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04/04/2002 Interview with Al- founder of RMR Software
When was RMR Software formed and how many people work for or contribute to the company?
RMR Software was officially formed about 7 years ago when it grew to large to be classified as a hobby and needed to be incorporated. It remains a family business with me being the main contributor in terms of programs and technical support, but with other family members ands one friend all heloing out with accounts, graphics, testing etc.. However, once the Company became a recognised name, I offered other Software authors the chance to distribute their programs through the Company, and that has resulted in 10 other authors adding their programs to our portfolio, one of whom is now specialising in Palm programs. However, it still remins a 'hobby', with all the participants having real 'day' jobs as well.
How many programs have been developed so far by RMR and which one has been the most successful?
We started with just one program for the 'classic' Psion 3, RMRBank, the personal Accounts Suite. That was then ported to the Psion S3A/C/Mx series and a further 9 programs were added. All 10 of those were ported to the Symbian V5.0 EPOC platforms (Psion, Osaris, Geofox, Ericsson, Diamond Mako), and a further 30 were added giving a total of 40 programs. Since then 8 of them have been ported to the latest Symbian V6.0, used in the Nokia 9210/9290 with more to follow. Three of them have been ported to the Palm OS series of platforms and 3 to the Pocket PC. More of these will be ported over the next few months. RMRBank is the unrivalled leader, having sold over 8000 copies in the last few years.
On average, how long does it take to produce a finished software release?
Depends on the size. RMRNotes took 48 hours, as it was based on an existing program. RMRBank too over a year and the porting to the Pocket PC will take over 6 months. I expect the same timescale will apply when we begin porting it to the Palm OS. We always insist that our programs are ext ensively tested before release so that always takes some time.
Why did you decide to write programs for Palm powered devices as well as the Psions?
This is simply because one author decided to stop developing for the Psion and start on the Palm OS because of the larger user-base. And with Psion pulling out of the consumer market I was keen for the Company to diversify to other platforms.
Do you have plans to produce programs which take advantage of the Clie's enhanced features- Jog Dial and hi-res screens?
Probably not. We like our programs to be usable right across the board so have to make them compatible with the lowest specification machines. That doesn't mean it will never happen, but with all our programmers still doing it in their spare time as a hobby I expect to see us porting more programs before we would do that.
Where do you see the PDA industry going in the short term? Do you think one type of machine will dominate the market?
I think the combined mobile phone/PDA is the future, and the Nokia 9210 is a good start.
What was the first PDA you owned and what machine/s do you currently use (and why)?
The Psion Series 3 'Classic', bought back in 1991. I have since gone through every Psion machine, and still own them, finishng with the Revo Plus which became my main machine. I tried a Palm, but I found it did not offer me enough to replace my trusty Revo. Then I bought a Compaq IPAQ and fell in love immediately. I think it is the most impresssive machine I have seen for ages, apart from a useless battery life. I still use the Revo for RMRBank but once that is ported I will do everythig on the IPAQ. Sorry
What one feature would you like to see in the next generation of PDA's?
Broadband Internet access
Who is you favourite musical artist and what's your favourite song?
Dire Straits - Walk of Life
Which program are you most proud of and why?
It has to be RMRBank as it is the program that started the Company and is still the best selling program.
Do you have a favourite program by another developer?
RMRZIP is technically by another developer, although we distribute it, and I think it is one of the best programs around.
Are there any plans to make the excellent RMRBank Palm compatible? (please!)
Yes, but I have to admit that it sits fairly way down the priority list. Sorry.
Thanks to Al for the interview. If you want more information on RMR's program visit their web site. Can thoroughly recommend 'Bricks Ahoy!'