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Conference ulysse::rdb_vms_competition

Title:DEC Rdb against the World
Moderator:HERON::GODFRIND
Created:Fri Jun 12 1987
Last Modified:Thu Feb 23 1995
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1348
Total number of notes:5438

896.0. "$GL's onto an ORACLE base" by COPTOR::BIRGER (Birger Christoffersen IM&T Denmark (857 2460)) Thu Mar 21 1991 15:08

Hi There

I have a customer who is running on an UNIX platform and who
regardless of the price is hooked on ORACLE.
Incedently he does not fancy their 4GL and he has turned to
us to come up with some products(4GL's) that can be used
on an ORACLE platform.

Any ideas???
o FOCUS??
o TRIFOX/TRIM???
o ???

Yours
        Birger
        Denmark IM&T
  
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
896.1TRIFOX is a good choiceBROKE::THOMASSat Mar 23 1991 01:293
    TRIFOX is an excellent alternative.  It runs about 3 times faster than
    SQL*Forms, but provides a very similar look and feel.  Of course, if
    they don't like the look and feel ...
896.2On Ultrix?HGOVC::DEANGELISMomuntaiSat Mar 23 1991 16:176
�                       <<< Note 896.1 by BROKE::THOMAS >>>
�                          -< TRIFOX is a good choice >-

Does TRIFOX run on Unix//Ultrix?

John.
896.3Yes it doesCOPTOR::BIRGERBirger Christoffersen IM&amp;T Denmark (857 2460)Mon Mar 25 1991 08:306
Yes it seems so.
I have a Digital developed product sheet where it states
TRIM/tools runs under MS-DOS, UNIX and VMS.
It connects to Rdb,Oracle,Ingres, Ultrix/Sql and Sybase SQL server.

Birger
896.4Greaaat! Thanks.HGOVC::DEANGELISMomuntaiMon Mar 25 1991 15:210
896.5TRIM/tools now available from Digital !8608::MUNNSThu Mar 28 1991 23:42156
The TRIM/tools, developed by Trifox, Inc., and sold/supported through Digital's
Center for Migration Services, have been well received by Oracle developers.
The limitations that SQL*Forms 2.x and 3.x place on developers are not true of 
the TRIM/tools.  We can provide reference sites that prove this.


NEW 4GL DATABASE TOOLS FROM THE CENTER FOR MIGRATION SERVICES

For pricing/ordering information, contact: 
DTN: 523-2002, (719)260-2002

===============================================================================
o Tools and support are available through the Center for Migration Services 
  (CMS)

o Applications developed with the TRIM/tools, a 4GL product set, can access
  Rdb/VMS, Oracle, INGRES, ULTRIX/SQL, SYBASE SQL Server relational databases

o Applications developed with the TRIM/tools can run on VMS, UNIX, and MS-DOS
  platforms

o TRIM/tools provide a migration path to Rdb/VMS
===============================================================================

WHAT ARE THE TRIM/TOOLS ?

The TRIM/tools are a suite of relational database products that can be used for:
    
  o Improving productivity in application development
  o Solving performance problems
  o Reducing application maintenance effort
  o Creating portable applications across operating systems
  o Accessing a variety of relational databases
  o Assistance in database and application migrations to Rdb/VMS 

The suite consists of 4GL forms application and reports application designers, 
performance enhancers, and a client-server database access product. 

The TRIM/tools provide exceptional performance by minimizing database 
interaction. Examples of how this is achieved:

  o An optimistic record locking strategy is used to reduce contention between 
    users
  o Opened cursors are cached and shared by all users across the entire system
  o System memory usage is reduced by allowing users to execute a single copy 
    of an application
  o Bulk data transfer from database to in-memory list structures minimizes 
    database access

The TRIM/tools improve productivity by offering a 4GL environment with the
flexibility of a 3GL.  The 4GL toolset provides a set of default libraries
for building applications without writing a single line of code.  Applications 
are open for special tuning or customization using a C-like trigger language.  
Access to VAX 3GL's is also available to the developer.

Application maintenance effort is reduced by the 4GL's interactive validation 
and debugging facilities.  Much of the underlying application code comes from 
default libraries and data dictionaries.  This code controls screen behavior, 
key mappings, data validation, triggers, field data types, and field masks.  
This reduces the need for customized code, where errors can be introduced.

The TRIM/tools run on VAX/VMS, MS-DOS, and many UNIX systems.  Applications
created on one of these operating systems are portable on other operating
systems.  For example, an application developed on a PC will run on VAX/VMS 
systems.

Applications developed with the TRIM/tools can access a variety of relational 
databases.  Presently, Rdb/VMS, SYBASE, ORACLE, ULTRIX/SQL, Informix, and 
Nucleus are supported.  An application that was developed using ANSI standard 
SQL can access data in any of the supported databases.

The TRIM/tools provide a migration path to the Rdb/VMS environment. Oracle 
database schemas and data can be converted to equivalent Rdb/VMS databases 
and SQL*Form applications can be converted to the TRIM/tools environment.  
These converted applications can then access Rdb/VMS or Oracle databases.

WHAT TO SELL ?

Customers are looking for database tools that help them run their business.
Many tools are deficient in functionality or design and force application 
developers to workaround these shortcomings.  The TRIM/tools do not limit
the development process.  The features of TRIM/tools that you should sell
include:

  o Solve performance problems
  o Improve productivity
  o Reduce application maintenance effort
  o Permit creation of portable applications across operating systems
  o Permit creation of applications that access a variety of relational 
    databases
  o Assist in database and application migrations to Rdb/VMS 
  o Full development and run-time licenses are available
  o Digital supported products, through the CMS
    
WHY TRIM/TOOLS OVER OTHER 4GL's ?

The customer is faced with a number of 4GL products to evaluate.  Popular 4GL 
products for the VMS environment (Oracle and Rdb) include FOCUS, SmartStar, 
Passport, and Powerhouse.

TRIM/tools were developed by a company that has a seven year history of 
engineering database products which larger companies sell and support.  
Digital is now selling and supporting the TRIM/tools. 

What distinguishes the TRIM/tools over all the other 4GL's is their superior 
performance.  They were developed to solve database performance problems and 
have been optimized by engineers who understand the internals of database 
engines such as Rdb.

ORACLE->RDB MIGRATION PROGRAM

As a result of a worldwide survey to Digital offices, the CMS announced a new 
migration program in November 1990 that addresses Oracle->Rdb migrations.  
This program continues to be extremely active.  Customers who contact us 
through Digital offices tell us that:
   
  o Oracle software pricing is too high
  o Oracle software performance is unsatisfactory
  o Oracle's support is unsatisfactory

The migration program addresses the following:

  o Conversion of Oracle schemas and data into the Rdb/VMS environment

  o Conversion of Oracle 4GL applications into the TRIM/tools environment, 
    maintaining appearance, behavior, and key mappings of original applications 
   (users of applications do not have to be retrained)

  o Conversion of Oracle 3GL applications into the VAX SQL, VAX 3GL environment

The database conversion and the 4GL conversion has been significantly 
automated.  This technology greatly reduces the cost of migrations.  For more 
information on the Oracle->Rdb migration program, please contact:
    
The CMS Hotline phone: DTN 523-2002, 719-260-2002
You can also send mail to TYFYS::HOTLINE or MIGRATION HOTLINE @CXN

WHO IS THE CENTER FOR MIGRATION SERVICES ?

We are a new ventures group that was formed in 1985, consisting of 20 
specialists with expertise in various areas.  Consulting agreements with 
specially trained 3rd parties provides additional resources for our project 
work.  Our strengths include migration experience, well-defined processes, 
conversion tools that automate work and reduce migration costs, and the 
expertise to understand conversion problems.  Services we provide to Digital 
offices include:
 
  o Site visits to discuss migration program with customers
  o 5 year cost of ownership analysis, Rdb vs Oracle
  o Demos of TRIM/tools
  o Sample conversions
  o Internal proposals to local offices
  o Feasibility studies to local offices, with conversion estimates and
    project deliverables.
  o Software conversions
  o Provide TRIM/tools training