Messages

1

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: October 21, 2007, 02:37 PM »

Armando,

You're right, of course.  The passion of users around ECCO and DO as organizers is pretty remarkable. 

2

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: October 21, 2007, 01:39 PM »

All of the recent GemX events have certainly polarized the users.  On this forum, we've seen everything from genuine anger and rage to shock and disbelief to forgiveness.  One day the forum was there and the next day it was not.  In some respects, it was like the parent who changed his/her mind and moved out of the house.  The forum members became orphans.

Had the software not had a broad vision or so many different modules and capabilities, I wonder if the reactions would have been so strong.  Had the early user support not been so remarkable, how many users would have invested so heavily in the development process? 

DO-Organizer looked like some sort of grail, where everything would fit into it somewhere.  In looking at walking away from it, several pieces of software would probably be needed to replace its functions. 

I haven't seen such strong feelings about software in quite awhile.  Each of us must consider and form our own opinion about how to manage, talk/write and plan.  Some of us will walk away and never look back...that is some piece of software, though, isn't it?

3

General Software Discussion / Re: SQLNotes...what is it exactly?

« on: October 18, 2007, 07:00 AM »

I've been one of the beta testers for quite some time.  I'm also really familiar with ECCO.  One of the intriguing things for me has been the ability to outline and use other fields as I choose to work with information.

It's really easy to create hierarchical to do lists and contact lists ala ECCO, but since it's also a database, the ability to create calculated fields and actions is really good.  I'm a database programmer and SQLNotes will be able to connect to ODBC data sources, which means the information won't be locked inside a proprietary container.  It also permits the software to be used as a front end for data systems, such as SQL and others.

Also, coming soon will be an integrated calendar, but Pierre is also working on Gantt charting for project work and he already is able to put in pivot tables and charts.  All of this puts his program beyond ECCO.

What makes it a winner is the ability to customize the system with fields that meet the specific needs of the user.

I hope others give it a try.

Mike

4

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: October 13, 2007, 07:52 AM »

I think part of the reason for the gemx problem was that the vision of a package with so many features was too big to handle.  They put the whole thing out at once and there wasn't enough time, so they bounced from section to section.  They couldn't make the project come together. They were just spread too thin and I have no idea what size their company really is, but I'm guessing it's small.

This is aside from the issue of how they treated the beta testers.  I think if they just said how it was going for them, we would have backed them up.

MikeH

5

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: October 09, 2007, 07:15 AM »

I was also one of the beta testers (MikeH) and suffered the same fate.  I sent many emails to gemx - all unanswered.  It's good to see notes from familiar names from the gemx forum.

Fortunately, I also found SQLNotes, which will replace and surpass ECCO, a package I've used on and off for years.  Pierre is very active with the beta group.  I think he's sensitive to the plight of the DO community and will turn out a product that will be excellent.

I just found this site today and I really like it already.

Mike