> By having the server do all the work achieves the following:
>
> 1. No operating system or interfacing software dependency. Just use it on
> any system that runs Firebird and maybe directly improved by new features
> implemented in Firebird without waiting for interfacing software upgrades
> supporting the new features. FB 2.5 seems to have some interesting ones
> planned.

Yes, that is a given.

> 2. No other issue created by data transfers, such as locking, etc.

I would need more details to believe this is the case. I have seen
server-centric full-tect searching implementations that do create hot spots.

> If of interest, I'll setup a web page to download or provide some other
> means to distribute this alternative solutions or other solutions to
> things as 'replication' , free of charge to use.

I would be happy to include them on my web-site and advocate their use. My
main intent is to provide the best tools for the needs at hand. At anytime
there is a better solution I want my customers to know of it and use it,
even if that means they won't need a portion of my own tools.

> As an old long time retired R&D consultant with lots and lots of free time
> and support from my pre-retired days, I now enjoy fiddling around with
> solutions to stimulate the mind :)

I welcome any of that fiddling to reveal weaknesses in IBO and suggestions
on how to make it better.

Regards,
Jason Wharton