New Platform

[AKPolarBear]

I was just told to trash the planned Microsoft Server upgrade and find something else to run the network with.

So, what kind of mess am I in when it comes to Macola? I don't think they are ready to replace it so it will have to stay on its MS servers and operate across a non MS network. That may not be too bad as we run Citrix anyway.

I don't speak Penguin and I like my Apples baked and I live where the Sun doesn't always shine so this might be a problem.

 

[abaldwin]

Well with the lack of Linux, Mac, and Sun, I would suggest paper and pencil.


Andy Baldwin

"Testing is the most overlooked programming language on the books!

 

[AKPolarBear]

Can you bar code that type of system....

 

[abaldwin]

Yes you can, actually, Along with the supply of paper and pencil you will need

1. Pencil sharpener (usefull for keeping the pencils in top working order and creating finer bar code lines.)

2. Ruler or equivilant (required hardware replacement for drawing the straight lines required for most bar code readers.)

3. Typewriter for adding human readable elements if required.



Seriously though. I think you would be able to work fine with say Linux as your core network environment (server wise) with samba. Join the SQL server to the linux domain.

Are they wanting to replace the workstation OS as well? Linux will do most of that with Star Office. Harder to communicate with outside vendors and all but that is where the paper and pencil have a multi-function role inside the company.

Andy

Andy Baldwin

"Testing is the most overlooked programming language on the books!

 

[abaldwin]

You are going to have a hard time running Macola under a linux workstation. I do not think that Macola is supported under WINE in linux though.

What drove "them" to want to change os's though?



Andy Baldwin

"Testing is the most overlooked programming language on the books!

 

[dgillz]

Bob,

You are in a world of hurt, IMHO. How will you run MS SQL Server on anything other that Windows Server 200x? I do not believe you can, and you certainly will not be in a supported environment if you can pull it off.

And what about Citrix. Does it run on a non-windows server OS?

Not being able to run MS SQL means you would have to run Pervasive, which at least runs on Novell and is supported. However, there is no data conversion from SQL to Pervasive, so you are SOL.

Also, all of your modified source code may need to be rewritten.

Finally, even then your workstations would need to be running Windows XP Pro or Windows 2000 Pro.

I understand the anti-Microsoft feelings that sometimes invade an organization, but not to this extent.

Go ahead and go down this path if you are a masochist, otherwise I would put my foot down and tell the powers that be that their plan is unworkable.

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

http://www.gainfocus.biz

 

[kstickler]

You mention that you will continue to run Citrix....which is Windows Terminal Services on steroids per se. Well we have rolled out several "Linux" thin clients to our warehouse where they only need Macola access ( no office producttivity tools ) and it works very well. We have them configured to boot right into a terminal server login screen, the user logs in and voila windows appears. We have also have webmail that they can access from there as well. I agree with Andy....If your users need access to office apps and a real email client, you could install some sort of Linux desktop and StarOffice, and whatever else. I seem to recall that Citrix may even offer a Linux client...How much free time do you have to research this? Also, if you are not Linux savvy, hook up with your local user group...(SEE FREE ADVICE) or college engineering/mathmatics/computer department.

 

[stravis]

kimmay is right on the money. As long as you keep a Microsoft server environment to host MS SQL with Macola and Citrix then you can run the Citrix client through any network type you wish and on a non-microsoft Citrix client if needed. If you can keep the Microsoft workstation and Macola Microsoft servers you can reliably run a Novell network to manage the network, but this is not a supported platform.

Give more information about what you can do, and perhaps we can give a better solution.

Scott Travis

http://www.infoSpring.net

 

[AKPolarBear]

So I get the impression that there is a small chance that we might be able to come up with something workable. Sounds like Macola/SQL stay on MS servers and we run Citrix or ? across a Linux network. We only have Thinclients that are MS based, so no PC's. The thins might have to be replaced.
We are still pursuing this project as we really don't have much choice.

Stay tuned, more to come.

 

[abaldwin]

I use the Linux RDC client all the time to do just that. Works like a charm. Acutally have a boot floppy that loads the linux kernal and starts the RDC client. Only need a floppy and a 386 and viola your running Macola.....



Andy Baldwin

"Testing is the most overlooked programming language on the books!

 

[Clundey]

Have you looked into maybe using vmware someplace?

 

[AKPolarBear]

Thanks for all the great answers. I have used them in discussions as possible solutions. Management has soften its stance on the practicality of what they wanted.
One suggestion that has come up is to move to Microsoft's SBS and eliminate the Exchange server and possibly the standalone SQL server now in use by either installing it on the SBS machine or use the SBS version of SQL.
Is anybody running Macola with this version of SQL on SBS? The Macola program will still be on a standalone server but might acquire other light tasks.

 

[kstickler]

It has been my experience that "other light tasks" usually entail more than you bargained for. I realize the price point on SBS is attractive, but for the sake of sanity later on, I would recommend avoiding it.

Others here my have more direct experience and could advise you of the specifics...

Alternatively, type in "limitations of SBS" into google and you'll see the issues that folks are dealing with.

 

[stravis]

It is important to note that while Macola functionality is supported on SBS performance on SBS is not supported. This is with good reason in my experience. If your company is predisposed towards hating Microsoft this is a good way to put that last nail in the coffin. Put your critical business systems on good hardware with good software with enough resources to do the job and the system will run masterfully. If you cut corners you'll only manage to reinforce old ideas (that were once warranted) about Microsoft product performance and stability.

Scott Travis
infoSpring, LLC.

 

[ultrav]

I had a horrible experience with SBS - though it was at least 4 years ago. They would not allow us to move SBS from one server to another. THere was a limitation on having 2 SBS servers running at one time. WHAT A DISASTER!!!! The instructions they had for migrating a SBS server were just flat out wrong. We ended up having to get windows server and exchange server (microsoft ended up eating part of the cost). I imagine they have fixed that but talk about leaving a bad taste in your mouth - my consultant ended up eating a fair portion of his costs also.