Conference ulysse::rdb_vms_competition

1296.0. "PC Report Writers for ORACLE DB" by PTOVAX::FENTON () Wed Sep 29 1993 23:28

	I'm working on a project proposal for a local client that has already
selected ORACLE as the database of choice.  We are, however, going to propose
an Alpha (probably AXP 7000 w/ OpenVMS) w/ other associated equipment, 
additional software and services.

	The customer wants the proposed solution to include a PC/MS-Windows 
based Report Writer tool(s) that meets the following requirements:
	- (Obviously) Must be able to access an ORACLE database.
	- Must be supported across multiple standard operating systems and 
	  network protocols.
	- Ease of use, navigational abilities and ability to store requests
	  should rate highly in product selection.
	- Any compatabilities with existing PC based software would be a plus
	  (Focus, Excel, Word, Wordperfect, Harvard Graph/Win., V. Basic,
	  Close Up, 3D Graphics, Softterm (VAX), SAA Gateway (DOS & Windows),
	  SNA Gateway, Foxpro, Procomm).

	I'm currently aware of only a few products, namely, IBI/Focus and 
Oracle products, that fit the bill; and the customer is very lukewarm to
Focus; we think it's going to take a stellar product(s) to knock him off his
feet.

	My questions are:
	 1) How are Oracle's PC based products?
	 2) Are you aware of any outstanding products that are query/report 
	    writer tools and adhere to the above requirements?

	I'd appreciate any feedback you could give.

Thanks,
Dave Fenton

(I cross-posted this in ORACLE_ON_UNIX and RDB_VMS_COMPETITION notesfiles).