Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ecphorizer 
And I recall that you kept trying to sell me some arcane database program called TDM but I settled for Barney Stone's DB Master.
Reply to this and your prior:
Yeah, I recognize you... especially your smile and ruddy complexion... you seemed much taller
... (Actually I associated someone else with the name).
TDM-- Steve Schwartz's "The Data Manager" written in UCSD Pascal on Apple ][ serial #009 (AIR) -- there were no air vent slots in the case.
Steve had black mustache and beard and black bushy hair -- almost a big afro!
Steve, would often program in our store. He used crutches -- had a prosthetic leg that was uncomfortable, so he'd unstrap it.
He'd get really involved in programming, then something would upset him. He'd jump up bellowing something, standing on one leg, swinging his crutch in the air like some angry Rasputin with a giant fly swatter.
I convinced Steve to write TDM -- loaned him some RAM, a Pascal Card, and 2 floppy disk drives. In return, if I asked nicely, Steve would add features that I or our customers wanted.
We didn't get any special deal-- but I felt it was a good (and flexible db) and it supported the concept of using microcomputers for business. Often, a TDM customer could get a special feature implemented that he could get in no other db.
When we founded Computer Plus, we identified three types of users (target markets):
-- hobbyists - lots of good ideas, talent, but DYI, and no money to spend
-- home personal - growing market similar to DVRs, etc. - interested in tech
solutions - has $ to spend
-- business - nothing really until VisiCalc and UCSD Pascal - lotsa' potential for big $
We tried to support the hobbyists and other microcomputer pioneers and, in turn, benefitted from their efforts -- a $79 VisiCalc or $150 TDM db could sell many thousands of dollars of equipment.
AIR, you were kind of a hybrid user-- mostly home-personal, some business and a little techy/hobbyist.
FWIW, that's how I'd classify myself!
Ahh... great times!
.
