From: John T. Chapman <jtc1@cornell.edu>
Subject: Re: Network version of Mac application program ?
X-Xxdate: Tue, 15 Dec 92 18: 30:34 GMT
Nntp-Posting-User: jtc1@cornell.edu
Organization: Office of Computing and Statistical Consulting
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d15
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 18:19:21 GMT

In article <1992Dec15.042111.18044@iti.gov.sg> Chang Chen Hsien,
chchang@ncb.gov.sg writes:
>Is anyone out there knows whether there is any application program
>like word processor, spreadsheet, graphics drawing program etc that 
>runs on multiuser environment (network version) ?
>
>I have check with some of the local Mac software dealers and their
>reply is no. So, I do not know whether anyone in the internet have 
>come across these software. 
>
>I would like to know the product name and where can I get it from.
>Thanks in advance.

You may have some special configuration that you didn't mention in the 
post; if so, I apologize for the following... However, assuming you've
got 
a fairly standard Mac network configuration,

Your local dealers are ***IDIOTS***

Macs have supported networkable applications for YEARS. Early 
applications had to have a bit set called 'Shared' to work properly over 
the networks, but most current applications come standard that way.

This is by no means a blanket rule; there are some applications that do 
not run (or at least, run well) over a network. One reason for this is 
copy protection or license protection, in which programs check to see if 
duplicate copies are running on a network. Also, even if a program will 
run as 'shared', there may be additional complexities in setting up where 
configuration files and preference files are located. (For example, an 
early setup of WriteNow was kinda quirky when it came to the location of 
its dictionary file.)

That brings up the issue of licensing in general; in most cases, you must 
purchase multiple copies of a program equal in number to the number of 
expected users, even if you only plan on putting the one copy up on the 
server. Some site licenses and multi-pack discounts are available, 
however. (Note: Some licenses require that you are able to restrict the 
number of copies being run; there are several server utilities that can 
impose this limit.)

In summary, most current applications support a shared-application 
configuration. Examples include WriteNow, Word, Excel, FileMaker Pro, 
Illustrator, PageMaker, etc. Check with the manufacturer if you have 
concerns about a particular configuration and about multi-user licensing.

Good luck,

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  John T. Chapman                                     jtc1@cornell.edu
  Office of Computing and Statistical Consulting
  Cornell University - College of Human Ecology
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"Truth is after all a moving target/Hairs to split, and pieces that don't 
fit/How can anybody be enlightened?/Truth is after all so poorly lit"
                                             - N. Peart, Turn The Page
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Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.comm