > > > > Try SWAP instead of CONVERT. > > I can't find any UV documentation on the syntax for SWAP, and it what I > tried wouldn't compile, but it looks like UV BASIC just can't see the > null character as a character. Thanks to a suggestion from Laure > Hansen > I tried writing the value out to a file, and it is definitely character > 128: > > Top. > : P > 0001: ^128 > Bottom at line 1. > > I was able to work around it with: > > IF LEN(STATE) = 0 THEN STATE = '' > > Seems like a bug to me, though. > > Thanks, > John > ___ > U2-Users mailing list > U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org > http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] GOOD NEWS From Susie
One point to consider... IBM owns tons of databases but they only publicly talk about 1: DB2. Rocket doesn't own any databases. If they want to be in that market, U2 is 100% of their stake. Nothing is certain, but that is encouraging. - Chuck Mecki Foerthmann wrote: George, I think Dawn's emphasis was on survive, and that doesn't necessarily mean thrive. To my ears the Rocket business plan for "legacy" products sounds more like running a rest home for no longer wanted technology They keep it alive as long as there is a profit to be made from licence and support fees, and when that runs out they let it pass away.. The U2 products will "survive" OK, but all we're most likely going to get in future are maybe some patches but no new development. Nobody buys a business to kill it? Do hedgefonds managers know that too? ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] GOOD NEWS From Susie
George I'm totally with you on this. The products have been through several hands, and this is the first time since the days of VMARK and UniData they haven't been merged/sold to database vendors with competing products. That has to be a good thing. The deal is done and we don't have any choice but to make the very most of it. Let's not talk this down before we have given these guys every opportunity. Now we can panic, or we can take this as a positive and introduce Rocket to a community that wants the products to succeed, is prepared to support them and pay for them, and turn them into the platforms we need for our businesses to prosperin future. If they are sensible, they will listen and we can get positive momentum from this move. We've all been through this before with the previous owners, and we and the products have survived. The engineers have done good things with the product, within the strictures imposed by IBM. Now, just maybe, there is a chance to employ some imagination. Brian -Original Message- From: u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org [mailto:u2-users-boun...@listserver.u2ug.org] On Behalf Of George Land Sent: 17 September 2009 09:45 To: U2 Users List Subject: Re: [U2] GOOD NEWS From Susie My understanding of the logic of this is that the U2 people are so excited about it because it will allow them to invest in product development in a meaningful way. To describe Rocket as a rest home for no longer wanted technology is very harsh, what they are is an OEM specialist. A big part of the problem of IBM and U2 was that U2 is OEM, people acquire it because it is embedded in an application they have bought. IBM don't really do OEM and an issue has been a lack of understanding of how the OEM sales model works. U2 has remained largely outside the IBM structure everywhere except here in the UK. Here there are IBM employees reporting into the mainstream IBM structure who work on U2. As the UK Distributor we work with mainstream IBM people in a U2 context and it is hard, few of the structures, processes and mechanisms match what we do. Meanwhile there is development happening because it is right for IBM, so we got EDA allowing us to store data in DB2. Great but useless, we know and the U2 developers know that SQL Server is where it needs to be but they had to do DB2. Then you get things like UniData 7.2, a release that would probably have been UniData 8 but wasn't because to go to a new release number takes so much hassle in IBM that it would have taken beyond forever to get out. Alongside this you have education which has to go through the IBM education people meaning hardly any training happens because it is too expensive. Organising an event is really hard because people from several countries need to get involved, U2U in the UK last year was a nightmare for that reason. So personally I can understand precisely why Susie and her team wanted this and why they feel that Rocket is the right owner. Rocket do OEM, they provide software that goes into DB2, Tivoli and Rational amongst others. They sell through ISVs, they are used to their products being rebranded and bundled into others, that's largely why none of us have heard of them. Branding is the big issue going forwards, we've lost the IBM brand and that is a big loss. But from a product development and technical perspective the software is going into an environment that is much more suited to it. That is the major positive out of all this, the R&D that is now likely to happen directed at what customers need and not what IBM want. As for buying a business to kill, what does happen is people buy them to run them as cash cows but there is no indication that will happen here. Rocket are active developers of their products and there is every sign that they intend to actively develop U2. George ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users
Re: [U2] GOOD NEWS From Susie
My understanding of the logic of this is that the U2 people are so excited about it because it will allow them to invest in product development in a meaningful way. To describe Rocket as a rest home for no longer wanted technology is very harsh, what they are is an OEM specialist. A big part of the problem of IBM and U2 was that U2 is OEM, people acquire it because it is embedded in an application they have bought. IBM don't really do OEM and an issue has been a lack of understanding of how the OEM sales model works. U2 has remained largely outside the IBM structure everywhere except here in the UK. Here there are IBM employees reporting into the mainstream IBM structure who work on U2. As the UK Distributor we work with mainstream IBM people in a U2 context and it is hard, few of the structures, processes and mechanisms match what we do. Meanwhile there is development happening because it is right for IBM, so we got EDA allowing us to store data in DB2. Great but useless, we know and the U2 developers know that SQL Server is where it needs to be but they had to do DB2. Then you get things like UniData 7.2, a release that would probably have been UniData 8 but wasn't because to go to a new release number takes so much hassle in IBM that it would have taken beyond forever to get out. Alongside this you have education which has to go through the IBM education people meaning hardly any training happens because it is too expensive. Organising an event is really hard because people from several countries need to get involved, U2U in the UK last year was a nightmare for that reason. So personally I can understand precisely why Susie and her team wanted this and why they feel that Rocket is the right owner. Rocket do OEM, they provide software that goes into DB2, Tivoli and Rational amongst others. They sell through ISVs, they are used to their products being rebranded and bundled into others, that's largely why none of us have heard of them. Branding is the big issue going forwards, we've lost the IBM brand and that is a big loss. But from a product development and technical perspective the software is going into an environment that is much more suited to it. That is the major positive out of all this, the R&D that is now likely to happen directed at what customers need and not what IBM want. As for buying a business to kill, what does happen is people buy them to run them as cash cows but there is no indication that will happen here. Rocket are active developers of their products and there is every sign that they intend to actively develop U2. George On 17/09/2009 08:25, "Mecki Foerthmann" wrote: > George, > I think Dawn's emphasis was on survive, and that doesn't necessarily > mean thrive. > To my ears the Rocket business plan for "legacy" products sounds more > like running a rest home for no longer wanted technology > They keep it alive as long as there is a profit to be made from licence > and support fees, and when that runs out they let it pass away.. > The U2 products will "survive" OK, but all we're most likely going to > get in future are maybe some patches but no new development. > > Nobody buys a business to kill it? Do hedgefonds managers know that too? > > > > George Land wrote: >> 'It's being so cheerful that keeps me going' >> >> Maybe the world is going to end, but this is an initiative that is fully >> supported by Susie and her team, maybe even initiated by them. >> >> You don't buy a business to kill it. There are no assets to strip, all that >> matters is getting revenue from new licenses and maintenance. Rocket have a >> track record of preserving and developing the companies they buy, as Dawn >> said 'It doesn't look like a place that products go to die, but a place they >> go to survive' >> >> If you want to be a pessimist that is your prerogative, but there is nothing >> here to say the future is worse than it was at the start of the week >> >> George >> >> On 16/09/2009 21:41, "Mecki Foerthmann" wrote: >> >> >>> I hope you are right. >>> >>> But what if they are not even interested in selling new seats and are >>> quite happy to collect licence and support fees without doing any new >>> development? >>> After all this is corporate America and acquisitions are not necessarily >>> made to drive a product forward. >>> IBM can show some positive figures for the next quarter, share prices >>> might go up and managers can expect nice bonuses and sell some stock >>> options. >>> And for Rocket it may just be another legacy system they acquire and >>> keep supported as it is their business plan. >>> Since Universe and Unidata are so stable, they should be able to do that >>> with very little staff. >>> And a little asset-stripping may more than recover the purchase costs. >>> So everybody wins as far as the investors are concerned. >>> Who cares about the members of the U2 team, VARs and their staff or us >>> MV-professionals who work for U2 end users? >>
Re: [U2] GOOD NEWS From Susie
George, I think Dawn's emphasis was on survive, and that doesn't necessarily mean thrive. To my ears the Rocket business plan for "legacy" products sounds more like running a rest home for no longer wanted technology They keep it alive as long as there is a profit to be made from licence and support fees, and when that runs out they let it pass away.. The U2 products will "survive" OK, but all we're most likely going to get in future are maybe some patches but no new development. Nobody buys a business to kill it? Do hedgefonds managers know that too? George Land wrote: 'It's being so cheerful that keeps me going' Maybe the world is going to end, but this is an initiative that is fully supported by Susie and her team, maybe even initiated by them. You don't buy a business to kill it. There are no assets to strip, all that matters is getting revenue from new licenses and maintenance. Rocket have a track record of preserving and developing the companies they buy, as Dawn said 'It doesn't look like a place that products go to die, but a place they go to survive' If you want to be a pessimist that is your prerogative, but there is nothing here to say the future is worse than it was at the start of the week George On 16/09/2009 21:41, "Mecki Foerthmann" wrote: I hope you are right. But what if they are not even interested in selling new seats and are quite happy to collect licence and support fees without doing any new development? After all this is corporate America and acquisitions are not necessarily made to drive a product forward. IBM can show some positive figures for the next quarter, share prices might go up and managers can expect nice bonuses and sell some stock options. And for Rocket it may just be another legacy system they acquire and keep supported as it is their business plan. Since Universe and Unidata are so stable, they should be able to do that with very little staff. And a little asset-stripping may more than recover the purchase costs. So everybody wins as far as the investors are concerned. Who cares about the members of the U2 team, VARs and their staff or us MV-professionals who work for U2 end users? I prefer to be a pessimist - at least that way you never get disappointed; and if you happen to be wrong it is always to the better ;-). George Land wrote: Personally I view it as a very good sign that they are taking a back seat and letting the U2 people get their message out to their customers. Sure a message from the new owners is needed soon but not doing it up front is a sign that they are interested letting the team get on with the business without getting too much in the way George On 16/09/2009 19:33, "Charles Stevenson" wrote: Chuck, Impress upon Rocket the need for THEM to make a public statement. It's nice to hear news from you & from Susie, and I look forward to reading whatever you post, but, come on, Rocket! the new owners need to say something. Chuck All, I've been speaking to an executive at Rocket and more calls are being scheduled. What I've heard so far is vague (legal reasons) but very upbeat. The next call should contain some genuine news. As I get it, you will get it and it will be posted on U2UG.org. - Charles "Staying On The Hunt for Details" Barouch ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ___ U2-Users mailing list U2-Users@listserver.u2ug.org http://listserver.u2ug.org/mailman/listinfo/u2-users