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.