[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread] 

List:       koffice
Subject:    Re: The real reason for an OASIS database?
From:       David Goodenough <david.goodenough () btconnect ! com>
Date:       2004-05-23 12:25:23
Message-ID: 200405231325.24134.david.goodenough () btconnect ! com
[Download RAW message or body]

I am not at all sure I agree with the logic here.  The databases are very
easy for the most non-geek of users, generally you just install them, what is 
difficult is the way that you present data to the end user.

The Open Source world has very good DBs in MySql and
PostgreSQL, but what it is missing is the front end.  The differences 
between the DBs are reducing all the time, and actually there are 
probably more differences between these OO DBs and the propietary
DBs such as Oracle and DB2.  Exactly the same situation exists on
Windows with Access, you can write code that all the DBs understand
or you can write DB specific code.  What is needed is a good front end
that encourages DB neutral code and is as easy to use as Access.  The
underlying DB is almost entirely irrellevant.

David

On Sunday 23 May 2004 05:54, M. Fioretti wrote:
> Hello,
>
> This is something I posted yesterday to the OpenOffice discuss
> list. I'm sending it here too because the problem is not limited to
> OO.o, but (at least) to any office suite based on OASIS suppport.
> (original post slightly edited for clarity)
>
> ###################################################################
>
> On Sat, May 22, 2004 04:04:28 AM -0500, Rod wrote:
> > Daniel:
> > >I have never heard of OO.o 2.0 having a new database.  Why do we
> > >need one? What's wrong with MySQL?
> >
> > For a comp sci PhD... nothing. For a non-programmer, non-hacker,
> > non-geek end-user -- perhaps someone needing a relatively simple
> > relational database for a SOHO type situation... a hell of a lot.
>
> [snip]
>
> > The average end-user probably could not do this without extensive
> > help. OOo needs an Access-style database because that's what the
> > average end-user needs.
>
> You might remember that I always point out how free formats and
> protocols are much more important than this or that Free software:
> freedom is not forcing everybody to OO.o, is forcing everybody to
> OASIS file formats so users can choose among OO.o, KOffice and then
> everything else (even Microsoft Office, why not?).
>
> Lately, I have realized that maybe OASIS, not just OO.o in general,
> needs an "Access-style database" because even its *geek* users need
> it.
>
> Imagine this:
>
> Real_Geek_1 (oo.o on Windows) can exchange spreadsheets, texts,
> presentations... with Real_Geek_2 (KOffice on Linux) and Real_Geek_3
> (Proprietary_Something_else on Mac OS), because everything is in OASIS
> format.
>
> Emboldened, these three geek employees, who compile a kernel every
> morning with their hands, dare now to exchange simple databases, or
> sxw files which are actually database forms with queries and
> such. This office productivity paradise goes down the drain in a
> second.
>
> Geek #1 has only MySql installed, and cannot install new SW at will
> (standard procedure in most offices, even *when* you have root
> password). Geek #2 is an hardcore PostGreSQL fan, who just fighted
> three years to switch his whole company to it. Geek #3 has a version
> of MySql (or a platform specific odbc driver) which doesn't support
> some new statements....
>
> [The pointy-haired bosses of all 3 geeks start screaming that
> everybody must switch back to Windows and Microsoft Office *now*]
>
> I know the "OO.o is superior because it can use many data sources"
> school of thought. Question is, how does OASIS deal with this? (I say
> OASIS, not OO.o, exactly because the problem should be solved at the
> data/query *format*, not application level).
>
> How do you tell a small business that if they switch to OO.o/KOffice
> and (just as an example) Linux they have freedom, save a lot, yadda
> yadda... but they must attach a MySQL (**) installation and manual to
> every form/price list they send to their customers?
>
> Ciao,
> 	Marco Fioretti
>
> (**) obviously replace with your favourite RDBMS
____________________________________
koffice mailing list
koffice@mail.kde.org
To unsubscribe please visit:
https://mail.kde.org/mailman/listinfo/koffice
[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread]