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My challenge with the ASP programming was to convert a series of FileMaker Pro databases to SQL Server with an ASP front end. The original plan was to gradually convert most of the 30+ applications Dave and I had written over about 10 years. I managed the core half dozen or so, then the rules changed. The Swedish multi-national we were working for started going through a series of radical downsizing exercises. The end result is that all development work was centralised to Texas and we were left out of the loop. It had been a very good ride for a long time, but even when you see it coming, it's hard to replace that kind of regular income.
One of the contacts Dave and I made at this client was Mary West, a very good management consultant. She invited us to help her out with a couple of her clients. The first was ASI, an archaeological research company in Toronto http://www.iasi.to Our task was to research 2 CRM-type applications for their suitability to managing ASI's business, with a particular view to the unique demands of this company. The 2 short-list contenders were JobPro Central, a FileMaker Pro-based solution, http://www.jobprocentral.com, and iExtensions, a Notes-based solution http://www.ienterprises.com. We recommended iExtensions based on the tight integration with email, as well as the overall excellence of the application.
As a result of this analysis, we ended up being awarded the contract to implement the iExtensions system at ASI. In order to do so, we signed up as Business Partners with iEnterprises. During the extensive customisations required by ASI, I became very familiar with iExtensions. The more I learned, the more impressed I became. Not only was it an excellent Notes application, the Browser interface was pretty good too.
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