From: hugh@kink.PhaedraV.On.Ca (Hugh D. Gamble)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.applications
Subject: DataTax will be out in Jan (U.S. version)
Summary: Datamax is still alive and DataTax is coming out.
Keywords: DataTax Datamax Tax Software
Date: 20 Dec 92 11:35:04 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Phaedra V

Regarding Mark Barrett's inflammatory posting about the "death" of
Datamax research and the alleged unavailability of DataTax for the
Amiga this year, I have talked to the president of Datamax and have
part of an email response from bix included below.

As is often the case, there is some seed of truth, or minor irritation
that sets Mark off into wild proclamations, exaggerations and
suppositions. And as usuall there are people who can't read between
the lines that he is just an overexcitable kid, and they either panic
or get angry at him. Mark's not a bad guy, he's smart, and what he
really knows is often right, but he sure ain't going to make a
politician. :-)

In an attempt to keep this hornets nest of rumor and speculation to a
minimum, please read the below if you are a DataTax customer or have
an interest in the issue:

====== Mail from bix follows ================================================
Memo #74917
From: datamax
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 92 18:16:58 EST
To: hgamble
Message-Id: <memo.74917>
Subject: dataTAX

...

Here is the answer:

	DataTAX for Canada is no more. I had tried to find someone to
take it over over but it was not to be.  Datatax users will receive a
letter and a special upgrade offer to Quick Returns by Ontek, which is
unfortunately a PC DOS product.  dataTAX/USA will be available in
January from OXXI, who will be sending letters to US customers in
early January.

	I still owe some datatax customers refunds for datamail which
did not ship ship.  They were to receive a free update but that is
not longer possible.  I'll be sending checks over the next month as
time and finances permit.

(note: the above only applies to canadain users)

	Regarding the reasons why the change has occured read the following
which I would like you to forward to Mark Barrett for me.

--------------------------------------------
Mark Barrett
David Sopuch
Datamax Research corp
RE: dataTAX

  Mark, Thank you for you comment lamenting the disappearance? of dataTAX.  
You will be happy to know that even though we are no longer producing the
product OXXI will be sending update letters to all registered users in
early January.

  You made the comment or question "can't the Amiga support one good
tax prep program".   The answer is  NO.

  During the past year the amiga user base in the USA increased very little.
Most sales were power up sales to existing users.  Unfortunately 
new users that buy software after purchasing their machine are required.
Most existing users buy very little software or find 'other' sources for it.

Even the new A1200 which is a fine machine I believe is targetted at the
current user base of A500 and A1000 owners. (I hope I am wrong).
What is needed is hardware that can bring in commodores traditional
market.  The new computer user.   Because of the current state of the
market and because Commodore is focusing on the videography and kiosk
and graphics market which are very narrow, we have had to reluctantly
move on to a different platform.

We are coming out with 'LaserTAX' a windows 3.1 CDROM based tax prep
program that includes every federal irs form, publication, and
instruction available to be printed at 300dpi.  LaserTAX not only prints
perfect forms, but it also displays scanned images at 800x600 on an
svga monitor.

We would like to offer an amiga product, but first we need from
Commodore a computer with 4 meg of ram, cdrom drive, AA chip set,
and a 800x600 (minimum) display (non interlaced).

...

Dave

==========================================================================

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# Hugh D. Gamble  UUCP: hugh@kink.UUCP  Domain: hugh@kink.PhaedraV.On.Ca     %
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#   "I ain't jacked my lumber baby, since my chainsaw you."                  %
#   -- The Lumberjack Song                                                   %
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.applications