Sierra Software FileAmigo
Bill Stonell of Sierra Software demonstrated FileAmigo, a professional multi-user database and report generator with a Web-based interface. It is a business application and is installed on WinNT4, Win2K, or WinXP-Pro. The database engine is Microsoft Access.

Sierra Software has been developing custom applications since 1994. During that time, Bill has worked with a lot of companies and have been in situations where sharing information with a group of people, especially if we were in different locations, was a critical need. Because of that, Sierra Software has developed FileAmigo.

The challenge is that workgroups need to share information on a variety of topics and in doing so, they have to manage status, organize resources, schedule, collaborate with other people, maybe in the same office, but maybe not. And 24/7 access for the whole group.

Let's say that you are trying to organize project tasks related to tracking and resolving product defects. Not only is FileAmigo used to create the tracking and reporting application, it also runs that same application.

Creating the application involves creating and managing programming teams, identifying tasks, locating resources, summarizing milestone realizations, and reviewing status with the customer. Everyone has access to the application development.

To run the application, three teams, each with different responsibilities, need to share a large amount of information. Customer Service, Engineering, and Shipping need to access, update, and summarize individual activities and overall productivity as a whole. FileAmigo, with its Web-based data display and reporting screens permit a high level of access and ease.

This was just an easy example of how FileAmigo might be used. It is used where two or more people who may not be able to meet face-to-face need to share common information. Each person can update their respective scope of the project's data store rather than rely on one person who will, no doubt, fall behind.

Prospective users can download a thirty-day, unrestricted copy of the complete program. The license is a one-time $249.00 cost per server. Any number of projects can be created and any number of project members can access the project.

Bill made a run through of a previously contructed database demonstrating FileAmigo's operations and flexibility. FileAmigo can import database structures created with other applications via a delimited text file one table at a time with identically named field names. Bill mentioned the point that the documentation for FileAmigo does not use database terminology in the effort to make it friendly to the non-technical user.

Wi-Fi
Milt Hull fired up his wireless networking equipment to show just how easy it is to setup, how to secure it from intrusion, and how to optimize it for maximum utility and enjoyment. Milt asked how many people have wireless equipment. (Not too many hands.) Of those who indicated their network has some wireless components, they said they've had these components for a while. Milt said that great strides have been made in the past few weeks.

Wireless has been competing in the 2.4GHz range. When it was first deployed, there was interference with cordless phones. But all that has been figured out. The various 802.11x flavors have spawned multi-protocol equipment. If your base station is 802.11b or .11a, the transceiver will automatically switch to the correct setting. The next batch of peripherals may or may not be USB 2.0 capable, but will definitely be wireless.

The problem was that no one predicted that wireless was going to hit so hard and fast. The military is complaining that the over-abundance of signals is messing with their radar systems. For another thing, as an example, someone can drive around searching for unsecured wireless networks. The name given to this activity is "war-driving."

Of all the wireless connections detected, many are wide-open. Anyone in the vicinity can access your file shares, access your Internet connection, and cause all kinds of havoc and heartache.

The Wireless Access Point (WAP) serves as the bridge between all wireless enabled devices and the physical connection to the remainder of your local network, including hubs, switches, and your cable/DSL router. There are units that serve all three functions.

The difference between last year's and this year's technology is the software. The hardware has pretty much the same level of functionality. The latest incarnations of software include setup wizards to make installation, connection, security, and administration real easy.

Internet Shopping
How many read magazine/catalogs like Computer Shopper, MicroWarehouse, the back of PC Magazine, or PC Connection, and you actually do some shopping? (Five or six hands.) Do you actually go on-line to do this shopping or don't trust the Internet and do your shopping in stores? (Two or three hands.) How many try to find the best deal? Frugal, PriceWatch, NexTag, DealTime...

Milt showed the audience on something to watch for when shopping on-line. Milt mentioned was that the shopper must be acutely aware of the model being shown. As an example, he searched for a particular server mother-board that has a model number very close to a far cheaper model. The listings may or may not include the cheaper model and you may be mislead that the exact product you are looking for is being offered at a ridiculously low price.

Milt also mentioned that you should also calculate the bottom line, which includes shipping and taxes (or the lack thereof). Pay attention to any rebates you may get at stores and gift certificates.