Frequently Asked Questions (cont)

Q: When backup is restored, what exactly is restored? Does iDB go back to the same exact state in backup-time?

iDB restores *only* what is in the dump file, and it restores only those databases back to their original state when the backup was obtained. iDB does not erase everything and restores the backup content. Let's give an example:

'Restore', restores only the databases in the dump file.

It is advised to take regular backup dumps. Regular backups have advantages over 'synch'ing. If necessary one can always go back in time and restore old records, where in synch they would have been lost forever.

Q: What happens if a database gets renamed, and then restored from an earlier backup?

iDB keeps track of databases by internal IDs; the names do not have any significance. If a database is renamed and then if it gets restored from a backup, iDB does not end up with two different databases; one with the old name, another one with the new.

Whether or not its name was changed, that particular database is dropped and recreated from the backup, restoring it to its original state and name.

Q: Is there a demo or trial version of iDB?

Yes. There is an 'iDB Datamaster 30 Day Trial' version.

Unfortunately, Apple currently does not allow Demo or Trial versions in AppStore. We are hoping that this policy is temporary; assuming they just did not want vaporware to flood the AppStore, and they simply lacked the resources to check and verify the validity of each and every single submission.

Of course we cannot speak for Apple; that is just what we are hoping.

We developed a full-featured trial version. However, we are currently unable to post it to AppStore. This policy has undesired repercussions: Lacking the ability to see and test, customers are simply gambling on AppStore products, hoping what they purchase *might* match their needs. That is especially unfortunate for feature-rich applications. Even if everything was nicely documented and tons of screenshots provided, customers understandably will not have the time and desire to read all that; they would much rather play with a demo/trial version, kick the tires, get a feel for it.

That would have certainly helped customers to make much better and well informed decisions.

Under current conditions, iPhone market in AppStore remains attractive to $5 - $10 products only. It seems like that is about the limit customers are willing to gamble.

The undesired repercussions of this policy is, it makes vendors reluctant to develop serious applications, say, anything worth more than $20. Knowing that customers will not be willing to gamble those prices, vendors simply would not gamble developing them, limiting the application market's growth.

We would appreciate a line of email to Apple, expressing your stand if you are on our side of this issue. It would be great if AppStore could embrace demo/trial versions, or at least provide an upgrade path in a line of products.

If demo/trial versions --potential vaporware diminishing the quality of an online market-- are deemed inappropriate, at least upgrade paths can be provided. Say, a customer purchases a 'Lite' version, finds it satisfactory, and wants to upgrade to a better version. iTunes already knows what is installed on the device; it can simply allow purchase/installation of the advanced product just for the price difference.

That would be simply good business. The current (hopefully short-term) alternative is hurting us all, including the whole iPhone software market, and Apple..
 

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