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Path: utzoo!mnetor!seismo!mcvax!4gl!honzo
From: honzo@4gl.UUCP (Honzo Svasek)
Newsgroups: comp.databases
Subject: Re: Which Database and Hardware
Message-ID: <169@4gl.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 23-Apr-87 08:41:50 EST
Article-I.D.: 4gl.169
Posted: Thu Apr 23 08:41:50 1987
Date-Received: Sat, 25-Apr-87 20:36:36 EST
References: <2377@ncoast.UUCP>
Distribution: comp
Organization: 4GL Consultants b.v., the Netherlands
Lines: 35

in article <2377@ncoast.UUCP>, rhg@ncoast.UUCP (Rich Garrett) says:
> 
> I am looking for comments from fellow net readers to help me make a strategic
> decision for a company that will be moving their hospital information system
> software from pascal to a fourth generation language.  They currently have 
> over 70 hospitals in the under 300 bed marketplace using their HIS.
> 
> My questions are as follows:
> 
> Which of the databases that are available running under Un*x or VMS would
> you recommend and why?

I suggest that you take a look at Informix. It runs under VAX VMS, UNIX &
MessDos. I have done several application using Informix, including one BIG
one with interfaces to a traditional (RPG/PL1/COBOL mess) Financial system,
and to IBM AS (Application System).

Informix is flexible and Informix 4GL can be programmed by relatively unskilled
programmers. I've even seen that end users make their own program.

One of the disadvantages of most 4GL's are the limits. There ALWAYS comes a 
time that you want to do something that can't be done in the 4GL. So, it's
important that a good, EASY TO USE interface exists to a 3GL (C, Cobol,
Fortran).

Informix has such an interface, and it's easy to use.

Now, before this start's to look like a sales talk I'll sign off, but if you
have any specific questions, feel free to email me.

[4GL Consultants has NO connections with Informix inc, and some of our people
won't agree with me on the above... ] [But I love it !]
-- 
I_I(           _                        	UUCP: ..mcvax!honzo@4gl
I I ) Honzo Svasek @ 4GL Consultants b.v.	FIDO:  Honzo Svasek @ 500/333