I've been using PersonalBrain from TheBrain
Technologies Corp (www.thebrain.com) for many years.
It's a package where you can define a network of nodes
which are interconnected in 3 directions: up, down and
sideways.

I use it to connect subjects (e.g. technologies,
methodologies, tools, interests), companies and
people, both for my professional life as for my
private life. Per node you can add notes, a URL or an
application. Changing relationships is just a matter
of drag-n-drop.

Well, it's a bit of extra work to keep it fully
up-to-day (I wish Outlook would allow me to do that
for the contact list), but you don't have to put in
everything, only what you think may be useful for the
future.
Anyway, it gives me a pretty good picture for
communication, and now and then I discover that people
are related to me in unexpected ways.

Frank.


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Paul,

Thanks for the update. This morning the link was busted.


>-- Original Message --
>To: pmtr@yahoogroups.com
>From: Paul Hodgetts <phodgetts@...>
>Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2006 11:49:03 -0800
>Subject: [pmtr] Re: Project Management Graphics
>Reply-To: pmtr@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>Brian Furman asked:
>
> > I'd like to get a PDF of this. Do you have a PayPal account
> > where we send the fee? :-)
>
>After Glen Alleman wrote:
>
> > I have a PDF of this if anyone is  interested, or you can
> > order it for a small fee
>
>There's a "Printable Version" button right above the graphic
>at Glen's link ( http://akss.dau.mil/ifc/index.htm ) that
>leads to a 34" by 22" downloadable PDF version at no cost.
>The purchase information for printed copies is also on that
>page.
>
>Paul
>-----
>Paul Hodgetts -- CEO, Coach, Trainer, Consultant
>Agile Logic -- www.agilelogic.com
>Training, Coaching, Consulting -- Agile Processes/Scrum/Lean/XP
>Complete solutions for adopting agile processes, Scrum and XP.
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Glen B. Alleman
Niwot, Colorado

Brian Furman asked:

  > I'd like to get a PDF of this. Do you have a PayPal account
  > where we send the fee? :-)

After Glen Alleman wrote:

  > I have a PDF of this if anyone is  interested, or you can
  > order it for a small fee

There's a "Printable Version" button right above the graphic
at Glen's link ( http://akss.dau.mil/ifc/index.htm ) that
leads to a 34" by 22" downloadable PDF version at no cost.
The purchase information for printed copies is also on that
page.

Paul
-----
Paul Hodgetts -- CEO, Coach, Trainer, Consultant
Agile Logic -- www.agilelogic.com
Training, Coaching, Consulting -- Agile Processes/Scrum/Lean/XP
Complete solutions for adopting agile processes, Scrum and XP.

Gary,

Here's and example of an integrated project (program) management
process flow that might be considered "wow" in some circles

http://akss.dau.mil/ifc/index.htm

You can navigate both the front and back of this chart. In most of our
environments, this chart hangs on the wall soemwhere around the
program management offices. I have a PDF of this if anyone is
interested, or you can order it for a small fee

Glen B Alleman
IMP/IMS Architect
Denver, Colorado

I think some of us identified communication being a primary area of
focus for a PM tool - does anyone have any ideas how graphics could be
applied to a communication focused PM tool?  For example - outside of
a person's pic - show expressions based on the health of the
relationship....sleepy/aware based on level of recent
contact.....movement when the person in on vacation.....some type of
3d representation of the person's relation in an org and their
specific resposibility  (I keep thinking of the jurasic park where the
programmer has a 3d rendition of the park buildings to control
security, etc.)....

anyone see any visual packages out there for pm type communication? or
any ideas?
(just some brainstorming - which in my case is more of a drizzle)
-meade

Okay - time for some dumb questions
1. are the graphics/flash data driven, or is this in demo mode?
2. WBS's being what they are - the info should 'roll' up to the top -
I'm not getting the sense the the top layers are the accumlated
results of the lower levels.
3. should each 'box' be independently managed? I'm assuming the answer
is yes.
4. with this approach we can see the past and future, but how can you
add a layer to easily display the 'now' of each item - what stage,
health level, etc.

What do others think of this approach?

-meade


--- In pmtr@yahoogroups.com, "Garry L. Booker" <garrybooker@p...> wrote:
>
> Meade,
>
>
>
> I can't promise to make you say "WOW" but I can show examples where a
> picture is worth a thousand words. Last month, I created three
data-driven
> prototypes for this purpose. I created the prototypes by starting with
> typical project management graphics, and then enhancing them.
>
>
>
> (1) My first prototype is an attempt to add rich detail to a work
breakdown
> structure (WBS) graphic.  The original (typical) graphic can be
found at
> http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/robohelp/cpmm/wbs-hierarchy2.jpg
>
>
>
> I imported that JPG into Flash, and wrote ActionScript software to
overlay
> "Earned Value Maps (EV Maps)" over the original WBS graphic.  You
can find
> the prototype Flash application at
> http://www.projectfrontier.com/test/protocornellwbs.html
>
>
>
> The Flash application begins with the original WBS graphic.  Please
click on
> the green "SHOW PROTOTYPE" button to advance the application to the
> prototype EV Map.  At first, you will see just two shades of blue.
Without
> getting into a lot of detail here, just think of the dark blue as
discrete
> effort that is on the critical path and think of the light blue as
"level of
> effort" that is not on the critical path.
>
>
>
> Next, please find the green "Advance 1 Month" button in the lower left
> corner of the application. Click on it five or six times, to advance the
> project 5 or 6 months into the future.  You will see the blue areas
> transform to gray.  Gray indicates work that has been completed.
Again, if
> you are familiar with concepts of earned value management, think of
the gray
> areas as "earned value."  Like a Gantt chart, you can easily see where
> elements of work are behind schedule or ahead of schedule by
comparing the
> gray area to the vertical "today" lines.
>
>
>
> Next, click on the green "Explode" button four times. This separates
project
> details (37 different control accounts) into separate graphical
elements.
> (Note: this prototype is a bit slow in refreshing.)
>
>
>
> Next, look for the exception threshold value (initially set to 0%)
which is
> next to the tree icon in the upper left corner.  (In this prototype, 0%
> simply means that no cost variances are shown.)   Change the exception
> threshold value to 10% (to update the graphics, click away from the 10%
> value, anywhere on the graphic).  This action adds belts of green
and pink
> to indicate under budget and over budget conditions, respectively.  The
> wider the green and pink belts, the greater the cost variance!
>
>
>
> In this example, none of the cost variances are greater than 10%.
To add
> even more color, change the exception threshold to 5% (and click
anywhere on
> the graphic). The dark green and dark red shades highlight the project
> elements that exceed the plus-or-minus 5% range.
>
>
>
> Finally, continue clicking the 'Advance 1 Month" button to see how the
> project status is updated monthly.
>
>
>
> Once you train your eyes to see these strange shapes and colors, I think
> you'll find that the graphic truly is worth a thousand words.
>
>
>
> /Garry
>
>
>
> P.s., I need to convert this application to a more friendly tutorial
format.
> If the description above is confusing, please review a short tutorial at
> http://www.projectfrontier.com/evmaps.html
>
>
>
> P.s. 2, This example also uses "WBS strings" instead of the
conventional WBS
> numbering system.
>
>
>
> P.s.3, 1  I'll share two more prototypes, without such a terribly long
> message!  Sorry.
>
>
>
> Garry L. Booker
> President/Manager
> 918-289-1619
> www.projectfrontier.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pmtr@yahoogroups.com [mailto:pmtr@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of Meade
> Rubenstein
> Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2006 12:03 PM
> To: pmtr@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [pmtr] Re: New position old tricks
>
>
>
> Can someone provide a graph, etc. that would make us say 'WOW now
> that's impressive'?
>
> -meade
>
> --- In pmtr@yahoogroups.com, Manoj K <kmanoj32@y...> wrote:
> >
> > Au contraire,
> >   colourful pictures make it easy to grasp information very easily!
> As an  executive, I would rather look at a few graphs that convey much
> much  more than the conventional tables. Sure, an extra column can
> show  relationships between other entities (example, percentage
> allocation of  resources, or market share), but graphs definitely give
> more visibility  in even such simple places as well as complex stuff.
> >   It is also imperative to use the correct type of graph/chart for
> the correct group of data.
> >   They don't say 'a picture is worth a thousand words' for
nothing. :-)
> >
> >
> >   Regards,
> >   Manoj
> >
> > Meade Rubenstein <meader_nj@y...> wrote:          Sorry for the
> confusion regarding my comment about tufte and not
> >   using graphs.  I'm all for graphs, etc. (nothing impresses me more
> >   then the Napolean's march graph - so much info easily read) - if
> >   they can be at a Tufte level of acceptability.  I think I meant to
> >   say that I stay away from graphs based on Tufte's examples of bad
> >   graphs - and the fact that excel (and most computer products) can
> >   mostly generate 'bad' graphs.  Bar/Pie/Line graphs, in my opinion,
> >   often confuse the information.  I'd rather present a high level
> >   summary table to communicate the message.
> >
> >
> >   --- In pmtr@yahoogroups.com, Duncan Carmichael <dcarmich@j...>
wrote:
> >   >
> >   > I haven't followed everything in this hread in detail but I can
> >   say that
> >   > Tufte's major contribution is in "The Visual Display of
> >   Quantitative
> >   > Information" (his book, as noted below) and his book is loaded
> >   with
> >   > creative visual graphics.
> >   >
> >   > Garry L. Booker wrote:
> >   >
> >   > > Meade,
> >   > >
> >   > > I have to disagree with you on one point. I don't believe Tufte
> >   > > (www.edwardtufte.com <http://www.edwardtufte.com/>) intends for
> >   his
> >   > > readers to stay away from graphics. On the contrary, his
> >   intentions
> >   > > are to design excellent graphics that show the data "with
> >   clarity,
> >   > > precision, and efficiency." (p. 13 of /The Visual Display of
> >   > > Quantitative Information/).
> >   > >
> >   > > Another quote: "At their best, graphics are instruments for
> >   reasoning
> >   > > about quantitative information." (p. 9)
> >   > >
> >   > > And another: "What is to be sought in designs for the
display of
> >   > > quantitative information is the clear portrayal of complexity.
> >   Not the
> >   > > complication of the simple; rather the designer is to give
> >   visual
> >   > > access to the subtle and the difficult - that is, the
revelation
> >   of
> >   > > the complex." (p. 191). * The discipline of Project Management
> >   > > desperately needs this!!*
> >   > >
> >   > > Yes, it is easy to distort and hide information, but that is
the
> >   fault
> >   > > of the information designer. It is easy to distort and hide
> >   > > information with columns of numbers too.
> >   > >
> >   > > Tufte's fourth book, /Beautiful Evidence/, will be coming out
> >   this
> >   > > Spring. It will have many examples of excellent graphics, and a
> >   few
> >   > > "ducks."
> >   > >
> >   > > /Garry
> >   > >
> >   > > *Garry L. Booker
> >   > > President/Manager**
> >   > > **918-289-1619
> >   > > www.projectfrontier.com <http://www.projectfrontier.com> *
> >   > >
> >   > > -----Original Message-----
> >   > > *From:* pmtr@yahoogroups.com [mailto:pmtr@yahoogroups.com] *On
> >   Behalf
> >   > > Of *Meade Rubenstein
> >   > > *Sent:* Thursday, January 12, 2006 8:01 AM
> >   > > *To:* pmtr@yahoogroups.com
> >   > > *Subject:* [pmtr] Re: New position old tricks
> >   > >
> >   > > I've used open office and it's pretty impressive, my only
> >   concern is
> >   > > the need to make multiple copies (open office native and then
> >   excel)
> >   > > to be able to share with all - MS still dominates to much to be
> >   able
> >   > > to share documents from open office easily.
> >   > >
> >   > > I stay away from graphs, etc. - I tend to focus on numbers and
> >   > > summary sheets. graphs distort to easily (something I learned
> >   from
> >   > > tufte).
> >   > >
> >   > > -meade
> >   > >
> >   > > --- In pmtr@yahoogroups.com, Vic Williams <vic@s...> wrote:
> >   > >>
> >   > >> I think a google will do better than this write-up.
> >   > >> 'Compilers' work in some ways.
> >   > >>
> >   > >> One might 'convert' to java and its compiler. A java person
> >   > >> can then change/add-in bits as needed. I've also worked with
> >   > >> c and basic tools. Most such use libraries of functions
matching
> >   > >> the excel function list.
> >   > >>
> >   > >> Others just bundle into an .exe that replicates the
application.
> >   > >>
> >   > >> Few or none replicate all the functions in excel. Partially
> >   because
> >   > >> few people use all the features, partially the difference
> >   between
> >   > >> an interpreter and a compiled version. "your mileage will vary"
> >   > >>
> >   > >> There is sort of an ongoing race to add functions to the
> >   libraries
> >   > > that
> >   > >> match microsoft's changes. Complicated by excel users using
> >   side-
> >   > > effects
> >   > >> and less/undocumented features that are hard to duplicate
> >   > >> in the libraries.
> >   > >>
> >   > >> It's also possible for the compiler to use native excel
> >   functions,
> >   > >> thus using excel's own charts and graphics. This assumes excel
> >   > >> is available on the computer. I don't know who might be doing
> >   this
> >   > > now.
> >   > >>
> >   > >> The open office suite of tools is very excel compatible now.
> >   > >> With source code available and independently supported.
> >   > >> This means a compiler vendor could provide excel's charts
> >   > >> and graphics by using open office materials, but I don't know
> >   > >> if anybody is doing so.
> >   > >>
> >   > >> - - -
> >   > >>
> >   > >> Another option is to maintain a source code control system for
> >   > >> the excel application and when it goes a bit wonky,
> >   replace/renew
> >   > >> the application from the control system 'database'. The trouble
> >   > >> with this is that such applications may give missleading
> >   > >> information for some time before being caught.
> >   > >>
> >   > >>
> >   > >>
> >   > >> Garry L. Booker wrote:
> >   > >> > Can you elaborate on Excel compilers? Can you recommend any?
> >   > >> >
> >   > >> > I think a tough part may be importing Excel's charts and
> >   > > graphics.
> >   > >> >
> >   > >> (vic)
> >   > >> >> How about using an excel 'compiler' to compile the prototype
> >   > >> >> into a locked format?
> >   > >> >
> >   > >>
> >   > >> --
> >   > >> Vic Williams -- Empowering personal & group ecology. - 604-433-
> >   5189
> >   > >> www.spiralwild.com www.strategicprocess.com
> >   > >> "Mythology is very fluid. Most of the myths are self-
> >   > > contradictory. You
> >   > >> may even find four or five myths in a given culture, all giving
> >   > >> different versions of the same mystery. Then theology comes
> >   along
> >   > >> and says it has got to be just this way." -- Joseph Campbell
> >   > >> in "The Power of Myth"
> >   > >>
> >   > >
> >   > >
> >   > >
> >   > >
> >   > >
> >   > >
> >   > >
> >   > > SPONSORED LINKS
> >   > > Software development
> >   > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
> >
t=ms&k=Software+development&w1=Software+development&w2=Project+manage
> >
ment+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=Custom+s
> >
oftware+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.sig=o
> >   wjGbi8VnOtPJK22AhXl4g>
> >   > >       Project management tool
> >   > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
> >
t=ms&k=Project+management+tool&w1=Software+development&w2=Project+man
> >
agement+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=Custo
> >
m+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.si
> >   g=e3kqSfIXezDXkCkgMq3RWw>
> >   > >       Job postings
> >   > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
> >
t=ms&k=Job+postings&w1=Software+development&w2=Project+management+too
> >
l&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=Custom+software+
> >   development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.sig=3Asxe-
> >   YdmkdvFNvXJWcsMQ>
> >   > >
> >   > > Computer monitoring software
> >   > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
> >
t=ms&k=Computer+monitoring+software&w1=Software+development&w2=Projec
> >
t+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=
> >
Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=17
> >   5&.sig=a98dWiRzIll5UpomUSDRfg>
> >   > >       Custom software development
> >   > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
> >
t=ms&k=Custom+software+development&w1=Software+development&w2=Project
> >
+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=C
> >
ustom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175
> >   &.sig=HiTUgxnr40E_ToIV84beyw>
> >   > >       Offshore software development
> >   > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
> >
t=ms&k=Offshore+software+development&w1=Software+development&w2=Proje
> >
ct+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5
> >
=Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=1
> >   75&.sig=5rNAuV6o7W3QgNiVxHHUDA>
> >   > >
> >   > >
> >   > >
> >   > >
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Can someone provide a graph, etc. that would make us say 'WOW now
that's impressive'?

-meade

--- In pmtr@yahoogroups.com, Manoj K <kmanoj32@y...> wrote:
>
> Au contraire,
>   colourful pictures make it easy to grasp information very easily!
As an  executive, I would rather look at a few graphs that convey much
much  more than the conventional tables. Sure, an extra column can
show  relationships between other entities (example, percentage
allocation of  resources, or market share), but graphs definitely give
more visibility  in even such simple places as well as complex stuff.
>   It is also imperative to use the correct type of graph/chart for
the correct group of data.
>   They don't say 'a picture is worth a thousand words' for nothing. :-)
>
>
>   Regards,
>   Manoj
>
> Meade Rubenstein <meader_nj@y...> wrote:          Sorry for the
confusion regarding my comment about tufte and not
>   using graphs.  I'm all for graphs, etc. (nothing impresses me more
>   then the Napolean's march graph - so much info easily read) - if
>   they can be at a Tufte level of acceptability.  I think I meant to
>   say that I stay away from graphs based on Tufte's examples of bad
>   graphs - and the fact that excel (and most computer products) can
>   mostly generate 'bad' graphs.  Bar/Pie/Line graphs, in my opinion,
>   often confuse the information.  I'd rather present a high level
>   summary table to communicate the message.
>
>
>   --- In pmtr@yahoogroups.com, Duncan Carmichael <dcarmich@j...> wrote:
>   >
>   > I haven't followed everything in this hread in detail but I can
>   say that
>   > Tufte's major contribution is in "The Visual Display of
>   Quantitative
>   > Information" (his book, as noted below) and his book is loaded
>   with
>   > creative visual graphics.
>   >
>   > Garry L. Booker wrote:
>   >
>   > > Meade,
>   > >
>   > > I have to disagree with you on one point. I don't believe Tufte
>   > > (www.edwardtufte.com <http://www.edwardtufte.com/>) intends for
>   his
>   > > readers to stay away from graphics. On the contrary, his
>   intentions
>   > > are to design excellent graphics that show the data "with
>   clarity,
>   > > precision, and efficiency." (p. 13 of /The Visual Display of
>   > > Quantitative Information/).
>   > >
>   > > Another quote: "At their best, graphics are instruments for
>   reasoning
>   > > about quantitative information." (p. 9)
>   > >
>   > > And another: "What is to be sought in designs for the display of
>   > > quantitative information is the clear portrayal of complexity.
>   Not the
>   > > complication of the simple; rather the designer is to give
>   visual
>   > > access to the subtle and the difficult – that is, the revelation
>   of
>   > > the complex." (p. 191). * The discipline of Project Management
>   > > desperately needs this!!*
>   > >
>   > > Yes, it is easy to distort and hide information, but that is the
>   fault
>   > > of the information designer. It is easy to distort and hide
>   > > information with columns of numbers too.
>   > >
>   > > Tufte's fourth book, /Beautiful Evidence/, will be coming out
>   this
>   > > Spring. It will have many examples of excellent graphics, and a
>   few
>   > > "ducks."
>   > >
>   > > /Garry
>   > >
>   > > *Garry L. Booker
>   > > President/Manager**
>   > > **918-289-1619
>   > > www.projectfrontier.com <http://www.projectfrontier.com> *
>   > >
>   > > -----Original Message-----
>   > > *From:* pmtr@yahoogroups.com [mailto:pmtr@yahoogroups.com] *On
>   Behalf
>   > > Of *Meade Rubenstein
>   > > *Sent:* Thursday, January 12, 2006 8:01 AM
>   > > *To:* pmtr@yahoogroups.com
>   > > *Subject:* [pmtr] Re: New position old tricks
>   > >
>   > > I've used open office and it's pretty impressive, my only
>   concern is
>   > > the need to make multiple copies (open office native and then
>   excel)
>   > > to be able to share with all - MS still dominates to much to be
>   able
>   > > to share documents from open office easily.
>   > >
>   > > I stay away from graphs, etc. - I tend to focus on numbers and
>   > > summary sheets. graphs distort to easily (something I learned
>   from
>   > > tufte).
>   > >
>   > > -meade
>   > >
>   > > --- In pmtr@yahoogroups.com, Vic Williams <vic@s...> wrote:
>   > >>
>   > >> I think a google will do better than this write-up.
>   > >> 'Compilers' work in some ways.
>   > >>
>   > >> One might 'convert' to java and its compiler. A java person
>   > >> can then change/add-in bits as needed. I've also worked with
>   > >> c and basic tools. Most such use libraries of functions matching
>   > >> the excel function list.
>   > >>
>   > >> Others just bundle into an .exe that replicates the application.
>   > >>
>   > >> Few or none replicate all the functions in excel. Partially
>   because
>   > >> few people use all the features, partially the difference
>   between
>   > >> an interpreter and a compiled version. "your mileage will vary"
>   > >>
>   > >> There is sort of an ongoing race to add functions to the
>   libraries
>   > > that
>   > >> match microsoft's changes. Complicated by excel users using
>   side-
>   > > effects
>   > >> and less/undocumented features that are hard to duplicate
>   > >> in the libraries.
>   > >>
>   > >> It's also possible for the compiler to use native excel
>   functions,
>   > >> thus using excel's own charts and graphics. This assumes excel
>   > >> is available on the computer. I don't know who might be doing
>   this
>   > > now.
>   > >>
>   > >> The open office suite of tools is very excel compatible now.
>   > >> With source code available and independently supported.
>   > >> This means a compiler vendor could provide excel's charts
>   > >> and graphics by using open office materials, but I don't know
>   > >> if anybody is doing so.
>   > >>
>   > >> - - -
>   > >>
>   > >> Another option is to maintain a source code control system for
>   > >> the excel application and when it goes a bit wonky,
>   replace/renew
>   > >> the application from the control system 'database'. The trouble
>   > >> with this is that such applications may give missleading
>   > >> information for some time before being caught.
>   > >>
>   > >>
>   > >>
>   > >> Garry L. Booker wrote:
>   > >> > Can you elaborate on Excel compilers? Can you recommend any?
>   > >> >
>   > >> > I think a tough part may be importing Excel's charts and
>   > > graphics.
>   > >> >
>   > >> (vic)
>   > >> >> How about using an excel 'compiler' to compile the prototype
>   > >> >> into a locked format?
>   > >> >
>   > >>
>   > >> --
>   > >> Vic Williams -- Empowering personal & group ecology. - 604-433-
>   5189
>   > >> www.spiralwild.com www.strategicprocess.com
>   > >> "Mythology is very fluid. Most of the myths are self-
>   > > contradictory. You
>   > >> may even find four or five myths in a given culture, all giving
>   > >> different versions of the same mystery. Then theology comes
>   along
>   > >> and says it has got to be just this way." -- Joseph Campbell
>   > >> in "The Power of Myth"
>   > >>
>   > >
>   > >
>   > >
>   > >
>   > >
>   > >
>   > >
>   > > SPONSORED LINKS
>   > > Software development
>   > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
>   t=ms&k=Software+development&w1=Software+development&w2=Project+manage
>   ment+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=Custom+s
>   oftware+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.sig=o
>   wjGbi8VnOtPJK22AhXl4g>
>   > >       Project management tool
>   > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
>   t=ms&k=Project+management+tool&w1=Software+development&w2=Project+man
>   agement+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=Custo
>   m+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.si
>   g=e3kqSfIXezDXkCkgMq3RWw>
>   > >       Job postings
>   > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
>   t=ms&k=Job+postings&w1=Software+development&w2=Project+management+too
>   l&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=Custom+software+
>   development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.sig=3Asxe-
>   YdmkdvFNvXJWcsMQ>
>   > >
>   > > Computer monitoring software
>   > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
>   t=ms&k=Computer+monitoring+software&w1=Software+development&w2=Projec
>   t+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=
>   Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=17
>   5&.sig=a98dWiRzIll5UpomUSDRfg>
>   > >       Custom software development
>   > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
>   t=ms&k=Custom+software+development&w1=Software+development&w2=Project
>   +management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=C
>   ustom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175
>   &.sig=HiTUgxnr40E_ToIV84beyw>
>   > >       Offshore software development
>   > > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
>   t=ms&k=Offshore+software+development&w1=Software+development&w2=Proje
>   ct+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5
>   =Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=1
>   75&.sig=5rNAuV6o7W3QgNiVxHHUDA>
>   > >
>   > >
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In many cases a tool is put into place by the PM or Tech group and
only they use it - the users (internal/external) either refuse,
incorrectly use, etc. the tool.  Where you may have some
direct/indirect ability to apply pressure - in many cases you don't.
How many people have this issue?

A good example is the use of a 'bug' tracker to enter enhancements,
questions, etc.

How can any tool better address this?

-meade

Sorry for the confusion regarding my comment about tufte and not
using graphs.  I'm all for graphs, etc. (nothing impresses me more
then the Napolean's march graph - so much info easily read) - if
they can be at a Tufte level of acceptability.  I think I meant to
say that I stay away from graphs based on Tufte's examples of bad
graphs - and the fact that excel (and most computer products) can
mostly generate 'bad' graphs.  Bar/Pie/Line graphs, in my opinion,
often confuse the information.  I'd rather present a high level
summary table to communicate the message.


--- In pmtr@yahoogroups.com, Duncan Carmichael <dcarmich@j...> wrote:
>
> I haven't followed everything in this hread in detail but I can
say that
> Tufte's major contribution is in "The Visual Display of
Quantitative
> Information" (his book, as noted below) and his book is loaded
with
> creative visual graphics.
>
> Garry L. Booker wrote:
>
> > Meade,
> >
> > I have to disagree with you on one point. I don't believe Tufte
> > (www.edwardtufte.com <http://www.edwardtufte.com/>) intends for
his
> > readers to stay away from graphics. On the contrary, his
intentions
> > are to design excellent graphics that show the data "with
clarity,
> > precision, and efficiency." (p. 13 of /The Visual Display of
> > Quantitative Information/).
> >
> > Another quote: "At their best, graphics are instruments for
reasoning
> > about quantitative information." (p. 9)
> >
> > And another: "What is to be sought in designs for the display of
> > quantitative information is the clear portrayal of complexity.
Not the
> > complication of the simple; rather the designer is to give
visual
> > access to the subtle and the difficult – that is, the revelation
of
> > the complex." (p. 191). * The discipline of Project Management
> > desperately needs this!!*
> >
> > Yes, it is easy to distort and hide information, but that is the
fault
> > of the information designer. It is easy to distort and hide
> > information with columns of numbers too.
> >
> > Tufte's fourth book, /Beautiful Evidence/, will be coming out
this
> > Spring. It will have many examples of excellent graphics, and a
few
> > "ducks."
> >
> > /Garry
> >
> > *Garry L. Booker
> > President/Manager**
> > **918-289-1619
> > www.projectfrontier.com <http://www.projectfrontier.com> *
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > *From:* pmtr@yahoogroups.com [mailto:pmtr@yahoogroups.com] *On
Behalf
> > Of *Meade Rubenstein
> > *Sent:* Thursday, January 12, 2006 8:01 AM
> > *To:* pmtr@yahoogroups.com
> > *Subject:* [pmtr] Re: New position old tricks
> >
> > I've used open office and it's pretty impressive, my only
concern is
> > the need to make multiple copies (open office native and then
excel)
> > to be able to share with all - MS still dominates to much to be
able
> > to share documents from open office easily.
> >
> > I stay away from graphs, etc. - I tend to focus on numbers and
> > summary sheets. graphs distort to easily (something I learned
from
> > tufte).
> >
> > -meade
> >
> > --- In pmtr@yahoogroups.com, Vic Williams <vic@s...> wrote:
> >>
> >> I think a google will do better than this write-up.
> >> 'Compilers' work in some ways.
> >>
> >> One might 'convert' to java and its compiler. A java person
> >> can then change/add-in bits as needed. I've also worked with
> >> c and basic tools. Most such use libraries of functions matching
> >> the excel function list.
> >>
> >> Others just bundle into an .exe that replicates the application.
> >>
> >> Few or none replicate all the functions in excel. Partially
because
> >> few people use all the features, partially the difference
between
> >> an interpreter and a compiled version. "your mileage will vary"
> >>
> >> There is sort of an ongoing race to add functions to the
libraries
> > that
> >> match microsoft's changes. Complicated by excel users using
side-
> > effects
> >> and less/undocumented features that are hard to duplicate
> >> in the libraries.
> >>
> >> It's also possible for the compiler to use native excel
functions,
> >> thus using excel's own charts and graphics. This assumes excel
> >> is available on the computer. I don't know who might be doing
this
> > now.
> >>
> >> The open office suite of tools is very excel compatible now.
> >> With source code available and independently supported.
> >> This means a compiler vendor could provide excel's charts
> >> and graphics by using open office materials, but I don't know
> >> if anybody is doing so.
> >>
> >> - - -
> >>
> >> Another option is to maintain a source code control system for
> >> the excel application and when it goes a bit wonky,
replace/renew
> >> the application from the control system 'database'. The trouble
> >> with this is that such applications may give missleading
> >> information for some time before being caught.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Garry L. Booker wrote:
> >> > Can you elaborate on Excel compilers? Can you recommend any?
> >> >
> >> > I think a tough part may be importing Excel's charts and
> > graphics.
> >> >
> >> (vic)
> >> >> How about using an excel 'compiler' to compile the prototype
> >> >> into a locked format?
> >> >
> >>
> >> --
> >> Vic Williams -- Empowering personal & group ecology. - 604-433-
5189
> >> www.spiralwild.com www.strategicprocess.com
> >> "Mythology is very fluid. Most of the myths are self-
> > contradictory. You
> >> may even find four or five myths in a given culture, all giving
> >> different versions of the same mystery. Then theology comes
along
> >> and says it has got to be just this way." -- Joseph Campbell
> >> in "The Power of Myth"
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > SPONSORED LINKS
> > Software development
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Software+development&w1=Software+development&w2=Project+manage
ment+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=Custom+s
oftware+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.sig=o
wjGbi8VnOtPJK22AhXl4g>
> >  Project management tool
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Project+management+tool&w1=Software+development&w2=Project+man
agement+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=Custo
m+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.si
g=e3kqSfIXezDXkCkgMq3RWw>
> >  Job postings
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Job+postings&w1=Software+development&w2=Project+management+too
l&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=Custom+software+
development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.sig=3Asxe-
YdmkdvFNvXJWcsMQ>
> >
> > Computer monitoring software
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Computer+monitoring+software&w1=Software+development&w2=Projec
t+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=
Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=17
5&.sig=a98dWiRzIll5UpomUSDRfg>
> >  Custom software development
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Custom+software+development&w1=Software+development&w2=Project
+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=C
ustom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175
&.sig=HiTUgxnr40E_ToIV84beyw>
> >  Offshore software development
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Offshore+software+development&w1=Software+development&w2=Proje
ct+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5
=Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=1
75&.sig=5rNAuV6o7W3QgNiVxHHUDA>
> >
> >
> >
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------
-------
> > YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> >
> >     * Visit your group "pmtr
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pmtr>" on
> >       the web.
> >     * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> >       pmtr-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >       <mailto:pmtr-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?
subject=Unsubscribe>
> >     * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> >       Service <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>.
> >
> >
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------
-------
> >
>

To elaborate a little on my other post, one can very quickly write code
in an Excel workbook/worksheet that will select and access information
from a database, manipulate and display it, allow updates, store it.
This functionality can be password protected so the application can be a
turnkey suitable for distribution.



Vic Williams wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Meade Rubenstein wrote:
> > I've used open office and it's pretty impressive, my only concern is
> > the need to make multiple copies (open office native and then excel)
> > to be able to share with all - MS still dominates to much to be able
> > to share documents from open office easily.
>
> Open office (OO) can save in native MS formats, and that can
> be its default.
>
> I was really writing that the various parts of the basic OO engine
> are freely available for packaging for 'excel compilers'.
> >
> > I stay away from graphs, etc. - I tend to focus on numbers and
> > summary sheets.  graphs distort to easily
>
> Numbers do too, but we can't see the distortions as readily.
> (...lies and statistics quote)
>
> .jpg and such formats are fairly locked.
> >
> >>The open office suite of tools is very excel compatible now.
> >>With source code available and independently supported.
> >>This means a compiler vendor could provide excel's charts
> >>and graphics by using open office materials, but I don't know
> >>if anybody is doing so.
> >>
>
> I prefer the full meal. We can serve statistics, a menu, or
> the real thing. With normal excel the whole group becomes
> cooks. However, several chefs at a time may make things better,
> and if too active individually, may gradually drive things awry.
> When the wonky results are hidden inside a previously shown
> to be reliable spreadsheet they can propagate unseen.
>
> It's a 20 year old database versus spreadsheet story. If the
> data is in an independent database then individual spreadsheets
> can diverge without driving other users batty. Report tools can
> be used in addition or instead. And sharing is normal for databases.
> There are some very nice tiny, even web enabled, databases now.
>
> bye,
> vic
>
> --
> Vic Williams -- Empowering personal & group ecology. - 604-433-5189
> www.spiralwild.com    www.strategicprocess.com
> If a sufficient number of people who wanted to stop war really did
> gather together, they would first of all begin by making war upon those
> who disagreed with them.  And it is still more certain that they would
> make war on people who also want to stop wars but in another way.
>   --Gurdjieff
>
>
> SPONSORED LINKS
> Software development
>
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Software+development&w1=Software+developmen\
t&w2=Project+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=\
Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.sig=owjG\
bi8VnOtPJK22AhXl4g>
>  Project management tool
>
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Project+management+tool&w1=Software+develop\
ment&w2=Project+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&\
w5=Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.sig=e\
3kqSfIXezDXkCkgMq3RWw>
>  Job postings
>
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Job+postings&w1=Software+development&w2=Pro\
ject+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=Custom+s\
oftware+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.sig=3Asxe-Ydmkdv\
FNvXJWcsMQ>
>
> Computer monitoring software
>
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Computer+monitoring+software&w1=Software+de\
velopment&w2=Project+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+soft\
ware&w5=Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.\
sig=a98dWiRzIll5UpomUSDRfg>
>  Custom software development
>
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Custom+software+development&w1=Software+dev\
elopment&w2=Project+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+softw\
are&w5=Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.s\
ig=HiTUgxnr40E_ToIV84beyw>
>  Offshore software development
>
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Offshore+software+development&w1=Software+d\
evelopment&w2=Project+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+sof\
tware&w5=Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&\
.sig=5rNAuV6o7W3QgNiVxHHUDA>
>
>
>
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>
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>       the web.
>
>     *  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>        pmtr-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>       <mailto:pmtr-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe>
>
>     *  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
>       Service <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>.
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>

I haven't followed everything in this hread in detail but I can say that
Tufte's major contribution is in "The Visual Display of Quantitative
Information" (his book, as noted below) and his book is loaded with
creative visual graphics.

Garry L. Booker wrote:

> Meade,
>
> I have to disagree with you on one point. I don’t believe Tufte
> (www.edwardtufte.com <http://www.edwardtufte.com/>) intends for his
> readers to stay away from graphics. On the contrary, his intentions
> are to design excellent graphics that show the data “with clarity,
> precision, and efficiency.” (p. 13 of /The Visual Display of
> Quantitative Information/).
>
> Another quote: “At their best, graphics are instruments for reasoning
> about quantitative information.” (p. 9)
>
> And another: “What is to be sought in designs for the display of
> quantitative information is the clear portrayal of complexity. Not the
> complication of the simple; rather the designer is to give visual
> access to the subtle and the difficult – that is, the revelation of
> the complex.” (p. 191). * The discipline of Project Management
> desperately needs this!!*
>
> Yes, it is easy to distort and hide information, but that is the fault
> of the information designer. It is easy to distort and hide
> information with columns of numbers too.
>
> Tufte’s fourth book, /Beautiful Evidence/, will be coming out this
> Spring. It will have many examples of excellent graphics, and a few
> “ducks.”
>
> /Garry
>
> *Garry L. Booker
> President/Manager**
> **918-289-1619
> www.projectfrontier.com <http://www.projectfrontier.com> *
>
> -----Original Message-----
> *From:* pmtr@yahoogroups.com [mailto:pmtr@yahoogroups.com] *On Behalf
> Of *Meade Rubenstein
> *Sent:* Thursday, January 12, 2006 8:01 AM
> *To:* pmtr@yahoogroups.com
> *Subject:* [pmtr] Re: New position old tricks
>
> I've used open office and it's pretty impressive, my only concern is
> the need to make multiple copies (open office native and then excel)
> to be able to share with all - MS still dominates to much to be able
> to share documents from open office easily.
>
> I stay away from graphs, etc. - I tend to focus on numbers and
> summary sheets. graphs distort to easily (something I learned from
> tufte).
>
> -meade
>
> --- In pmtr@yahoogroups.com, Vic Williams <vic@s...> wrote:
>>
>> I think a google will do better than this write-up.
>> 'Compilers' work in some ways.
>>
>> One might 'convert' to java and its compiler. A java person
>> can then change/add-in bits as needed. I've also worked with
>> c and basic tools. Most such use libraries of functions matching
>> the excel function list.
>>
>> Others just bundle into an .exe that replicates the application.
>>
>> Few or none replicate all the functions in excel. Partially because
>> few people use all the features, partially the difference between
>> an interpreter and a compiled version. "your mileage will vary"
>>
>> There is sort of an ongoing race to add functions to the libraries
> that
>> match microsoft's changes. Complicated by excel users using side-
> effects
>> and less/undocumented features that are hard to duplicate
>> in the libraries.
>>
>> It's also possible for the compiler to use native excel functions,
>> thus using excel's own charts and graphics. This assumes excel
>> is available on the computer. I don't know who might be doing this
> now.
>>
>> The open office suite of tools is very excel compatible now.
>> With source code available and independently supported.
>> This means a compiler vendor could provide excel's charts
>> and graphics by using open office materials, but I don't know
>> if anybody is doing so.
>>
>> - - -
>>
>> Another option is to maintain a source code control system for
>> the excel application and when it goes a bit wonky, replace/renew
>> the application from the control system 'database'. The trouble
>> with this is that such applications may give missleading
>> information for some time before being caught.
>>
>>
>>
>> Garry L. Booker wrote:
>> > Can you elaborate on Excel compilers? Can you recommend any?
>> >
>> > I think a tough part may be importing Excel's charts and
> graphics.
>> >
>> (vic)
>> >> How about using an excel 'compiler' to compile the prototype
>> >> into a locked format?
>> >
>>
>> --
>> Vic Williams -- Empowering personal & group ecology. - 604-433-5189
>> www.spiralwild.com www.strategicprocess.com
>> "Mythology is very fluid. Most of the myths are self-
> contradictory. You
>> may even find four or five myths in a given culture, all giving
>> different versions of the same mystery. Then theology comes along
>> and says it has got to be just this way." -- Joseph Campbell
>> in "The Power of Myth"
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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If you want to do some programming here are some thoughts:

Excel can be considered as a front end to the Microsoft world in that
its object model allows one to execute user-written code and access
other Microsoft applications. VBA code runs within Excel worksheets and
workbooks underneath the user interface. So, if you can program your
desired functionality, you can use Excel and all its functionality to
get started with an application...and as others point, it's a good
platform for prototyping as well.



Meade Rubenstein wrote:

> In a new position and back to using Excel to manage client lists,
> tasks, risks, etc.  The
> more I use Excel the more I appreciate it's flexability.  The downside
> of course is it's
> multiuser capabilities and the ease of programming (I read a book and
> introduced
> some scripts, etc.....but...).
>
> It seems that there's a large enough group using Excel that may make
> it the tool of
> choice - if some common issues were addressed - such as:
> 1. multi user updates
> 2. web interaction (besides simple displaying)
> 3. historic change tracking
> 4. common functions such as e-mail notification, incorporation of base
> activex
> components such as menu's, inner sheet scrolling, etc.
>
> Is excel the direction to look in - or is there another generic enough
> tool that could
> perform the same functions, have the same ease of use, etc.
>
> Just some ramblings
>
>
>
>
>
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Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.sig=owjG\
bi8VnOtPJK22AhXl4g>
>  Project management tool
>
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Project+management+tool&w1=Software+develop\
ment&w2=Project+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&\
w5=Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.sig=e\
3kqSfIXezDXkCkgMq3RWw>
>  Job postings
>
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Job+postings&w1=Software+development&w2=Pro\
ject+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+software&w5=Custom+s\
oftware+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.sig=3Asxe-Ydmkdv\
FNvXJWcsMQ>
>
> Computer monitoring software
>
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velopment&w2=Project+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+soft\
ware&w5=Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&.\
sig=a98dWiRzIll5UpomUSDRfg>
>  Custom software development
>
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Custom+software+development&w1=Software+dev\
elopment&w2=Project+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+softw\
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ig=HiTUgxnr40E_ToIV84beyw>
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>
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evelopment&w2=Project+management+tool&w3=Job+postings&w4=Computer+monitoring+sof\
tware&w5=Custom+software+development&w6=Offshore+software+development&c=6&s=175&\
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Hi,

Meade Rubenstein wrote:
> I've used open office and it's pretty impressive, my only concern is
> the need to make multiple copies (open office native and then excel)
> to be able to share with all - MS still dominates to much to be able
> to share documents from open office easily.

Open office (OO) can save in native MS formats, and that can
be its default.

I was really writing that the various parts of the basic OO engine
are freely available for packaging for 'excel compilers'.
>
> I stay away from graphs, etc. - I tend to focus on numbers and
> summary sheets.  graphs distort to easily

Numbers do too, but we can't see the distortions as readily.
(...lies and statistics quote)

.jpg and such formats are fairly locked.
>
>>The open office suite of tools is very excel compatible now.
>>With source code available and independently supported.
>>This means a compiler vendor could provide excel's charts
>>and graphics by using open office materials, but I don't know
>>if anybody is doing so.
>>

I prefer the full meal. We can serve statistics, a menu, or
the real thing. With normal excel the whole group becomes
cooks. However, several chefs at a time may make things better,
and if too active individually, may gradually drive things awry.
When the wonky results are hidden inside a previously shown
to be reliable spreadsheet they can propagate unseen.

It's a 20 year old database versus spreadsheet story. If the
data is in an independent database then individual spreadsheets
can diverge without driving other users batty. Report tools can
be used in addition or instead. And sharing is normal for databases.
There are some very nice tiny, even web enabled, databases now.

bye,
vic

--
Vic Williams -- Empowering personal & group ecology. - 604-433-5189
www.spiralwild.com    www.strategicprocess.com
If a sufficient number of people who wanted to stop war really did
gather together, they would first of all begin by making war upon those
who disagreed with them.  And it is still more certain that they would
make war on people who also want to stop wars but in another way.
   --Gurdjieff

I've used open office and it's pretty impressive, my only concern is
the need to make multiple copies (open office native and then excel)
to be able to share with all - MS still dominates to much to be able
to share documents from open office easily.

I stay away from graphs, etc. - I tend to focus on numbers and
summary sheets.  graphs distort to easily (something I learned from
tufte).

-meade

--- In pmtr@yahoogroups.com, Vic Williams <vic@s...> wrote:
>
> I think a google will do better than this write-up.
> 'Compilers' work in some ways.
>
> One might 'convert' to java and its compiler. A java person
> can then change/add-in bits as needed. I've also worked with
> c and basic tools. Most such use libraries of functions matching
> the excel function list.
>
> Others just bundle into an .exe that replicates the application.
>
> Few or none replicate all the functions in excel. Partially because
> few people use all the features, partially the difference between
> an interpreter and a compiled version. "your mileage will vary"
>
> There is sort of an ongoing race to add functions to the libraries
that
> match microsoft's changes. Complicated by excel users using side-
effects
> and less/undocumented features that are hard to duplicate
> in the libraries.
>
> It's also possible for the compiler to use native excel functions,
> thus using excel's own charts and graphics. This assumes excel
> is available on the computer. I don't know who might be doing this
now.
>
> The open office suite of tools is very excel compatible now.
> With source code available and independently supported.
> This means a compiler vendor could provide excel's charts
> and graphics by using open office materials, but I don't know
> if anybody is doing so.
>
> - - -
>
> Another option is to maintain a source code control system for
> the excel application and when it goes a bit wonky, replace/renew
> the application from the control system 'database'. The trouble
> with this is that such applications may give missleading
> information for some time before being caught.
>
>
>
> Garry L. Booker wrote:
> > Can you elaborate on Excel compilers?  Can you recommend any?
> >
> > I think a tough part may be importing Excel's charts and
graphics.
> >
> (vic)
> >> How about using an excel 'compiler' to compile the prototype
> >> into a locked format?
> >
>
> --
> Vic Williams -- Empowering personal & group ecology. - 604-433-5189
> www.spiralwild.com    www.strategicprocess.com
> "Mythology is very fluid. Most of the myths are self-
contradictory. You
> may even find four or five myths in a given culture, all giving
> different versions of the same mystery. Then theology comes along
> and says it has got to be just this way." -- Joseph Campbell
> in "The Power of Myth"
>

I think a google will do better than this write-up.
'Compilers' work in some ways.

One might 'convert' to java and its compiler. A java person
can then change/add-in bits as needed. I've also worked with
c and basic tools. Most such use libraries of functions matching
the excel function list.

Others just bundle into an .exe that replicates the application.

Few or none replicate all the functions in excel. Partially because
few people use all the features, partially the difference between
an interpreter and a compiled version. "your mileage will vary"

There is sort of an ongoing race to add functions to the libraries that
match microsoft's changes. Complicated by excel users using side-effects
and less/undocumented features that are hard to duplicate
in the libraries.

It's also possible for the compiler to use native excel functions,
thus using excel's own charts and graphics. This assumes excel
is available on the computer. I don't know who might be doing this now.

The open office suite of tools is very excel compatible now.
With source code available and independently supported.
This means a compiler vendor could provide excel's charts
and graphics by using open office materials, but I don't know
if anybody is doing so.

- - -

Another option is to maintain a source code control system for
the excel application and when it goes a bit wonky, replace/renew
the application from the control system 'database'. The trouble
with this is that such applications may give missleading
information for some time before being caught.



Garry L. Booker wrote:
> Can you elaborate on Excel compilers?  Can you recommend any?
>
> I think a tough part may be importing Excel’s charts and graphics.
>
(vic)
>> How about using an excel 'compiler' to compile the prototype
>> into a locked format?
>

--
Vic Williams -- Empowering personal & group ecology. - 604-433-5189
www.spiralwild.com    www.strategicprocess.com
"Mythology is very fluid. Most of the myths are self-contradictory. You
may even find four or five myths in a given culture, all giving
different versions of the same mystery. Then theology comes along
and says it has got to be just this way." -- Joseph Campbell
in "The Power of Myth"

Hi,

How about using an excel 'compiler' to compile the prototype
into a locked format?

Garry L. Booker wrote:

> Bottom line is that Excel is definitely the tool of choice for
> developing rapid prototypes.  But if the prototype is successful,
> quickly migrate it to a web-based database or other some other stable
> application for the long haul.

--
Vic Williams -- Empowering personal & group ecology. - 604-433-5189
www.spiralwild.com    www.strategicprocess.com
"Mythology is very fluid. Most of the myths are self-contradictory. You
may even find four or five myths in a given culture, all giving different
versions of the same mystery. Then theology comes along and says it has got
to be just this way." -- Joseph Campbell in "The Power of Myth"

In a new position and back to using Excel to manage client lists, tasks, risks,
etc.  The
more I use Excel the more I appreciate it's flexability.  The downside of course
is it's
multiuser capabilities and the ease of programming (I read a book and introduced
some scripts, etc.....but...).

It seems that there's a large enough group using Excel that may make it the tool
of
choice - if some common issues were addressed - such as:
1. multi user updates
2. web interaction (besides simple displaying)
3. historic change tracking
4. common functions such as e-mail notification, incorporation of base activex
components such as menu's, inner sheet scrolling, etc.

Is excel the direction to look in - or is there another generic enough tool that
could
perform the same functions, have the same ease of use, etc.

Just some ramblings

Just started a new position - the company is using an internally built
tool (why people do this I don't know) and are having issues with it
mainly due to the problem of not being able to put
in 'private'/internal messages as opposed to client facing ones.  This
tool also is only for bugs - and other work (enhancements, etc.) are
kept in many spreadsheets/notes/memory.  Has anyone else experienced
this - and what was the approach to adderssing it?  What tool, etc.

-meade