Case 1: U.S. Plants Database
Client: EA State Gov’t Public Affairs
Origin: DOS Rbase 4000 database distributed as
150-page printed report
Status: Updated 5/8/98 for first time since 6/97; two
enhancement requests (add HR info and add coverage of
Asia/Pacific plants) have no resources; used about 1000
times/month; added RTF report file
Notes:
- * I like working with Julie and I am still convinced that
this application has value, but I am frustrated by the
lack of attention and resources it has received. I am
still enthralled by the ease and low cost with which this
single-user application has been made globally available
across the Mac/PC platform divide. Amazing! Astounding!
No one really cares.
- * The HR group has asked that we add the HR manager name
and phone number for each site. They have not offered to
maintain the data, or to help pay for it.
- * The Engineering Function has asked that we add coverage
for all the plant sites in the Asia Pacific region.
Likewise, they haven’t responded to any requests for
help in researching, inputting, and verifying the data.
- * I included a lookup field in each record to link to
InfoSeek’s Vicinity map website to pull up a map of
the plant’s location. Vicinity has taken their
website down for revision, and they’ve recently
attached a scary copyright notice promising dire
consequences for any unauthorized use of their service.
It looks like I’ll have to get help from Legal to
see if I can still use these links - if they ever come
back.