Re: Getting more support from Informix

In article <zorbaCn32Hp.FuE@netcom.com> zorba@netcom.com (Harry Skelton) writes: >[ caution: Informix Flame follows - hit 'n' now if you don't want to read >about support issues and general bashing ] > >We have been using Informix here for quite some time. In the past the need >for techincal support has either been low or at the mercy of Informix support >itself. (i.e. Newbie Programmer, etc) [other true stuff about terrible support deleted ...] I also have been disappointed with Informix's support. It does seem that the level of expertise is low and the emphasis on suggesting the particular problem one's having would go away, by just converting ALL your code to 4gl (I use more sql and esql/c) or spend more $$ for upgrading. About 6 months ago, I posted 'How Informix Support "SUCKS"' and how disappointed I was with their new release for MS-DOS (4.1). Screens don't allow for simple arithmetic. Amazing how they could release it that way. I have to admit, Informix tried their best to satisfy me. I received email from many employees of Informix from all over, One from Germany (Thanks Peter!), that told me they (Informix Ltd) had a fix for the problem. The real frustrating part was Informix of USA didn't know about the fix? The two were NOT communicating fixes with each other. Truely amazing! Anyway, they sent me a "pre-lease" with the fixes and promised (got it in writing) to extend my support. I am now able to use the forms as I would expect, the system isn't crashing, my indices are no longer becoming corrupt when I try to add a duplicate unique record. I short, I'm Happy! I know others that have converted from Informix to Sybase and they are having even worst problems with Tech Support and the coding is more complex. I have 5+ yrs Progress 4GL experience and the Tech Support there isn't any better. I think its the nature of the beast. I do Tech Support where I work, and God knows its a thankless job. No calls that say "Bob, I just wanted to say you're doing a great job!". I only get problems and fires that need to be put out. So it has to be a burnout type of job. Informix probably takes the cream and places them in other more productive areas (Sr. tech Support :))) ) and settles with a high turn-over rate. In any event, I think the "squeaky wheel syndrome" works best. The wheel that squeaks themost get oiled first! Good luck! Bob -- ------------------------------------------------------------------- * Bob Beaulieu (bobb@netcom.com) eztravel@netcom.com * * Tel: 408-978-0808 Fax: 408-978-7024 * * Corporate Travel Services * -------------------------------------------------------------------