Re: WebCatalog Review
This WebDNA talk-list message is from 2001
It keeps the original formatting.
numero = 38106
interpreted = N
texte = Two points from that review:> WebCatalog 4.0 is a great fit for these jobs. The software lets those with> elementary Web skills assemble a basic catalog-driven storefront and get it> online in a few hours. Built-in templates eliminate page layout steps, while> the integrated database means you don't need to know anything about SQL calls> or DNS connections. WebCatalog, also has fill-in-the-blank forms for credit> card processing using CyberCash or InternetCash. And runs under major> operating systems, including Apple's new OS X.The last time I saw this same kind of review I, soon after, receivedcriticism from a customer of mine that I had been 'ripping him off' bycharging for programming when I was actually using built-in templates.(search archives for Ungrateful Client) This kind of review may be goodfor SMI in selling their product to non-programmers, but it's just anotherpoint of confusion with _my_ customers. Add to the list of customerquestions: Webcatalog? Hmm. Never heard of that. How does it compare toASP? Will my data be in a 'standard' format? What are the benefits ofusing an unknown product like this over something like ASP or Cold Fusion?If I choose your company and build a site based on Webcatalog, what happensif I need future work done and you are not available? Are there othercompanies that know how to program for this product? and now, Aren't youjust using 'built-in templates' to build my site? Why am I paying you forthat? I read a review of Webcatalog claims that anyone can use it. Whyshouldn't I go out and build my own site using these 'built-in templates'?> > So what's the catch? Well, first, out-of-the-box storefronts aren't very> attractive. Second, making serious changes to page design requires that you> learn Smith Micro's proprietary WebDNA scripting language. As a result, if you> need to execute a highly custom design and don't have WebDNA experience,> WebCatalog might prove more time-consuming than choosing a package like> LaGuarde's Storefront 5.0, which uses standard ASP scripting and integrates> with Microsoft FrontPage. And third, WebCatalog (as shipped) doesn't offer the> personalization features visitors can get at high-profile online stores. But> if you recognize these limitations, WebCatalog represents a very good value.Isn't it an oxymoron to say standard ASP? What is standard about it?More popular might better describe it, but it certainly doesn't adhere toany standard that I know of, other than the Microsoft standard.Mikeon 4/27/01 10:02 AM, John Hill at johnh@genericaddress.com wrote:> http://www.webreview.com/2001/04_20/developers/index03.shtml> > > ---------------------------------> John A. Hill> Oak Hill Software> Website Development/Consulting> john@oakhillsoftware.com> > -------------------------------------------------------------> This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to> the mailing list
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Associated Messages, from the most recent to the oldest:
Two points from that review:> WebCatalog 4.0 is a great fit for these jobs. The software lets those with> elementary Web skills assemble a basic catalog-driven storefront and get it> online in a few hours. Built-in templates eliminate page layout steps, while> the integrated database means you don't need to know anything about SQL calls> or DNS connections. WebCatalog, also has fill-in-the-blank forms for credit> card processing using CyberCash or InternetCash. And runs under major> operating systems, including Apple's new OS X.The last time I saw this same kind of review I, soon after, receivedcriticism from a customer of mine that I had been 'ripping him off' bycharging for programming when I was actually using built-in templates.(search archives for Ungrateful Client) This kind of review may be goodfor SMI in selling their product to non-programmers, but it's just anotherpoint of confusion with _my_ customers. Add to the list of customerquestions: Webcatalog? Hmm. Never heard of that. How does it compare toASP? Will my data be in a 'standard' format? What are the benefits ofusing an unknown product like this over something like ASP or Cold Fusion?If I choose your company and build a site based on Webcatalog, what happensif I need future work done and you are not available? Are there othercompanies that know how to program for this product? and now, Aren't youjust using 'built-in templates' to build my site? Why am I paying you forthat? I read a review of Webcatalog claims that anyone can use it. Whyshouldn't I go out and build my own site using these 'built-in templates'?> > So what's the catch? Well, first, out-of-the-box storefronts aren't very> attractive. Second, making serious changes to page design requires that you> learn Smith Micro's proprietary WebDNA scripting language. As a result, if you> need to execute a highly custom design and don't have WebDNA experience,> WebCatalog might prove more time-consuming than choosing a package like> LaGuarde's Storefront 5.0, which uses standard ASP scripting and integrates> with Microsoft FrontPage. And third, WebCatalog (as shipped) doesn't offer the> personalization features visitors can get at high-profile online stores. But> if you recognize these limitations, WebCatalog represents a very good value.Isn't it an oxymoron to say standard ASP? What is standard about it?More popular might better describe it, but it certainly doesn't adhere toany standard that I know of, other than the Microsoft standard.Mikeon 4/27/01 10:02 AM, John Hill at johnh@genericaddress.com wrote:> http://www.webreview.com/2001/04_20/developers/index03.shtml> > > ---------------------------------> John A. Hill> Oak Hill Software> Website Development/Consulting> john@oakhillsoftware.com> > -------------------------------------------------------------> This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to> the mailing list .> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: > To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to> > Web Archive of this list is at: http://search.smithmicro.com/-------------------------------------------------------------This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list .To unsubscribe, E-mail to: To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Web Archive of this list is at: http://search.smithmicro.com/
Mike Davis
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