ETKA and Audi

[Huw Powell]

> >I think the parts information is pretty cheap, the expensive part is
> >the program developed by Lexcom.. (which BTW has got one of the worst
> >user interfaces I've seen)
>
> No doubt about it.  The information has already been created in order to deal
> with parts suppliers, manufacturing, and dealers parts departments.  It's not
> cheap, but it is a cost of doing business.

and is identical to that which used to be put out on microfiche - and
even, judging by a booklet shown me by Mark Vogt (for the 80-84 coupe),
in printed form.

> But the way that information is
> conveyed, in the form of Lexcom's interface, is an abomination - difficult to
> install ("dongle" key needed or bypassed, issues installing on 'new' versions
> of Windows), not very flexible (size of screen display), difficult to use
> (menu layouts and navigation)

of course most of this is due to the intended distribution channel, ie,
dedicated machines set up at dealers.  Rather a narrow perspective, of
course, as we think and willingly argue....

> Are there any other unemployed geeks on the list that would like to make a
> proposal to VW AG to build them a browser-based replacement?

The sad part is that a browser based structure would be vastly superior
to that awful Lexcom interface.  It would be sweet, fast, and easy to
use in a simple "frames" html setup, and who knows how good (or awful)
it could be in a more sophisticated form of web site writing?

Too bad that wasn't the basic way ETKA was put together, because Audi
could prolly get $50 pretty easily for lifetime access to a continuously
updated site presenting the data.  or $10 or $20 a year.  it could be
backed up with "retail" pricing, and for 5 times as much money could
include wholesale pricing and an ordering mechanism.

Heck, duh, the retail version could also be set up for mail order...

The real question is whether or not there is a time, place, or method to
present this to AOA/VAG in such a way that within a few years it gets
implemented.

--
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/

http://www.humanthoughts.org/