Re: "We don't do triggers"

Comments in-line.

Frank wrote:

  Sure - pre-logon triggers ;-)

Wouldn't stop me for 30 seconds so the emoticon is appropriate. And in SQL Server ... oops doesn't have them does it.

> Forms on the Web runs via java applets - still java.
> Forms uses/requires 9IAS, which supports java.

Forms does not require 9iAS though no doubt many in Oracle Sales would like everyone to think that the case.

> I'm not responsible for the end users, or an organization allowing
> end users to connect uncontrolled directly to databases with
> toys like Access, or -even worse- Excel.

There is a phrase for this: Passing the buck. Truth is that you are taking advantage of their lack of information. If you were truthful with the customer and explained to them the design weakness they'd probably take a big step backward.

> I do however see some validity in the financial aspect of developing
> such applications; two developer teams will be cheaper than three.

By how much? Not 33%.

> Just playing the devil's advocate here, as I'm in the middle of
> exactly this discussion.
> I don't like the idea either, so I'm desperately seeking counter
> arguments by trying to figure out what argument might be
> presented to me.
>
> However, the financial aspect still is open...

The financial argument is bogus. That stuff costs money is irrefutable. But the cost of a second build is never as high as a first and a third never as high as a second unless managed by drunken monkeys.

Better perhaps to ask yourself the following question. Which sales pitch will go over better with the customer.

1. We've written a single code base for multiple platforms.
2. We've tailored our application to each platform to optimize performance, scalability, and security.

Contact me off-line and I will give you the name of one major software company in Bellevue, Washington, staffed by ex-Microsoft employees that found out they couldn't sell the compromised product. They not only had to pay me ... they had to underwrite the cost of rebuilding their application after they thought they were done. The investors were not pleased to say the least.

-- 
Daniel Morgan
http://www.outreach.washington.edu/ext/certificates/oad/oad_crs.asp
http://www.outreach.washington.edu/ext/certificates/aoa/aoa_crs.asp
damorgan_at_x.washington.edu
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