Bobs request for who is using Power2000

[Robert J.M. Edis]

20,000 UKP!  Ouch!  That's like 32,000 USD or 40,000 AUD.  What is it in
EUROs?  No wonder Cognos hasn't sold many licenses.

Power2000 does a lot more than just identify 'typical' year 2000 issues and
find dates based on standard conventions.  

It has these pluses in my experience:
*	Good project assignment and tracking, a lot better than using a
spreadsheet or MS Project.  (I have used both)
*	The ability to create powerful custom searches using easy to use
mnemonics.  (I have used DCL to do this but it took MUCH longer)
*	A great macro writer for automating fixes in code. (TPU or similar
could be used but is not as easy)
*	An easy to use, multi-colour editor to fix code. (multiple source
can be loaded in separate windows simultaneously)
*	A useful database that allows creation of informative Impromptu
reports.

It has these minuses in my experience:
*	Steep learning curve to get full benefit from product.  I.e. not
just an issue scanner.
*	Doesn't use Windows resources properly.  E.g. garbage collection and
releasing resources.
*	Limited drag and drop functionality.
*	Requires file extensions, a pain for MPE people.
*	Easy to corrupt database, a least until one has learnt to use it
properly.
*	Poor network support.
*	The packaged Impromptu reports not particularly useful.

I worked on a project where a very experienced analyst took more than 3
weeks to create DCL scans and a tracking spreadsheet for a Y2K project.  I
have done the same scope of work in Power2000 in a couple of days.  Given
the price of PowerHouse consultants (say 65/hour in USA) Power2000 is not
THAT expensive by comparison.

Look at this:

First project -
Without P2K				With P2K
150 hours @ 65 = $9,750		16 hours @ 65 = $1,040
					license = ~$12,000 *
----------------------------------
----------------------------------
subtotal = $9,750			subtotal = ~$13,040

Second project (assuming smaller and can use some work from 1st.) -
90 hours @ 65 = $5,850			16 hours @ 65 = $1,040
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
subtotal = $5,850 			subtotal = $1,040
Grand Total = $15,600			Grand Total = $14,080

* a pre-tax quote I got from Cognos in early 1998.  All dollars are USD.

I believe the tool is useful for more than just Y2K remediation and therefor
is an asset the company has the use of after it has been fully paid for.
The temporary consultant leaves and takes any in-brain knowledgebase with
him/her.

I also believe Cognos SHOULD bring down the price and market the product
more effectively.  Anyone who gets Field Facts knows how dismal sales have
been (in comparison to its potential).
 
Blue
PowerHouse consultant
Rhode Island, USA

Disclaimer:
The opinions and ideas expressed in this message are my own and have no
relationship to my current employer, Initial Technical Staffing, its client
CCI, or any of CCI's clients.
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