[comp.sys.mac.programmer] is 4d better

rob@compus.UUCP (Robert Alexander) (01/02/91)

From article <19464@netcom.UUCP>, by lpendley@netcom.UUCP (Lou Pendley):
> the struggle between Oracle and Ingres and Informix continues onward.  what 
> i would like to pose to this forum, is does Fourth Dimension on the Mac have
> 'almost' everything the other database systems have, and more, to include:
> 
> a) graphical user interface
> b) procedural language
> c) graphical data types, blobs (lookout Steve McQueen)
> d) complete security
> e) compile to binaries
> f) links to other database vendors, Oracle, Ingres, Informix
> 
> the only limitations i can see currently are:
> 
> a) not SQL standard
> b) not Client/Server architecture.
> c) does it run under A/UX, apples Unix port
> d) currently not portable to other O/S
> 
> your input please.
> 
> thank you.
> 
I've found Omnis 5 to be a much more robust environment for
db development on the Mac. While not truly 'relational'
to the purist (it's heirarchial), the relationships and
internal links make for fast manipulation of multiple files.
The graphical interface is quite good, pix fields are
supported, as well as buttons, scrolling lists/windows etc.
Field lengths are dynamically variable up to a user defined
maximum. Data query times are quite fast. SQL interface
is fully supported. Runs full multi-user on both Macs and
PCs/clones. (They can share the same database file, which
can live anywhere the machines can reach on the net.)
  There is, unfortunately, no compiler, but the Omnis
'Integrator' allows you to create stand-alone, double-
clickable applications. There's a licence fee for its
use (fairly expensive).
  Omnis's data security is good. It directly supports 9
levels of password access, and you can code more levels
if you need.
  You can link directly to external object code routines
if you need.

Might be a product you want to take a look at.

Hope this helps

Rob

----------------------------------------------------------------------
| Robert Alexander          |   A feature is a bug                   |
| InterNet: rob@compus.UUCP |   with seniority                       |
| Connect: RALEXANDER       |                                        |
| Mac/Omnis 5 developer     -----------------------------------------|
----------------------------------------------------------------------