Re: Microfocus & Oracle data types

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Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2004 04:11:21 GMT

Simon Tobias wrote:

>Hi Jimmy.
>
>I'm not sure that I suggested using any particular compiler directives to
>resolve the issue -- purely making use of functionality available with
>OpenESQL, which ships with Net Express and Server Express. SQLWARNx is part
>of our standard SQLCA copybook structure, and is automatically populated
>where necessary.
>
>
>
Yes I read that too quickly and *assumed* a directive was being set

><shameless plug>
>
></shameless plug>
>
>
>
No problem as a developer using the product I really like the product -
so plugs are in order :-)

>I am concerned regarding your experiences with the MF Answer Exchange
>though -- if you're not getting satisfactory responses, please email me
>off-list with details, and I'll endeavour to follow up internally.
>
>
>
That stumped me. Believe me I *really* can complain when necessary. So
I had to read my previous message to get what you thought I was
complaining about. As an example I was cautioning about use of
Directives. To solve the problem there was no quick fix. Not knowing
precisely where it was occurring would have necessitated me sending a
HUGE zipfile for the project (OO) for somebody to sort out. Assuming
somebody would take on the challenge without saying 'This is gonna cost
money....", they would have rebuilt the project with their tools. Still
probably wouldn't have worked. If the recipient was real smart he might
have thought of doing a global search :-

.... another plug here :-)

on the project source looking to see if I had any '$set.......". Bingo
! From memory - he would find I used only one (no SQL being used in
those days and I don't even use any of the $sets.... for OO - it works
fine without them.).

so he would see "$set compress.....", include the DLL and find that it
runs smoothly. In a very polite and diplomatic way he would write me -
literal translation - "Make sure you include the compress.DLL - you
silly bugger !". Someone might find it fairly easily, but I think you
would agree, initially it might be a long shot.

Absolutely no problems with Answer Exchange. It's even better than its
predecessor M/F CompuServe Forum which Alan monitored and good old
stalwart Patrick was part of, and still is. Funnily enough a Colin
Ransom/Ranshaw (?) today posted he had a 'funny' with SQL using V 3.0
(No ! Don't tell him to upgrade - $$$$$$ !). I referred to the fact that
you had helped resolve Michael's problem here in c.l.c. and suggested he
use all the features of ESQL , setting up a dummy Table, generating
queries and perhaps running them in ESQL test mode. I think his problem
might be a little quirky. I should have suggested to him - take his
problem step-by-step ( having firstly generated the copyfile), then
copy/paste each step (Query), into a small COBOL program against a
series of perform PARAGRAPHS. From memory the problem is occurring at
arm's length over a network.

Now if you want to know about complaining - I think we are back in 1985
or thereabouts and I had switched from RM/COBOL to MS COBOL (not their
'badged' version of M/F COBOL - but the immediate predecessor). Can't
even remember my justification for the switch from RM to MS. Anyway I
had a problem but can't remember details. So I phoned M/S Tech Support-
they had a Canadian Office in either Quebec or Toronto. Nice young man
took my query - but even from the first telephone call ( and this *was*
my dime - no 1-800s in those days), it was clearly apparent that I knew
more about COBOL than he did. In fact I'm not even sure he knew anything
about COBOL. But I suppose on the basis he had taken a course at college
that's how he got his job. He would look into it.

Few weeks pass - I phone again "I'm still looking into it". I suggest I
snail-mail him a diskette with the offending source.

Few weeks pass - I phone again. "Sorry. Haven't received your diskette".

Boy ! I'm really pissed off by now. I think on the problem; , what's the
name of that man in Washington State who started this Microsoft thing.
Ah yes. Bill Gates. (Didn't realize that even back then he had enough
greenbacks to completely paper over Mount St. Helens and stop it blowing
its top). Screw it ! I'll phone and ask to speak to him direct. I know
he's the boss of a *small* company - still he's got to be concerned.
Truly - I get his secretary - who plays it real cool and ensures me the
message will be passed on. Boom ! Within the hour on comes a bright-eyed
and bushy-tailed troubleshooter. "What's the problem. Details please. OK
leave it to me".. Gets back about half an hour later, obviously having
checked out the Canadian office. "OK send a copy of your diskette to
Beyonce Knowles here in Belliingham, (I WISH !). She will sort it out
and phone you back".

She did within one day of probably receiving the diskette and for full
measure offered to send me a couple of diskettes with sample programs.
One source I recall was taking a print heading routine, centering for
when it was printed on the page. Regrettably, I assume the young guy in
Canada probably got the boot and I doubt his manager was left as a very
happy camper either.

If yer gonna complain - do it big time !

I just reflected - that was human-to-human talking. Ignoring the size of
MS now - or any other company - would we get the same sort of action
with our modern dispassionate e-mail approach ?

Mind you ignoring COBOL - on reflection I think my time would have been
better spent, armed with huge bags, traipsing around the slopes of St.
Helens, collecting Bill's greenbacks.

Jimmy, Calgary AB

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