Conference ulysse::rdb_vms_competition

307.0. "DEC equivalent to Rbase, dbase, Paradox ???" by NATASH::COUGHLIN () Fri Feb 17 1989 19:58

overall QUESTION:	Which combination of DEC main-frame (mini-framed?) 
based products most closely approximates the current PC-based relational 
database offerings, such as Rbase, dbase & Paradox ???

After behaving myself, by trying to find the answer via combing through several
notesfiles (Rdb, Rally, Teamdata, SQL etc.), I didn't see clear-enough product
feature explanations to make the choice obvious to me.  I suspect that the
equivalent may be some Rdb front-end interface product in combination with Rdb 
itself.

I'm looking for a "mainframe (miniframe?)" based product that can be used 
via the DEC network and that will be at the leading edge of DEC features
development (to minimize necessity to switch horses).  Use will be internal 
(to DEC).  Anticipated data volumes are small; so, speed is not the big issue. 
Use will be by end-users (i.e. non-programmers) where speed to 
SET UP overrides actual throughput speed requirements.  Input forms (e.g.
menus), canned report writing, and flexible data query are the main
considerations.  These features stand out in my mind from home Rbase use.

I'm only referring to the PC based products to extend an image of the features
anticipated.  I'm trying to discover which DEC RDB interface most closely 
approximates PC ease of use and flexibility.  The PC-based relational database 
products are super-easy to set up (i.e. define fields, tables, views, flexible 
report writing and tailoring capabilities - FAST by an END-USER).  Perhaps, 
because their installed base is getting so large, they can justify this level
of advanced feature development.

The choice was not obvious to our systems people either.  So, it would be great
to hear from the experts.  Perhaps others will benefit by the replies to this,
since I've gone to considerable effort, looking through notesfiles without
finding a conclusive answer.

thanks -> anticipating easy, networked, relational db capability,
Mick

p.s. This is posted to Rdb, Rdb/VMS_competition, Sql, Teammate & Rally.