Mitchell Peek wrote:

> I was a long time user of interbase, but circumstances took me away
> from it for a few years. I now have an opportunity to convert an
> existing app and to create a couple of companion apps to go along with
> it to Firebird.
> I see several familiar names on this list. I have had several (email)
> conversations with Ann Harrison, Helen Borrie, Claudio Valderrama, Jason
> Wharton, etc. I doubt any of you remember me, but this kind of feels
> like a school reunion for me, so Hi to all! Anyone know what happenned
> to Diane Brown?

I don't know what happened, but I do miss her.

> Anyway, here is my issue. Very time critical migration. My first task
> will be to develop an application which centralizes several (as many as
> 1,200) locations (currently DBISAM) into a central database that will be
> Firebird. I will develop a middle tier using ASTA for periodic
> (frequent) bi-directional updates. Asta has stock servers built on
> either BDE, FIBPlus, and Jason's IBObjects. BDE is out, so, I need to
> decide quickly between the remaining two. The issues involved are, I
> have a team that will need to learn Firebird quickly. I can help with
> that some. Still there will be a learning curve for them, as well as
> for me with the new tools. Recommendations (private email is fine if
> you are worried you might offend either of the venders.)

If you are used to use the BDE I think it will be easy to go with IBO - an
excellent set of components (which I've used for many years). If you have
been using FIB or IBX you may well be more comfortable with FIBplus (which
I haven't used).

> I loved the old WISQL tool. The new interface tools I have looked (
> more like glanced) at seem cumbersome. If there is a consensus
> favorite, I would like to know what it is and why.

You'll find some on the IBPhoenix site. IBExpert has a free, "lite"
Personal Edition. And there are trial versions, e.g. Database Workbench.

>
> Second, its been a while. I might need a kick in the right direction.
> I am very comfortable with the SQL, etc. But, dialect 3 is new to me,
> any gotchas I need to be aware of?

If you don't have any baggage (like old IB databases) it shouldn't be much
of a problem. Try to find Borland's document on migrating to IB/6 which
describes differences. Also, Release Notes for FB/1.0 abd Fb/1.5 might
prove essential.

> Two phase transactions, and the ability to exploit them with the new
> tools is new territory for me. Any basic rules of thumb that might help
> me get started in the right direction.

Only if two or more databases are involved in the same transaction. Not often.

> And, finally and most importantly, installation at a clients site. What
> is involved, how difficult. What I am after is an install that is
> transparent to my relativly unsophisticated users (scary thought
> considering how unschooled I feel at this point). What is involved?
> In my old days, we had to install a client on the workstations, and on
> the server, an appropriate number of user access licenses on the
> server. I expect that has changed totally.

Installation is (almost) as easy as it ever was.
And the licenses are nowhere to be seen ...
There are however methods whereby one can contribute to the project :-)

> Sorry for so many and such basic questions, I intend and expect to get
> up to speed rapidly, and promise to help out on the list when I become
> able.
> For now, can't tell you how thrilled I am to be working with this DB
> again! Honestly, it feels like coming home.

Welcome back.


--
Aage J.