I was attempting to download some 8.5.2 software from passport advantage and though I did find what I was looking for it was a maddening experience. What kind of idiotic software is IBM using on that web site? Is there anything else they could do to make it any worse than it is? It is hard to believe that a company the size of IBM would put out a web site that is that bad. Personally, it is enough to make me switch all my software to microsoft.
Subject: Advantage
While it can be daunting, I’ve found the passport to work well if you understand how it works, configure your preferences. I say they’ve come long ways, baby.
Microsoft will welcome your business, I’m sure.
Subject: If enough people did that, they might finally pay attention to that site. The amazing thing is, it’s better than it was.
Subject: The new “Portal” is no better…
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I would conclude that IBM does not want people to actually use their web site, as they have apparently intentionally produced something that is only slightly preferable to an enema. It makes the M$ web site look downright pleasant and imminently satisfying.
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The alternative theory, that IBM is utterly and irrevocably incompetent, makes less sense than intentional obstruction, at least to me.
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But in reality it is likely some internal political thing, where such and such muckity-muck rams his/her agenda down the web team’s throats without rhyme, reason, or the slightest care about the end user. Because it’s political any attempts at feedback are considered attacks, and hope of improvement makes a snowball’s chance in crucible of molten steel look rosy.
Then again maybe I’m just being cynical. Having to even consider using IBM’s web site does that to me…
Subject: Agree!
The site is very stupid. My favorite is when I set my download preferences to only show English and Windows, but for some reason it shows all operating systems and all languages. I also think it is amusing that it selects every possible iteration of the download by default, how about let me pick which one I want. I’ve also found that if you try to use the search function you’ll never find what you are looking for. I’ve always had better luck using their menu options of Download Finder, then just looking at all of the titles until I see what I want. I find the IBM site very circular, one item will lead you to where you think you want to go, but that has more links that end up taking you back to where you were. Or my ultimate favorite is when I click a link and get the Error page, awesome, broken links.
Subject: Agreed
I agree with you, and I know several other people do, too. It’s WORSE than trying to locate a correct tax form; it’s WORSE than debating how much money to spend on an emergency “fat” funeral suit cause you’re planning to shed a few pounds in the near future; it’s WORSE than being made to eat cold, mushy peas on their own.
That being said, I’ve managed to figure it out for the most part, but we still all flip coins about who’s gonna be the sucker who has to go there to download an upgrade.
Subject: ditto
I agree totally, I have issues whenever I go to IBM’s site whether it be to open a PMR, find a full download or download a maint. release or FP.