Message-Id: <200008311830.LAA19642@dns.ccit.arizona.edu> Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2000 14:27:45 -0400 From: Eileen Mathias <mailto:mathias@ACNATSCI.ORG> Subject: Re: EmbARK/LUNA Insight To: mailto:IMAGELIB@LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU
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I'm just curious. We have a FileMaker Pro database for our imaging center, installed on PCs and Macs, with the main dat
base on an NT server and connections via TCP/IP, and it works fine. FileMaker Pro has a Web interface. We are not rea
y to use the web interface yet, but know it is available. The FM database is fairly intuitive. What problems have you
ad?
Eileen Mathias
Eileen C. Mathias
Information Services Librarian &
Coordinator, Albert M Greenfield Digital
Imaging Center for Collections
Ewell Sale Stewart Library
The Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-299-1140
215-299-1144 FAX
mailto:mathias@acnatsci.org
>>> mailto:j.brasher@MAILBOX.GU.EDU.AU 08/30/00 09:27PM >>>
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
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