> O.K. one last question and I'll stop wasting everyone's time.
 
A good question is never a waste of time.  A poor answer is a different
matter.
 
> Using Access and Image/SQL, my colleague was told that we need an
> additional piece of software to get the two to talk.  I thought it was
> included in the Image/SQL installation.  What is it?  How much does it
> cost?  What does it do?  Are there alternatives?  And what about Naomi?
 
You need a hunk of middle-ware, software that listens to the client
(Access) and communicates with the database server (Image/SQL).
 
HP provides a piece call AllBase PC/API, and it is on you host in file
HPPCAPI.PUB.SYS.  See the PCAPI manual for details on downloading and
installing on your PC.
 
Alternatives?  The only one I have tried is ODBC Link from MB Foster.
I won't debate that the HP tool costs less (free is pretty good), but
the MB Foster offering has more features, doen't require Image/SQL
(the server does a direct DBOpen), and works better on slow networks
by bunching up returned data into few packets.
 
Both of these middleware pieces require the PC having a network suite.
The MB Foster offering can work through Reflection and a serial link.
 
As for Naomi:  She was last seen tied to the railroad tracks, while the
mustached villain laughed hideiously as the 4:35 from Jersey came
barrelling down the track.
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Guy Smith                                Voice:  804-527-4000 ext 6664
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The thoughts expressed herein are mine and do not reflect those of my
employer, or anyone with common sense.