Forced to use MS in schools?

Hi all, thought you guys/gals might be interested in this little conversation of mine regarding the transfer of exam entry data via edi with dialnet :- -----Original Message----- From: Alan Harris [mailto:alanh@bryngwyn.carmarthen.sch.uk] Sent: 27 November 2001 12:43 To: sales@dialnet.com Subject: Dialnet EDT Service Hi there, I've just tried to access your information site with netscape 4.7 which failed to download your page properly, I can access the page with Mozilla and StarOffice. The School does not run Internet Explorer. Before I commit to your edt service and download any files can you confirm that your edt service will work properly without Internet Explorer being installed.... Many Thanks Alan -----reply from dialnet-----

Subject: RE: Dialnet EDT Service Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 14:06:40 -0000 From: "Moran, Gary" To: "'alanh@bryngwyn.carmarthen.sch.uk'"

Alan

as stated in the Requirements, WebXchange requires Internet Explorer 4 or greater. The reason is explained on the Support page:

Q: Why can't I use the Netscape web browser? A: WebXchange uses Microsoft's Active-X technology to allow the transparent transfer of files from and to your computer hard drive, which Netscape browsers do not natively support.

And to expand on this, although we could achieve this using alternative technology that would be "Netscape friendly", there is no commercial incentive for us to pursue this. Since the service has been available (March 2000 in beta), yours is only the third inquiry concerning Netscape compatibility.

The WebXchange web site's external pages lists the general requirements, and the specific requirements of the active x component (under Downloads). In general your browser must be running on an IBM compatible PC under a 32bit Windows OS (95, 98, 2000, XP, NT4). Your browser must support DHTML for the WebXchange menu, and must support Active X components.

Regards, Gary

Gary Moran Technical Services DIALnet plc

+44 (0)121 624 5059

---------------- Any thoughts? Any one know of a suitable alternative - BT Connect no longer offer this service and I'd rather avoid an encounter with RM if possible.... Alan ----------------------------------------------------- Alan Harris Network Manager Bryngwyn School Tel : 01554 750661 Fax : 01554 758255 E-mail: alanh@bryngwyn.carmarthen.sch.uk ----------------------------------------------------- Notes: 1. The contents of this email may be snooped on by interested government parties for unknown purposes! Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, 2000. 2. The opinions expressed in this email are personal and may not be shared by Bryngwyn School. -----------------------------------------------------