New version of OEvent

[goran77]

Hi,

Just wanted to let you know that I have released new version of OEvent. Actually it's just a preview 1, not final version yet.

However, since previous versions of OEvent did get very good reviews, I am sure many of you will like this new version too.

For those of you who are not familiar with OEvent let me just give you short history:
First version of OEvent was released in 1996, and it was very feature rich program. At first it had support for EMIT only (SportIdent did not exist at that time). Later when SI was released it still did not gain a lot of users because at that time SportIdent pushed another software, and users were mainly buying that one.

Anyway, biggest problem with that version of OEvent was that it used flat file as storage and it was impossible to make it work with multiple users. That's why I stopped working on it. Later when I stared helping my brother on OrienteeringOnline cup (5 days competition in Slovenia) we used another software, but we didn't like it.

Also, we needed simple and reliable online entries system. At the end I ended up writing first OrienteeringOnline.net entries system, and later also OEvent (from scratch) which is now almost finished.

The idea behind OEvent is to integrate it tightly with OrienteeringOnline system, and to make downloading entries and uploading start times/results/splits a task that does not require more that a few clicks with mouse. No import/export, OEvent talks directly with OrienteeringOnline.net. Later, speaker support and live online results (again through OrienteeringOnline.net) will be added.

Basically the idea is to simplify the organization process as much as possible. And since I am author of both entries system and management software I think I can pretty much achieve this.

Of course, if you don't use OrienteeringOnline.net system, you can still use OEvent, it does no limit you in any way.

For those who are interested it uses embedded Firebird database engine, but can also be used with Firebird in client/server configuration.

You can get see how it looks here:
http://www.oevent.org
and here
http://www.oevent.org/Preview1.aspx

On the second link you will also find download button.

I will be happy to hear about any comments/suggestions you might have, especially about how to simplify things for those who are not so computer literate.

Regards
Goran Nagy

[andy]

I don't believe a combination of entry system plus event software is going to be free, how much is it going to cost?

Does OrienteeringOnline.net collect entry fees for us?
No. Currently we do not deal with cash. You can input fees for classes, and you can check how much competitors will pay, but you will have to collect the money yourself.

Hmm... don't like that

I don't like how the whole system relies on the website to get data. Import/Export although it can be prone to error as you say at least with it you can fix the problem and still have a working event. What if something goes wrong with the software at a remote location? (database corruption / computer with database dies) no backup...

Although after saying that it does look good and certainly much simpler and more versatile than previous software I've used.
I'll be sticking with Autodownload for now though, which is rapidly becoming the 'standard' in the uk

[goran77]

I don't believe a combination of entry system plus event software is going to be free, how much is it going to cost?

Well, the online entries part should remain free. The event management software will not be free, can't tell you about the price, since I haven't decided yet, but I did look at the price for AutoDownload and I'm pretty sure it will be cheaper.

As far as the collecting money goes...this is on my to do list, and one of the first things to implement in the future.

I don't like how the whole system relies on the website to get data. Import/Export although it can be prone to error as you say at least with it you can fix the problem and still have a working event. What if something goes wrong with the software at a remote location? (database corruption / computer with database dies) no backup...

I don't understand the part about database corruption. I am sure AutoDownload (and all other software) uses databases itself. As for relying on website....if you use OrienteeringOnline.net for your entries then OEvent can make it very easy for you to get those data in and out from OrienteeringOnline.net. Once data is in OEvent, you don't need to access website any more.

However, there will be also import/export (depending on how many users will request it) from other entries systems like Fabian that you guys in UK use.

Besides having access to the data on OrienteeringOnline.net gives OEvent access to a lot of user's data like their SI cards which can be pre-downloaded just before your competition starts and used for on the day entries, or even for events without pre entries (as I read this is what AutoDownload is good at).

Regards
Goran Nagy

[Gross]

I used OEvent in the past for NEDS / SEDS / Squad training camps & some test races with Emit. It was much better than the emit software.... if the new version is as good it will be good

[andy]

I don't understand the part about database corruption. I am sure AutoDownload (and all other software) uses databases itself.

What I meant was that in your system, without export/import if you had a problem on arrival at the event you'd have to find an internet connection to reload the data, but it seems like you do/will have an export/import function so it's a moot point!

[goran77]

What I meant was that in your system, without export/import if you had a problem on arrival at the event you'd have to find an internet connection to reload the data, but it seems like you do/will have an export/import function so it's a moot point!

OK, let me try to explain this again. By no means internet connection will be needed on competition days. Or at any other time. It's optional.

You can get data in OEvent in different ways: you can enter them manually, you will be (when it's finished) able to import data from some entries systems, and you can import data from OrienteeringOnline.net. However getting data from OrienteeringOnline I don't call 'importing' because importing for me involves intermediate (usually text) files. In case of getting data from OO there are no 'import files', it all happens in the OEvent itself which makes it much simpler for user (trust me, those who have tried it, all agree with me). Yes, it does need internet connection when you want to "import" data from OEvent, but you will do this once before the competition, and then once you have data in OEvent, you can ignore OO.net.

As for your point about problem at the event....If I understand you correctly you want to say that in case when you have import files, and on event day you somehow do something wrong with database file, you can quickly re-import data and have working set again. If that's what you mean then I have to disagree, this is, except for the simplest competitions (and until to the point when you have first results in), not really possible. First you would already probably have start times set (which are not in import files usually), other changes (from the event day or days before that), and finally you may already have some results in. So, once you import data into your software I don't see how having import file can be of any benefit.

You do need to do regular backups, and that beats any import files, because backups contain any changes until the point when the are made.

Regards
Goran

[andy]

You do need to do regular backups, and that beats any import files, because backups contain any changes until the point when the are made.

That makes a lot more sense. What you call backup, I call an export of data (the two are effectively synonymous in Autodownload). If it has backup functionality then that's fine, problem solved!