CompuServe Messages

The idea behind SB4 Amiga and PC being file-compatible is just that: the ability to simultaneously work on the same files across a network, provided only that both the Amiga and PC are both running the same or compatible network software (hence Novell), and that both copies are authorized to have an appropriate number of simultaneous users. More on this later. SB4 (both versions) can already READ dBase files directly without importing, but not write back to them in their native format. Whether this will be added to a future PC product and/or to the Amiga version I am not sure, but personally, I'm lobbying for it. Meanwhile, there are many good reasons for going thru the import/export routine, primarily related to file size (SB uses variable-length records, storing only the characters you actually use rahter than reserving "spaces"), no limits to the number of fields (dBase limits you to 128), and no limit to the number of characters (dBase has a max of 4000 per record, SB has a max of 4000 per FIELD!). Other things like long notes fields, etc are also important to many people, as are the ability to use graphics, etc. If we DO include dBase write ability (and I'm NOT saying we will or even might!), then all these things become moot. Currently, SB4/Windows can access SQL databases via DLLs or DDE (external C routines, commonly by other vendors, or thru something similar in concept to ARexx where one app can speak to and control another), and future releases will have SQL embedded within DML. How this will be implemented or even IF it will be implemented in the Amiga version, I don't know: I'm not technical enough to understand the implications or even necessarily the need at this stage. The changes are good, too, that at least on the PC,' we'll build a SQL front end product, but that's a ways off if it happens. I personally wonder about the viability of that in the Amiga market, both because of the general profile of the companies using both the machine AND SQL databases, as well as many people's willingness to put out the kind of money for Amiga software that something like this is likely to cost. Your thoughts?