Q: Andy, you are new to the Alpha Community, having come over from the Approach platform. Can you tell us why you have need of database software in the first place?

I work for a large Furniture Manufacturer/Retailer company in the UK that has several thousand employees and a state of the art head office infrastructure. I was sent to an overseas location on consignment, the first thing I noticed, I was cut off from any of the usual support I came to know and love in the UK in the form of computer systems etc.

My job involved setting up products inexpensively to sell in the international market place using products made in the UK. The computer software system supplied to the local partner was free and old. Many of the original features were either inoperative or redundant, so due to frustration a lot of the work was carried out using MS Excel to control our entire inventory, V & H Lookups¹ etc. It was slow, very slow, and in many cases inaccurate due to multiple tab linked errors etc.

After the second year of operation, using Excel, we noticed we were losing a lot of the front end reported retail margin! For example, at the sale end we had a 52% margin but after the accounts audited our business, this margin had reduced to 24%.

I reviewed the systems and procedures in place at that time. It appeared we were too manual without the correct methods of management control for monitoring the day to day procedures of the business. I took it upon myself to automate many of the processes by using a database program, to help eradicate, dare I say it - 'Human Intervention'.

I knew I would need a database for the task at hand, so I comparing the only two products I knew about; MS Access and Lotus Approach. I decided on the later as I considered Approach to be easier to understand. I then embarked on my first application of automating the systems and procedures for selling, ordering, and delivering, modular furniture to local markets.

Q: I understand that this has led you to an ambitious application development project.

It's been a few years since I started using database programs and I now feel my life is a lot easier with them than without them. My applications have become more sophisticated, whilst my 'User' design concepts have become easier to use by using the design principles of 'Affording, Visibility and Feedback².

I am currently working on a project, called GR1xP, for an International Removal company who specialize in moving personal effects and household items to other locations of the world. When I first met the company they requested a simple database that could record customer information. Since that initial request, the system has developed into a full systems and procedures application incorporating all aspects of international moving. The application cover areas such as customer data, agent handling info, volume quotations, sea & air freight rate, cargo packing, container handling with automated volume to container calculations, packing, labeling, and automated documentation, etc.

The next stage of the project is to create a 'Touch Screen' mobile version using a PC tablet loaded with GPRS/Bluetooth for transmitting client volume details to the main system for processing, and other interesting stuff!

Q: How did you get involved with an international removal company?

I was introduced to a gentleman, through a chance meeting, who had just moved to Dubai from Singapore. We soon discovered we had a keen interest in distribution logistics and continued our discussions over a beer or two! He mentioned he was launching a company specializing in moving people and their personal items internationally but had a problem locating a suitable database to record his customer contacts, and to handle administrational tasks.

I instantly sympathized with his situation, I gave him a brief run down of my own experiences and offered my services to help him settle in to the Dubai market by offering to create a basic database using Lotus Approach. Little did I realize, 9 months later the simple 3 or 4 tabled database turned in to the GR1xP, the rest as they say, is history.

Q: Approximately how long had you been using Approach?

I have been using Approach for about four years now - I am still learning though!

Q: How long have you had Alpha Five?

I purchased Alpha Five version 5 and most of its add-ins in November, 2 months ago. Since then I have begun writing a new Alpha Five v5 version of the GR1xP, now called the GR2xAlpha5 which will also have the Alpha Accounts Application either spliced or linked through export/import features. To be perfectly honest, I see myself experiencing many visits to the Alpha Message Forum before I get to that stage of the process!

Q: Tell us what is unique about GR1xP, and of course where did the name come from?

Firstly, there is nothing on the market that caters to the International Moving Industry in the way of an all encumbering PC based software solution for handling customers and their household & personal effects. There are, however, hand-held devises that do certain limited elements of the process, as there are office based systems.

What's unique about the GR1xP is that I have approached the issue as an outsider who had no experience in this sector of the industry so when I joined forces with Global Relocation LLC, I was able to introduce systems and procedures from other industries that either were taken up immediately or used to change the current bench-marked way of doing it. Not for the sake of change but for automating previously laborious time consuming administrational tasks.

The GR1xP handles every element of the process and can reduce the Administrational staff requirement to a minimum. This was not my intension when I started, it's just developed into a very useful aid to the industry.

The system is currently being re-written in Alpha Five v5 and I have already identified many improvements and enhancements. When finished, I plan to offer the system complete with PC tablet/docking hardware.

Nothing too interesting in the name of the system I'm afraid, GR1xP = Global Relocations 1st version using Windows XP platform.

Q: As you are rather new to the Alpha Software message board I would like to hear your impressions of it.

I am extremely impressed with the Alpha Software message board, although I have only been using it for a short time. I am amazed how many talented users there are out there. I have posted approximately six issues to date; they were all answered within a few hours. It's incredible.

I belonged to a Forum for my previous software but it was not managed very well from a Learning viewpoint. For example, if I had a particular issue with a design aspect I would post my question only to receive a reply asking me not to ask certain types of questions with regard to 'Development of an Application'. I was confused and asked for an explanation. They replied that my type of questions warranted a Consultancy reply that would require a fee. How else can one learn how to do something other than asking questions? Soon after I discovered Alpha Five, how happy was I to learn Alpha Software had a Forum designed for the users to get help form other users.

Q: One thing that we, in the Alpha community, may take for granted is the speed at which Alpha Software fixes problems and releases new patches. How does this compare with the Approach world?

In all the years I was using Approach, I did not obtain any patches or fixes, even though I tried many times to obtain new drivers, patches, and fixes to known bugs in the software. Switching from Win98 to WinXP Pro was a nightmare! Whenever I made the necessary inquiries, I was always told that Lotus was aware of the problem and it would be fixed in the next program release. When I did obtain the next release, version 9.7, I still had many problems, and I still had the same answers from Lotus. Time scales between program releases are approximately 14 to 24 months. Too long to wait, I think!

Alpha Software, on the other hand, is the complete opposite! I don't think I have ever experienced such a fast frequency of updates, fixes, and patches. What a refreshing change. I am certainly getting excellent value for my money.

Q: How have you found the early learning curve with Alpha Five?

YES, I am on the down learning curve currently! However, I appear to know more about Alpha Five version 5 than I had first thought! Many aspects of Alpha Five are similar to Approach. I now feel that by using Approach I have finished my introduction to relational data-basing and I am now ready to begin using the real serious stuff! There are so many different features within the Alpha Five system that are new to me so I need to study a lot more to bring myself up to speed. Some of the operating procedures are somewhat different also. For example, writing an expression in Approach does not always work in Alpha, caused by the differences in script and expressions I think. However, I understand the logic and can usually overcome the simple issues. Whenever I encounter an issue I can't resolve I am straight on to the Alpha Forum. I post my question, make a coffee, re-check the site, and sure enough I have the help I need. It truly is a fantastic way of learning and developing one's skills.

Q: This may not be a fair question, but if you can remember back to your learning days with Approach, how would you compare the learning curve for Approach versus Alpha Five version 5?

It's a difficult question because I have learnt a lot from Approach in the way of Relational Data-basing, which has assisted me in learning Alpha Five v5. For example, visually, linking tables in Alpha Five is very different from Approach, although the underling principles are the same. Without the Approach experience I would have struggled.

So I do have to travel down that Alpha Five v5 learning curve but I anticipate my ascending it more quickly than I did using Approach for the first time. Without the Alpha support I would expect much slower progress!

On a like for like, first impressions basis, I think Approach has the edge for new users understanding the basics. But this is not because Approach has a better user interface or more helpful 'Help' files. On the contrary, Approach has less, much less for a new user to understand, and I am referring to features & adaptability. Comparing Approach 9.7 to Alpha Five version 5 is like comparing a VCP (Video Cassette Player) to a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) and stating they are the same thing!

Q: Can you give us the major reasons that you are switching over to Alpha Five as your database software of choice?

The main reason for switching from Approach to Alpha Five has to be the feature of opening forms as dialog boxes! It was so refreshing to view this feature during testing the free download version. I was amazed how easy it was to create them. And I might add, I created them by following the on screen prompts and not the operational manual.

Another major observation was the way Letters and Reports were created. All the tests I tried worked well without any system freezing, an inherent bug in my previous software.

Q: I guess I've taken the dialog box features of Alpha Five for granted. I would have thought a new user to Alpha Five might find the rich table field rules and Action Scripting genies to be stand out features.

Yes , I agree. I have only been using the software for a short space of time but I am already creating aspects of my application that previously would have either been impossible, with my level of skill and knowledge of Lotus Script, or I would have subcontracted out the task to an experienced Lotus Developer, at a cost that is!

I have thought that Alpha Five is too easy for creating applications! It's going to put me out of work with regard to creating my own applications and offering them for sale. With automating the scripting, reduced time spent on formulas, easy pop up dialog boxes etc., it becomes easy to create these applications. If it becomes too easy, then everyone will be able to do it. There will be no need to specialize in it.

I also think the Alpha software enables a developer to explore their own creativity using the built-in and add-in features. Enabling you to create something special and very unique, no matter how many people there are using Alpha Software. Because of the way the software is constructed with these fantastic features, it just helps us to be more competent as developers of Alpha databases.

Q: Andy, tell us about where you are located and what the business climate is like in your area?

I am located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai is the fastest growing city in the Middle East, and some say within the top five in the world. Despite the events of recent times, import and export records are broken every year as business continues to thrive in all sectors of industry and commerce.

Q: Can you tell us how long you have been in Dubai?

I moved to Dubai through my job in 1996.

Q: This is a little off the subject, but with the turmoil of late in the Middle East and the military build up that appears to be heading for a conflict with Iraq, how do you see your future in Dubai?

Without being too political, it is a worrying time for all innocent people, of all races, and all religions, not just in the Middle East but all parts of the world. Dubai is the Middles East's most prosperous city and has already witnessed the last war in the early 90's. I was not here then but my wife was. At that time it was business as usual, which I envision will be the stand point should any conflict start. I for one would like to remain in Dubai. It's a great City full of wonderful colorful people who live together in unblemished harmony. Some say Dubai is the Switzerland of the Middle East, from a 'neutral' view point, not the snow. However, I, as do others here, must remain alert at all times.

Q: Alpha Software's Alpha Five Web Application Server is in beta. Can you see yourself using this product?

I have not spent much time studying it but I plan to incorporate a feature within the GR2xAlpha5 for customers to log on to a web site and check where in the world their shipment is. If the Alpha Five Web Application Server can help with this, then I can see another purchase is in the making!

Q: Andy, do you have any hobbies that you pursue in your spare time?

Unfortunately I have no time for hobbies. My friends call me a techno-freak because I am constantly developing and learning how to create and operate (now Alpha) databases.

Realistically, photography has always been my true passion. I have over 25 years of experience in taking pictures, dealing in cameras, accessories and photographic antiques. I plan to offer high quality digital images through the web (a construction page only at the moment), which I plan to power by a mail order Alpha Five v5 database.

Q: Interesting, Andy. Please tell us what you mean by 'high quality'. Are you referring to the digital quality of the photos, or the esthetic quality of the photos, or both?

Both, I am planning on offering black and white images taken by a very experienced still life photographer but using digital media. There are a number of reasons why I want to do this. The main reason is that the photographer, Mike Fear, is a very talented photographer with some 40 years experience. What better exposure can you get then displaying his work on the internet.

One of the key issues is that we live 7 thousand miles apart and the logistics of me running a business successfully would prove to be difficult. When I first broached Mike with my idea his main concern was if the business proved to be successful he would forced to spend many hours in the darkroom producing customer's orders.

It was at that point that we decided to produce the images digitally. We professionally scanned the material using the Lodak Professional Photo CD System. Over 100 black and white negatives and 300 transparencies have been scanned to date with more planned. Each image file is about 16 to 18 mb each. Images will be produced using Adobe Photoshop7 and an Epson Stylus Photo 2100 Professional A3+ printer. I am currently developing an Alpha Five v5 application to catalogue the media and link this to my main order database.

Q: So if I placed an order for an image, you would print it out and ship it to me, correct?

Yes, the web user would access my site (still under construction: www.aljade-images.com), they will be able to view my images by selecting common main categories such as; Color, Black and White, Landscapes, Sky-scapes, Sea-scapes, Coast-scapes, Stone Age-Scapes, City-scapes etc. They then search sub categories for mountains, rivers, meadows, farms, woodlands, city streets, stone-age burial, and worship sites/ mounds etc. All images will be available on many forms of media, so the choice will not be limited.

There will be an 'Add to Basket' feature on the site and all main credit cards will be accepted. Turn-a-round is expected to be a few days. All images will be protected in rigid cardboard tubes with plastic caps and sent by either normal post or courier service, whichever the customer requires. I am also looking at offering a framed print service but the logistic of doing this without damage through transit may prove to be either too expensive for packing material or just not feasible.

The final product offer may extend to many different image related products. Including special and paint effects, hand tinted black and white effect images, post cards, greeting cards, posters, panoramic and wallpapers/coverings etc.

Q: Approximately what do you charge for these images?

The images I offer are very special as they are unique and expertly composed and exposed by the photographer, they are all works of art. There is a diverse selection to choose from, so finding an image for any room setting, or even as a gift, will not be a considered issue.

I am still working on the prices, the final image price will vary depending on a number of factors; image category, image exclusivity, media used, single or double mounting, size of print, postal service etc. What I will say is they will not be expensive compared to other companies/photographers operating through the web.

Should any reader be interested in more details about the photographer or types of images available, they can reach me by sending their inquiries to images@aljade-images.com . All inquiries will be recorded in an Alpha Five v5 database. Then in due course I will reply with all the necessary information they need and an approximate launch date for my web site.

Q: Andy, you mentioned a wife. Do you have any other family with you in Dubai?

I met and married my wife in Dubai. Her name is Nantawan and she is from Thailand. I have an 8 year old Daughter called Alexandra Jade.

Q: How did your wife come to be in Dubai?

My wife was head-hunted by a Dubai Hotelier based company from a Hotel in Thailand, where she was training to become a Restaurant Manager. On arriving in Dubai, back in 1989, she commenced her employment as head supervisor in one of the first and best Thai restaurants in the country. She remained there until 1997, which was when we first met. It was truly 'love at first sight', and I swept her off her feet and married her 14 months later.