Kim Harris writes:
>I have used a ppp connection with NetManage Chameleon (not sure why
>Bruce T. called it "awful" - we have found it good)
 
I have a client who -- in a move they now regret -- chose it as their
standard for dial-up PPP/SLIP access in a client-server application. The
NetMangle stack is pretty good as long as it's used manually. When you try
to use the programmatic dial interface, so that the poor user doesn't have
to click on seventeen icons and two buttons in order to start their
application, the product becomes unstable. It can't sense whether the line
is connected or not, and a redundant dial or redundant close causes a UAE
(Unrecoverable Application Error, aka. Crash). These redundant operations
are almost inevitable, given that NetManage provides no way to sense the
state of the line; the only thing one can do is insert pauses everywhere in
an effort to insure that operations complete. Needless to say, this does
not make for a responsive application. In fact, UAEs occur here and there
even if you do everything right, usually after three or four
connect/disconnect cycles.
 
The same application running under NT has no problems at all with
communication. The application running with Distinct TCP/IP has no problems
with communication. The application running under Trumpet/Winsock has no
problems with communication.  Etc.
 
As most members of this list have learned, one weak link will make a whole
system look shoddy. ("The computer's down again!") The problems with the
Chameleon stack, and NetManage's refusal to deal with the problem despite
repeated requests, have caused serious image problems for the client and
have placed them at a competitive disadvantage relative to other systems
not burdened with NetManage. As far as my client is concerned, calling
NetManage Chameleon "awful" ranks as a generous tribute.
 
-- Bruce
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce Toback    Tel: (602) 996-8601| My candle burns at both ends;
OPT, Inc.            (800) 858-4507| It will not last the night;
11801 N. Tatum Blvd. Ste. 142      | But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends -
Phoenix AZ 85028                   | It gives a lovely light.
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