File sharing, locking, etc... between multiple users...

[Rob Cozens]

David, Jonathan, et al:

>  this is for low volume stuff but it is "perfectly" effective in 
> preventing conflicts arising from race conditions while the random 
> components avoid continuous synchronised failure.

FWIW, I have seen this (as FlexWare does it) running on multi-user 
super-micro computers supporting up to 15 workstations, and networks of 
30 or more PCs.  [I've also seen client/server networks of equal size 
and activity level perform noticeably faster.]

Still, when I was running the super-micro for Omega Performance Corp. 
(1984-86), a consultant who was a close friend of the Chairman of the 
Board contended that  all input editing should be done off-line because 
no hardware/db combination on the market < $100K had the throughput to 
support online input checks at data entry.  Once we descried what we 
were achieving with a $30K Stride/Flexware system, he was out the door 
and didn't come back.

Granted, 15-30 workstation systems might be considered "low volume" 
systems compared to airline reservation, banking, and major corporate 
accounting systems; but how many Revolutionists are targeting those 
markets?

Rob Cozens
CCW, Serendipity Software Company

"And I, which was two fooles, do so grow three;
Who are a little wise, the best fooles bee."

from "The Triple Foole" by John Donne (1572-1631)