Re: ADVERTISING SUPPORT/ComputerWorld 7/28 - LONG

At 10:14 PM 8/14/97 -0500, you wrote:
>Bob, I agree completely with your point of view. Every couple of years a
new "magic" solution comes along that will fix everything (4th GL, Case,
LANS, Client/Server, UNIX....). Each has their niche, but none are the
final solution. I am planning to learn C++ and Java just because it's
something new to learn. I learned Flex/Edit. I learned AS/SET. I learned
Visual Objects. I learned Visual Basic. I learned MS Access. I learned
Impromptu. I learned Oracle. I still program in RPG using PDM on the AS/400
everyday for my job. Many shops still use Windows 3.1 on PCs. I know more
shops that run CISC boxes than RISC boxes. Most are still trying to figure
out if the Internet will add value to their business (to justify actually
implementing a solution).
>
Joe,

I, too, agree generally with Bob Cozzi's comments. Personally, I like to
learn all I can, and I'm in the enviable :-) position of being able to.

(Start rant)
We (Old Republic) are using multiple platforms. We are going to have a WAN
with around a dozen sites, using TCP/IP for connectivity. Our nice "stable"
AS/400 world is being "threatened" daily with new ideas, new technologies,
new OPPORTUNITIES (not a flame). The challenge, as I've seen it, is to keep
our balance in a continually shifting environment.

I like having more tools available. RPG does business just fine; REXX is
fantastic for text manipulation; C++ (and probably its cousin, Java) are
best for system stuff; Java promises (and seems generally to deliver) good
cross-platform portability. My point is, let's use the best tool we know
for the job at hand. We all do the best we can with what we know, and
that's got to be good enough.

I want to say, categorically, that categorical statements are stupid!
(End rant)

So, as I've heard said, life is a metaphor.

Cheers,

Vernon Hamberg
System Software Programmer
Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
400 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 371-1111 x480
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