I need an RDBMS - based accounting package, capable of fund or cash accounting right out of the box.

[G. Roderick Singleton]

In article <3523 at dasys1.UUCP> tbetz at dasys1.UUCP (Tom Betz) writes:
>I need advice from the knowledgeable.
>
>     I'm a *nix novice, just beginning to learn it... but I am 
>the system manager responsible for a Model T network system, about 
>to be replaced.  
>     

 [stuff deleted]

>
>     We're meeting in the next couple weeks with an accounting 
>firm that will recommend specific software packages to suit our 
>needs, so whatever hardware we end up with will have to run a 
>package from their list...  but I suspect that will leave us 
>considerable leeway, providing they don't want us to use (yuck) 
>Pick.  
>

Don't bet on it.  Many so-called reputable accounting firms have a vested
interest in getting you to take their packages.

>     So, anyway, here's what I see as our generic hardware 
>platform:  
>
>        A.  It must run Unix, one flavor or another, as fast as 
>            possible (20MHz clock on a 32-bit processor would be 

 [stuff deleted]

>        G. A fast DBMS with a 4GL, providing a data dictionary / user
>           dictionary structure that will allow record-level file
>           locking, multi-level password security and addition of fields
>           without recompiling applications, and providing hooks to standard
>           languages (C, Modula-2, Pascal, Basic) that can be used in
>           combination with the 4GL as needed...  linked spreadsheet
>           capabilities would be nice, too, and I'm hoping that whatever
>           accounting package we end up with will use the DBMS, so I can more
>           easily write my own applications (order entry, job tracking,
>           etc.) hooking into it;

I have just the beastie for you.  One of the divisions of my company,
Resolve Logic, has just the turn-key package you want.  Including the
UNIX engine.  You will have to call or email me at this site because
I'm sitting at home with this Shanghai flu thing and can't locate the
information on our Pittsburgh office.  ( Voice : 416-764-8620 (gerry)
or 416-764-9923 (joe)).  The software even integrates spreadsheet
output and DBMS output into wordprocessing-type files.

 [ stuff deleted]

>       I.  Capability to run MS-DOS as a subtask of Unix, 
>           for any or all users.  
>                  

Are you sure?  This type of requirement may tie you onto an IBM or clone
with no growth path.  Resolve also runs on ATs but with noticable performance
losses.

>     Oh, and all this should cost around $25,000.
>

I'm sure this criteria can be met with no problem.

>     A tall order?  Seems that way... but judging from what I've 
>     seen in the trades so far, it should be possible.
>
>     I have talked to DEC, IBM, Sun Microsystems...  and am 
>awaiting word from Harris.  I've talked to SCO and Fox 
>about software, but there's no TOPS (or TOPS-like product) for 
>Xenix 386 or uPort 386, so I don't think they'll do... but I'd 
>like to be proven wrong.   I really like what I've seen of SCO 
>Xenix, and I feel that a 386 box would be the most cost-effective 
>solution for us right now.

Again are you sure that a PC is really what you want?  Anyways call me
or Joe Novak before making a decision.  I think our products mounted on
a GOOD UNIX machine plus our user interface which integrates the various
functions will be exactly what you want.  In addition, we have lots of
canned accounting packages which will make the transistion somewhat
more pleasant.  You can reach Joe at 416-764-9923 or email
syntron!rls!joe.

 [stuff deleted]


I hope this is some help.  I'm sorry I can't send all the blurbs machine
readable but troff, postscript and phototypesetter outpu is the pits to
read.  Anyways, if I've peaqued your interest please call.


-- 
G. Roderick Singleton, Technical Services Manager
{ syntron | geac | eclectic }!gerry
"ALL animals are created equal, BUT some animals are MORE equal than others."
George Orwell