Ken - As you know the DataExpress ODBCLink option does do Image directly as
well as KSAM, and MPE files - and includes the rest of what we think as a
complete data access tool - the ability to extract in batch and deliver self-
describing files as well as the dictionary interfaces for Powerhouse
dictionaries and in read-only mode the HPDictionary (for Rapid users).

We designed our product with the customer base in mind and made sure that all
of the customers could get a less than a year pay back - anybody looking for
the value proposition should be aware that it is simply - Access ALL your
data, where it is now without compromise, and have the tool pay for itself in
less than a year!! (Even the finance guys can find the money for a deal like
that).

In case you didn't get a chance to see us at HPWORLD98 you may be interested
in our customer success stories - on Webifying HP3000's using DataExpress as
well as doing the complete access - terminal, PC, MacInosh and ODBC enabled -
which we were presenting in our booth ... You can find a product review on our
website at
http://www.mbfoster.com/products/TestDrive9802.html ... hope this helps.

Ken - you can stop holding your breath - we are focused on the next stage in
data access - we are extending our DataExpress to work even more easily with a
new HP3000 to NT offering - contact me if you need more info. It will be
followed by an HP3000 to HP9000 offering as well as DataExpress for HP9000
which we were showing in the booth.

We thank all the customers who have taught us what they really needed and
would pay for - they are the designers for the product functionality - if a
function is worth something, organizations will pay for it. We have invested
in building the functionality in incremental stages - I am sure our 4.5 years
in the ODBC driver business will help us lead the cross platform evolution of
this market.

Best Regards,