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Sessions db as ND6 only, ND6 and R5, or separate versions?

Mon 3 Jan 2005, 09:49 AM



by Ben Langhinrichs
I am finalizing Version 1 of the Lotusphere 2005 Sessions DB (pre-Build A is out there now), and I am torn between my desire to use some cool new ND6 stuff and my desire not to exclude anybody.  The cool stuff ranges from the simple to avoid, such my nested @Transform for separating last names and first names in a view column, to the complex to avoid, such as layers and multiple embedded views on a form.

Should I restrain myself and let the content be king and have a merged database which will work in both?

Should I go wild and show off the beauty of the Notes client and have an ND6 only version and assume that anybody going to Lotusphere will have ND6?

Should I be a bit safer and provide two versions (relatively easy since most data is updated automatically from XML files, but the R5 would simply be a bit less feature rich)?

What do you think?

Copyright © 2005 Genii Software Ltd.

What has been said:


260.1. Greyhawk68 (01/03/2005 07:40 AM)

I think that you cover 85% of the base by doing it in ND6. If we constantly keep developing for the common denominator, it gives no one incentive to upgrade.

Saying that, given how wonderful of a resource this is, I wouldn't mind seeing two verions. An R5 totally stripped down version with just the basic data, and an ND6 version with all the bells and whistles.

Just my two cents. Thanks for all the hard work Ben!

-Grey


260.2. Tim Latta (01/03/2005 07:42 AM)

Since our company sends a number of attendees, we have our own design that has been enhanced each year. It facilatates a group of people, rather than an individual's attendance. We try to get the most from the vast number and content of sessions across all of our attendees. Because of that, I'm not so much interested in your design (well I AM with my development background), as I am the underlying data. So long as I can get the data out in a standard format, I'm happy.


260.3. Bill Dorge (01/03/2005 09:12 AM)

Well, since your offering and I get to play user for a change, I want bells and whistles please!!

I'll use it in any fashion, and thanks for all your work on this, it's really a handy tool.

Bill


260.4. Ben Langhinrichs (01/03/2005 10:18 AM)

@Grey - This is the way I am leaning, but it is good to hear some affirmation.

@Tim - Do you think the modifications you have made might be helpful for others? I'd be happy to see if some might fit in with the general design. If not, that is OK too.

@Bill - I assume this means you want the ND6 bells and whistles. As for the db itself, it is fun to do, and provides a bit of something to give back to this great community. Glad to hear it is appreciated.


260.5. Tommie Krager (01/06/2005 08:01 AM)

I'd like to have the R5 version as 6 is not available to me at work.


260.6. Tim Latta (01/06/2005 11:49 AM)

Ben - our's isn't a derivitive from your design with modifications. It's a design we created (and enhance each year) probably 5 or 6 years ago. It might be fun to sit down and compare features in Orlando.


260.7. Curt Stone (01/09/2005 04:34 AM)

Hi Ben,

I used the database to set up my calendar for Lotusphere. Great tool. One problem is that the GURU sessions won't transfer to the calendar. These sessions appear to be missing fields the script needs like SessDates.

How can I add these fields?

Thanks.


260.8. Jets (01/13/2005 02:09 PM)

Just give us the R5 version like last year's and we will be happy!


260.9. Ben Langhinrichs (01/13/2005 10:53 PM)

Jets - I guess you get your wish. I just put out Version 2b as an R5 stripped down database. Enjoy!