Re: Developer/2000 versus Delphi

D2K products are not without their problems, but those problems don't over-shadow their usefulness. Developer 2K, as you have pointed out, enables you to work with platform-independant forms which are then compiled by OS-specific routines. The latest version of Developer 2K will also allow you to generate forms which run as Java apps. The significance here is this:

Large enterprises, such as the one I work for, are looking at the client/server environment with some hesitation because of all the cash outlay to upgrade users desktop machines to handle the GUI intensive Oracle FORMS45 forms. Furthermore, you have to add in the cost of form servers to the infrastructure, and figure out how you, the developer, will maintain these forms which reside on these form servers. Training is a whole other ball of wax.

In the old world, the forms existed on a single server, now they're all over the place. With the ability to generate java-based forms, the old 386/486 machines need only be able to run a java-capable web browser; big $$ savings here, and the developer is back to a single form code base to maintain instead of many.

I'v done Delphi programming. I like Delphi. However, if you have a "hugh" database (mine has about 8000 tables!), you might find Delphi too restrictive.

By the way, Oracle has apparently just signed some sort of agreement w/Borland to distribute Borlands Java IDE.

Hope this helps.

In article <330BDC3A.100C_at_bellsouth.net>, ksrich_at_bellsouth.net says...
>
>We currently have a home grown application running on VAX's using
>DECForms and the CODASYL DBMS. We are moving our historical data
>to an Oracle Database and generally venturing into the client/server
>arena. We have a small part of the huge application in Delphi
>accessing the Oracle database.
>
>We are considering move to Developer/2000 and/or Designer/2000.
>My question is how good are these products and how is the learning
>curve from traditional 3gl's? The sales hype looks impressive but
>is it? Are the products flexible enough for real production
>applications? The big advantage we see is Developer can generate
>the application for both character and PC devices. This makes it
>attractive in the near term with all those VT's still out there
>but gives us the ability to give management their GUI devices.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Shael
Received on Fri Feb 21 1997 - 00:00:00 CET