Re: Oracle and Partner Push "Informix to Java" Migration

Andrej Falout wrote: [SNIP] > Does anybody see logic in expecting people to change engine just > because they can? If they really wanted to, they could use Querix > before, cheaper and faster. > > What impact of this could one expect to the Dynamic 4GL? > > And before all, is this a real product, how good the product is, and > what can you do with it that you haven't been able to do before > (except to use JDBC). > > Andrej Ok, Since the "Big Boys" are still recovering from their Seatle jaunt, I'll take a stab at this. Oracle has always made attempts to convert Informix customers to Oracle. They will look for any advantage to push to get those customers. Informix, for whatever reason, was late to the Java party. They made a statement at the Java One conference, that was, well , to be polite, lost in the other announcements that other companies were making. But even that was misleading. Under Phil, Informix joined the SmartCard Association, (I forget the orgs real name but for this post its close enough.) In '95, '96 time frame. For those who don't know, Smart Cards mandate Java. Informix also had a deal with Veriphone/HP. (Remember those fancy smart cards at the '97 Conference?) Yet Bob cut this and other projects. The intergration of Java in to the engine seems to have taken a back burner. I didn't go to this years conference so I don't know if Informix did mention anything about J-SPL in 7.X product line. Informix was doing some Java stuff early on, however, nothing was formally stated until the Java One conference. Also some of those early projects appeared to have been cut under Bob in an effort to stem costs. But, to say that Oracle forced Informix in to the Java market is wrong. Oracle has been able to sneak in to several Informix shops because some large sites are risk adverse and didn't want to put all of their eggs in one basket so to speak. But not to worry. There are some Oracle shops that also run Informix. ;-) But getting to your questions: People change engine for several reasons: 1) Price. (Cost of ownership) 2) FUD. Will Informix make it? Will they lose the litigation and owe money and go Chapt. 11? 3) Local sales presence. Who better services the account? Who has better support and service? 4) Management staff changes. New CIO means new direction. Oracle out, Informix in. Or Sybase, you get the idea. It goes both ways. Hewitt I think went from Oracle to Informix. Dynamic 4GL? Hmmm. What's its real benefit? Does it offset the costs? We'll have to wait and see. I'm sure Billy can give a rousing testimonial about Dynamic 4GL. :-P -- #include <std_disclaimer.h> /* Mike Segel (MS385) */ #include <No_Spam.h> #ifdef OFFENDED_BY_CONTENT The author takes no responsibility for this post. Any resembalence to a coherent rational thought is purely coincidence. -The Management. #endif ***************************** * Attention * -*- Due to AGIS's Refusal to Act Responsibly -*- Due to ACSI's latest actions, they have been pardoned. [E.Spire] We are blocking all of their domains at the packet level. This block will exist until they modify their policies to conform to existing RFCs and net community standards. We encourage all ISPs and domain holders to do the same. *****************************