From: Pat Soberanis (soberans@socrates.berkeley.edu)
Date: Mon Mar 25 2002 - 11:09:43 PST
Hello everyone,
Here are the results of the Web database mini-survey. Thanks much to all
who responded. Several people had extensive comments, which I didn't
include here (for space reasons) but did include with the results sent
to Ann Dobson of Academic Computing Services.
The response rate was rather low, only 11 people. This may well indicate
a low level of interest in centralized database services. Most people
either have their own databases and wouldn't move it to a campus
service, or don't have the skills and/or resources even if the campus
provided services. So, unless something unexpected happens, the SIG will
set aside the issue of Web databases for a while - though I do plan to
look into content management systems.
Best wishes,
Pat Soberanis
WEB DATABASE SURVEY
NOTE: It is assumed that a campus Web database service would handle
database and server security, software patches, backup and power-outage
services, permissions management, and so on, and would be provided on a
recharge basis. Campus departments and units would be responsible for
developing and maintaining the database and scripting.
TOTAL RESPONDENTS: 11
(Numbers in parentheses are respondent ID numbers.)
1. Do you currently use a Web database?
YES: 4 (plus 1 (#6) "faked" via scripting)
NO: 4
(6) adds: "I store key file information that I can then access from any
web page, with non-page specific script. I have large chunks of text in
non-html format, which I can then use on multiple web pages. I have many
IF...THEN...ELSE statements on some pages."
IF Q1 ANSWER IS YES:
1a. For what purpose(s)?
(2) To manage software purchases and applications
(3) Backend for econ surveys/research & administrative resource/planned
alumni directory
(8) Development of future XML/RSS news system, and web backend
(9) Serving collections catalog data
1b. If the campus provided Web database services on a recharge basis,
would you be willing to move your database to the campus system?
YES: 2
MAYBE: 4
NO: 0
1c. What software/hardware do you use?
DB server hardware and software:
(2) FileMaker Pro/Mac G3 (moving to mySQL/PHP on Windows)
(3) Solaris 7 on Sun Ultra 1
(8) Mac OS X, Sun Solaris
(9) IIS on Windows NT
DB software:
(2) FM Pro
(3) mySQL
(8) mySQL, Sybase
(9) Paradox ("awful!!")
Web server hardware and software:
(2) Mac G3/FM Pro/Webstar
(3) Solaris 7 and Apache on Sun Ultra 1
(8) Apache on Mac OS X, Solaris
(9) IIS on Windows NT
Connectivity software:
(2) FM Pro/Webstar
(3) if CGI scripts: Perl and PHP
(8) JDBC, Perl DBI
(9) HEITML ("awfull!!!")
(9) adds: "Note: We are scrapping this awful system, haven't yet decided
on transition strategy."
IF Q1 ANSWER IS NO:
2. If the campus provided a centralized service, would you consider
developing a Web database?
YES: 3
MAYBE: 0
NO: 1
2a. If yes, for what purpose(s)?
(5) Internship DB for MPH students
(7) Cal in the Community Resource Guide
(11) Organizing the numerous publications on our Web site
FOR ALL:
3. How important is technical/customer support in deciding whether to
move to, or set up, a centralized campus Web database?
EXTREMELY: 3
VERY: 4
SOMEWHAT: 1
NOT MUCH: 0
NOT AT ALL: 0
(6) adds: "If you are referring to technical/customer support supplied
by the campus, then the answer is NOT MUCH. If you are referring to
technical/customer support supplied by the computer vendor, then the
answer is SOMEWHAT."
4. If the campus were to provide a Web database service, do you have a
preference for database and connectivity software?
* mySQL/PHP: 4 (1 added: with JDBC, JSP)
* Oracle or Sybase/ASP or JSP: 0
* Microsoft Access/ColdFusion: 0
* Only a CNet-like content management system will help me: 0
* Other: 3
(7) Not enough knowledge to judge
(11) one with the least amount of programming or type of programming I
(as a nonprogrammer) could learn well enough to use
-- Pat Soberanis, Web Manager UC Berkeley Psychology Dept."We must work toward peace."
Mon 7-4, Wed and Fri 7-2
email: soberans@socrates.berkeley.edu office: 510-643-8589
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