Re: Ordering VARPG-I decided to go with Microsofts Visual Basic -- MIDRANGE-L

Hi Mark,
Last year I recieved the Demo Code/400 disk in New Zealand in aboubt 6
weeks from the same web site. After having a look at VARPG I decided to go
with Microsofts Visual Basic --due the fact I had some sample DDE code in
VB to learn how to screenscrape. 
VARPG looked really interesting but I always had the thought in the back of
mind that IBM may
delete the product in favour of Java.

Dave 

----------
> From: Mark Lazarus <mlazarus@ttec.com>
> To: MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com
> Subject: Ordering VARPG
> Date: Sunday, 5 September 1999 12:32
> 
>  I just received my copy of VARPG and I was wondering if anyone had the
> same experience in the ordering process.
> 
>  In mid-May I ordered VARPG on the web, using the URL that was mentioned
on
> Midrange-L.  The order went through fine.  The msg said it would take 5-6
> weeks.  That seemed a bit excessive to me, since the order was electronic
> and there's no hardware assmebly involved...
> 
>  I hear nothing for 7-8 weeks, so I call 1-800-IBM4YOU (IMHO one of the
> best things IBM has done for customer support) to find out how to check
on
> the order.  They transfer me to a real live hummin' bean.  I think I'm
> going to get some real service here; I'm thrilled.  That's when things
> start to go South quickly.
> 
>  To start with, he had never heard of the product!!  This is supposed to
be
> someone that is involved in AS/400 product orders.  He decided he needed
to
> know the URL I ordered the product from.  I got that for him.  After
> checking his system he acknowledged that this was an AS/400 product, but
> couldn't find my order.  He took the info to place a new order and
promised
> to get back to me w/ the order # and shipping info.
> 
>  A week later, when I didn't hear from him, I called back.  He hadn't
even
> placed the order, since he asked me for more info to put into the order
and
> said I would receive it in about 4 days.  When that day passed I called
> again. He asked for more info said I would receive it in 5 days.  This
> happened 2 more times.  This also included a conversation w/ his manager
to
> get things moving.
> 
>  3 MONTHS after I first placed the order I receive a box from IBM.  I'm
> excited to finally get ahold of the elusive VARPG.  I open the box and I
> see three 1/2" tapes.  Huh?  This is supposed to be a CD for my PC!?!  It
> turns out that it's the ADTS tapes.  I dig deeper - no CD!  ARGHH!!
> 
>  I call back again, almost giving up on this farce.  They promise to call
> me back w/ a status and tracking number.
> 
>  The next day I receive a surprise package w/ the VARPG and Code/400 CDs.
> Hooray!!
> 
>  Is this experience unusual or can this possibly be the reason some
> products are not gaining much momentum?
> 
>  -mark
> 
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