EmbARK/LUNA Insight

From: Jennifer Brasher (j.brasher@MAILBOX.GU.EDU.AU)
Date: Wed Aug 30 2000 - 20:27:02 CDT

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    Message-Id: <200008310127.SAA25148@dns.ccit.arizona.edu>
Date:         Thu, 31 Aug 2000 11:27:02 +1000
From: Jennifer Brasher <mailto:j.brasher@MAILBOX.GU.EDU.AU>
Subject:      EmbARK/LUNA Insight
To: mailto:IMAGELIB@LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU

    <pre> Hi All,

    OK. PROBLEM - EXCUSE CROSS POSTINGS We have a Filemaker database here. We want to choose a front end GUI
    (graphic user interface) for LAN ( local area network server access for PC and MAC) and web ( internet) interface.

    I'll post this to the Filemaker, EmbARK, Imagelib lists as well. I'll also email EmbARK and LUNA.

    Interested in opinions, Oh great sages of VRA and all lists.

    1. a. From specs Luna Insight seems to be only for internet interface access/ it is a front end only to whatever database you have at the rear.
    "Luna Imaging's new generation of Insight client/server software allows organizations to manage, access and use image collections over the internet."
        b. Embark is a relational database plus a front end that is dual purpose, it offers network ( Public Access Mode) and internet networking display ( using EmbARK Web Kiosk). Could be an advantage if you don't want to traffic via the internet for local needs especially when internet traffic is heavier.
                            **************************

    2.Which is easier to use with the Filemaker ( Macintosh) database we already have; EmbARK or Insight ( LUNA)?

    ****LUNA
     From the listserv talk I gain the impression LUNA Insight is more problematic initially, as I'd have to massage it through Microsoft Access/ was that Susan Jane talking about that? LUNA maintains it talks to non-relational databases, as well as, SQL server, Sybase and Oracle.

    (I had some problems with data imported across from Access to Filemaker, as Access data decided to do funny little ditto quotation marks for some data in artist and title fields mainly after import, which entails clean up work.)

    I'd rather a software where it imported straight from A to B.

    ****EmbARK EmbARK has comprehensive import and export capabilities. Its import functions allow users to do their own data conversions. I've been told I'd have no problems with Filemaker.

    Is it flexible for local programming ( I have some 4th Dimension experience from years ago when we purchased an abridged version, so EmbARK seems more familiar).

    For those institutions running a mixed environment , the utilty 4D TRANSPORTER converts Macintosh datafiles to be used on a Windows NT server, or vice versa.

    3. Cost???????

    4. Which has the best GUI.... Luna looks good... it says you can
    "move images", does this equate with my Mac concept of drag and drop.. it seems not, because you have to complete keyboard commands to move them.. this could be harder for users? How does EmbARK compare, it also looks good!!

    Jennifer

    Keeping you informed.

    "Nobody can become perfect by merely ceasing to act" BHAGAVAD - GITA

    Jennifer Brasher Reference Librarian QCA Image (Slide/Digital) Library Supervisor

    Information Services Griffith University Library Queensland College of Art Library Griffith University PO Box 84 Morningside Q 4170 AUSTRALIA

    Phone (61) 7 3875 3130 Fax (61) 7 3875 3133 Email mailto:j.brasher@mailbox.gu.edu.au

    </pre>

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