Kermit - Technical Support - What Users Are Saying

In the News: Kermit Supports NASA on the International Space Station

From: "Jennifer Azzano" <[email protected]>
Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2006 07:20:52 -0500
Subject: Kermit Tech Support

I must highly commend Frank da Cruz. I've used Kermit for the last 3 years in programs I've written for a client and each time I come upon an issue and cannot resolve it, I've had the wonderful experience of getting prompt, thorough responses from the author of this software.

Thank you, Mr. da Cruz!!
~ J. Azzano


From Slashdot, January 2006: Kermit guys: Frank da Cruz, Jeffrey Altman (Score:1)
by Creosote (33182) on Wednesday January 12, @06:09AM (#1412433)
(http://www.people.virginia.edu/~drs2n/)

When I got my first IBM PC and a 300 baud modem, Kermit was there to help me transfer my dissertation from the university mainframe to home where I could edit it with WordStar. 18 years later, Kermit is still under active development at Columbia University [columbia.edu].

For years, Kermit Project leaders Frank da Cruz and Jeffrey Altman have tirelessly answered questions from users on comp.protocols.kermit.misc [kermit.misc], for free, just about every day. They sure as heck deserve some kind of award.

Jeffrey Altman, who receives much well-deserved praise below,
is now an independent contractor; CLICK HERE for details.

Also see: [ Kermit 95 Reviews ] [ C-Kermit Reviews ]


From: [email protected]
Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 09:26:00 EST
Subject: Kermit support

I have used Kermit for a number of years on a couple of large projects and I have been most impressed by the quality and performance of your software. Even more impressive has been your technical support when I have needed it. In my twenty years as an IT professional, I have never seen better support. Thanks a lot and keep up the good work!

David G


From: [email protected] (Dan Skinner)
Date: 7 Nov 2002 09:19:08 -0800
Newsgroups:comp.protocols.kermit.misc,comp.unix.sco.misc,comp.terminals
Subject: Re: Kermit (K95), SCO Openserver, Progress, and Linux.

. . .   I'll take this opportunity to praise Kermit support. They live up to the quote "AND . . . Super-responsive technical support: we stand behind our products and support them vigorously." The session log Jeffrey suggested presented the <ESC>(B like a slap in the face (as soon as I took the time to record it!) . . .   With their help we have successfully married Progress, SCO Open Server, Linux (Mandrake), and Kermit (K95).

Regards,
  Dan.


Date: Fri, 2 Aug 2002 17:02:04 -0400
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Script file

: : I am attempting to write a script that will copy all the files in one
: : directory to all the sub-directories in another directory. Any examples
: : or suggestions you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
:
: It's easier than you think. Something like this:

:
:    .src := (source-directory, with terminator, e.g. /foo/bar/)
:    .dest := (target-directory) 
:
:    cd \m(dest)
:    if fail exit 1 can't cd to \m(dest)
:    if not dir \m(src) exit 1 \m(src) doesn't seem to be a directory
:
:    for \%i 1 \fdirectories(*) 1 {
:	.dir := \fnextfile()
:	echo Copying to \m(dir)...
:	copy \m(src)* \m(dir)
:	if fail exit 1 copy to \m(dir) failed
:    }
:
: If you meant "all the sub-directories" recursively, then change
: \fdirectories(*) above to \frdirectories(*). Include a /VERBOSE switch
: on the COPY command if you want to see a message for each file copied.
:
This worked perfect. Thanks again for all your help. You guys are great. Can't tell you how nice it is to find someone that REALLY supports their product.

Bob


Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 20:50:13 -0400
From: Jack Patteeuw <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Security too tight on VMS :: details

(Referring to a patch that was developed for a file access problem in the VMS C-Kermit server running within a captive account, with help from a volunteer network of VMS C-Kermit experts...)

All I can say is WOW what service !! Our company pays thousands of dollars per month for support/maintenace on 3rd party software and many times it take **MONTHS** to get patches/bug fixes !!!

Thanks to all involved in resolving this problem.

--
Jack Patteeuw


Newsgroups: comp.protocols.kermit.misc
From: "Grinder" <[email protected]>
Subject: Blanket Thank You
Date: Sat, 10 Nov 2001 15:06:34 -0600

I've had a number of difficulties in implementing a K95-enabled application recently, and just wanted to thank the Kermit team for their support. It's been a joy to have access to those individuals who know the application so well.

We went to K95 when a service provider (using C-Kermit) suggested we use MSDOS Kermit. Although that client would work in some situations, it just was not reasonable to use with WinModems--a condition I have to work with. I will vigorously encourage this service provider to make the move to K95 for the benefit of their other consumers.

Thanks again Frank and Jeff.


From: "Blare, John" <[email protected]>
To: "'[email protected]'" <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Kermit 95 - Ports Greater than COM10
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2001 00:09:10 -0700

Thanks.

  1. This Beta appears to work as advertised.
  2. The drop down Line selection menu allows for COM1-COM128. (Listing appears in following order COM1, COM10, COM100, COM101 . . .)
  3. One connection was configured and tested as COM17. This appeared to work OK.
  4. The Generate Entry script was verified to generate "set port COM17"

A word of Thanks. This was OUTSTANDING customer service. In fact, I have never encountered customer service of this caliber. After defining the problem, a Beta build with the addition in question was delivered in under 24 hours - unbelievable.

John Blare


Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 11:34:35 -0400
To: [email protected]
From: Dan Downey <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: QNX terminal support

Thanks for the quick help. You folks are the most responsive and comprehensive support people I've ever dealt with.

Any time I've sent a question to you folks the answer has been very quick and comprehensive. I spent 12 years on our support end so I know how hectic and grueling it can be. Now that I'm on the MIS end I'm often seeking tech support from various sources, no one matches you folks. Experiencing it from both ends I can really appreciate the job you folks do and I know what it's like to be appreciated in that roll.

Dan Downey
VP MIS
Wordstock POS & Inventory Control
Watertown MA


From: [email protected]
Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2000 12:22:09 -0500
Subject: error initializing modem: FIXED!!!
To: [email protected]

Whatever they pay you is not enough. You were right. I was able to change the dip switch for DTR on the USRobotics modem and Kermit is singing without any problems.

I really appreciated all the time and thought you put into solving my problem. You should show this email to your boss to let them know how dedicated and helpful you were.

Thank you, Eric


From: Mark Sapiro <[email protected]>
Newsgroups: comp.protocols.kermit.misc
Subject: Re: C-Kermit 7.0 Beta.11 Ready for Testing
Date: Tue, 07 Dec 1999 23:08:49 -0800

Frank da Cruz wrote:
: . . .
: . Timezone/DST computation fixed in BSDI.

Unfortunately the ISP that was running BSDI on its shell account server has switched from BSDI to FreeBSD so I can't verify that the timestamp problem is fixed for me in BSDI, but I can verify that the same problem with the exact same symptoms existed in the FreeBSD 3.0 Kermits through beta 10 and is fixed in cku196b11.freebsd3c-i386-3.3.

Although I am no longer involved in software support professionally, I was for many years both a provider of support to a college computer center and a recipient of support from vendors and I've never seen better support of a product over the long haul than that provided by the Kermit project, and this for a product that in most versions is provided free of charge. You folks do an amazing job. Thanks.

-- 
Mark Sapiro <[email protected]>       The highway is for gamblers,
San Francisco Bay Area, California    better use your sense - B. Dylan


From: EDI <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Connection lost problem
Date: Thu, 6 May 1999 09:47:44 -0400

Jeff: I want to thank you for your help in solving my little problem. I made the changes you suggested and everything is working fine. I would also like to commend you on your response time, don't we wish that every vendor was that fast?! Thanks Again.

Janio Perez
Director of MIS


From: "Mike Solomon" <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Kermit Support
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 1998 19:53:56 +0100

I would like to thank you for your quick and accurate response to my query of yesterday.

Of all the support companies I deal with you give by far the best and quickest service.

Every time I have asked Kermit support a question I have had an excellent response and the same goes for your sales department who were incredibly helpful.


From: "Nashmark" <[email protected]>
Newsgroups: aus.kermit,comp.protocols.kermit.announce,
  comp.protocols.kermit.misc,comp.protocols.misc,
  comp.protocols.tcp-ip,de.comm.protocols.misc,fj.kermit
Subject: An open letter of praise for KERMIT 95 SUPPORT
Date: 14 Aug 1998 13:33:36 GMT
Organization: CompuData, Inc.

Firstly, KERMIT95 is the best terminal emulation software for Windows you will ever find! This note is not about that, however. It is about the SUPPORT for the software, which, if you didn't know, is the MOST IMPORTANT PART!

If you have never dealt with the people at Kermit support, take note. KERMIT is supported by the people who wrote it!!! And they are the greatest!

If you EVER have a problem with KERMIT 95, just contact them. They will solve the problem -- QUICKLY! I think it actually bothers them when there is a problem to the point where they won't sleep until it's resolved! I'm not lying!

Through the last year, when we were introduced to KERMIT, I have had a variety of problems. I have been dealing with ancient systems with very old terminal emulations (such as Hazeltine 1500).

These guys have taken every problem, and solved it. This sometimes had to be done by them writing a 'patch' -- within hours of me submitting the problem! Try that with James River Corp, Quarterdeck (PCPLUS) or Microsoft support. You MIGHT get a RESPONSE in a couple of days. But usually, they will never admit a bug in their software, and you will NOT get the problem resolved!

I recommend KERMIT95 for anyone who has a need for terminal emulation through modems, telnet sessions, or even LAT connections. KERMIT95 beats out the competition. Note the following:

  1. KERMIT95 - price is <$100 !
  2. KERMIT95 - MORE TERMINAL EMULATIONS THAN ANY OTHER CHOICE. THEY ALL WORK!!!
  3. KERMIT95 - More communication protocols. All work FAST!
  4. ICETCP (James River) - VERY LIMITED, Horrible support.
  5. PCPLUS 4.0 - Way overblown, too expensive (If I am buying emulation software, why do they include IE?)

And to Frank da Cruz and Jeffery Altman - THANK YOU!!!

-NASHMARK a/k/a PERRY WOLFE, COMPUDATA INC.

P.S. If you want to ask me anything about KERMIT, e-mail me. But don't be afraid to contact them. Like I said, they are the greatest! And I do not work for them.

http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/k95.html


Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 16:07:24 +0200
From: Peter Eichhorn <[email protected]>
Subject: C-Kermit Software Support

You guys are simply the fastest and the best technical support hotline. I wrote this morning from here (Germany) an e-mail to another support hotline, and later another email to another one too, but didn't get any real reply yet. One sends an auto-reply telling me that they will answer within a week. Nice.

Then I wrote a mail to C-Kermit Support and 12 minutes later I got an answer! OK, I know I wouldn't get an answer in the early morning our time while it's 3 o'clock in the morning in NY. But I always get an answer the same day when you are in your office.

That's real support folks, that you can count on!

- Peter Eichhorn, HP-UX System support.

P.S. We are supporting now 954 HP-UX systems all over the world with C-Kermit using modems, X.25, ISDN, and other kinds of networks, or a mix off all of them. And we didn't have a problem yet we couldn't fix with C-Kermit or with the help of the C-Kermit Support Group.


From: "Jeff Lightfoot" <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: K95 vs Scrollback
Date: Tue, 19 May 1998 07:23:07 +0900

> The next version of K95 will place the status of the Scrollback mode
> onto the title bar.
>
Your e-mail has to be one of the more amazing e-mails I have ever received from a product's support group. It was well over three/four months ago that I requested this feature and you remembered to let me know once it was close to implementation. I have to say that this is some of the best service out there.

I'm slowly but surely migrating to Linux/GNU, but let it be known that the money spent on K95 is some of the best money I have spent.

Thank you again for your wonderful customer service.


From: João Nuno Cardoso <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Problem with dead-keys
Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 15:19:40 +0100

We would like to thank the kermit project, in general, and Jeffrey Altman, in particular, for its/his prompt and professional support to our problem. In a time where companies like to emphasize their excellent service and support, it is nice to find an organization that actually delivers.

Thank you once again, and keep up the good work,

João Nuno Cardoso
PGP key at http://pgp5.ai.mit.edu
EasySoft - Software e Sistemas, SA	mailto:[email protected]
Av. dos Combatentes, 43, 8		1600 Lisboa    Portugal


From: Richard Spitz <[email protected]>
Newsgroups: de.comp.os.sinix,de.comm.isdn.computer
Subject: 97801-Emulation ueber ISDN
Date: Tue, 03 Feb 1998 08:42:45 +0100
Organization: Dept. of Anesthesiology, University of Munich

Liebe SINIX-Gemeinde,

vor einiger Zeit fragte ich hier nach 97801-Emulationen, die über ISDN-Verbindungen arbeiten koennen. Inzwischen habe ich eine Lösung: Kermit95! Das unterstuetzt die TAPI-"Modems", die mir AVM's Fritz!Card mit dem CapiPort-Treiber zur Verfügung stellt. Das Kermit95-Team war ausserordentlich hilfreich (danke an Frank und Jeff!); so einen prompten und kompetenten Support habe ich noch selten erlebt.

....

Gruss, Richard

+--------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Dr. Richard Spitz        | INTERNET: [email protected]  |
| EDV-Gruppe Anaesthesie   | Tel     : +49-89-....-....               |
| Klinikum Grosshadern     | FAX     : +49-89-....-....               |
| 81366 Munich, Germany    | GSM     : +49-172-.......                |
+--------------------------+------------------------------------------+


From: Mike McNair <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Kermit support is incredible!!!
Date: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 10:18:23 -0800

I had a problem with Kermit after an upgrade of our AIX system. I received answers to my E-mail on Christmas Eve within 15 minutes. Incredible!!! My problem was fixed and has been running great since then. I have never gotten this level of support from any other vendor before. Your support should become the industry standard!!

Thanks

Mike McNair
MHS Information Services
http://www.memorialcare.org/


Date: Fri, 19 Dec 97 16:43:57 MEZ
From: Peter Eichhorn <[email protected]>
Subject: C-Kermit's X-Mas!
To: [email protected]

For the best software support I/we ever had:

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We are now at 858 systems with more than 4400 clients in over 40 countries all over the world and all connected/reachable over C-Kermit. Well done boys, well done!

- Peter Eichhorn, assyst HP-UX software support.


Date: Fri, 21 Nov 1997 09:08:34 +0800 (WST)
From: David B Sneddon <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: kermit-support

You guys are amazing! I have just had two responses from two different people in about ten minutes... Wish some other people could provide the type of support you do - GREAT STUFF!

Any time I have had problem I couldn't answer by reading the SUPERB manuals I have had a lightening response - the longest I have had to wait has been until the next day (due to the big time difference between you and me).

I haven't come across ANY other support group that does what you do (and they charge an arm and a leg for "support").

David B Sneddon (dbs) / OpenVMS Systems Programmer / [email protected]
DBS software available from http://www.olc.com.au/~dave/software.html


Date: Thu, 04 Dec 1997 18:01:45 -0500
From: boasman <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Keystuffing into Kermit 95

Jeff, we have implemented your suggestions and code and it fits our requirements beautifully! We can now control the mainframe application from the PowerBuilder app and also have the mainframe shut down its own session. Working from both apps has allowed a high level of response time by sending a request to the host app and letting it do what it does best.

Thanks greatly for your assistance, it was both timely and a key factor in getting this app to production. Service of this level is a real treat to find, you are a credit to your product team.

Stu Boasman - Senior Programmer/Analyst
Allstate Insurance of Canada.


Date: Thu, 30 Oct 1997 10:59:10 -0700 (MST)
From: Clint Day <[email protected]>
Subject: Kermit Tech Support

Kermit technical support is without question the best I have ever had in 32 years in the computer business. While it is not rare to find support that can show you how to operate their product, I have never found the level of knowledge anywhere else that assists me at Kermit. And I don't mean once in a while you get that the really good guy. Every time I call or email for help I get exactly that. I.e. Help from a top quality professional familiar with the most subtle details of the how and the why of the mainline features and nuanances too. I have tried the tech support services of several products that compete with Kermit. They really don't compete. None of them have the depth of power and portability of Kermit and the tech support is no where near as knowledgeable. If you don't think so, try asking [name of company deleted] or [name of company deleted] support a question of some substance about their script programming language. Then ask the same question of the Kermit staff. Kermit responses have always been accurate, useful, practical, and prompt. You know you are dealing with somebody that has been doing for years and can do much more than you will ever need to. I do not get anything like this if I ask for help from the other guys.


Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 17:57:31 -0700
To:[email protected]
From: "Gregory R. Hill" <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Announcing Kermit 95 1.1.13 ...

I just want to say:

YOU FOLKS ARE ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!!

Last night, in the span of less than an hour, you responded to my emails virtually instantaneously and graciously. (I'm always a little reluctant to send email to "'net wizards" since so many of them treat mere mortals like me with sarcastic contempt.) Not only did you solve my problem upgrading, but you took my comments seriously and I notice all of them (and more!) reflected on your Web page today.

I hope my customers feel that I'm as responsive to their suggestions about my Web page as you guys clearly are to yours!

I surely hope that you feel appreciated by your users, because this user will sing your highest praises from here on out!

Thanks again.


From: Perry Wolfe <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Kermit tech support
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 1997 10:27:34 -0500

Your support is the best I've ever encountered. I keep bragging about that around here. It BLOWS AWAY any support I have ever received by [name deleted], [name deleted], [name deleted], or even [name deleted].

For MY customers, I recommend only K95. I TRUST YOU GUYS THE MOST. Case in point - my installation of K95 about two weeks ago with auxiliary printing on H1500. You guys were right there, as usual. It is now working GREAT for the customer!! Your responses to my problems were both instant and accurate. THAT CAN'T BE BEAT!

You guys (and gals) rule!!!


Date: Tue, 17 Jun 97 13:48:45 EDT
From:[email protected] (William Weinberger)
To:columbia.edu!kermit-support
Subject: Commendation

Too often, a support group only hears complaints and negative grumblings. No one often gives credit to organizations for their support.

I just wanted to thank your whole group. Your response has always been timely. Your efforts are appreciated.

Bill Weinberger


Date: Fri, 11 Jul 1997 16:20:27 -0500
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: cannot print files

Thanks for the rapid support... I wish everybody else was as quick as your are.

It is refreshing to work with an organization that is customer oriented. In the last couple of years I have only worked with one other company that responds to requests for help as fast and professionally as you do. This type of support is greatly appreciated and needed by the professional community.

Butch


Date: Wed, 1 Oct 97 08:20:40 EDT
From: "CIOS/Comserve Support Staff" <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Pager

Many, many thanks for your time and effort! I finally succeeded in sending a page. That is one _unforgiving_ modem setup at [name of alpha paging service deleted]. I must say I didn't bank on being coached through this from Mr. Kermit himself.

Tim


Date: Fri, 31 Oct 1997 22:15:34 -0500
From: Wakeley Purple <"Wakeley Purple"@iglou.com>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Kudos for tech support

I can't believe you guys spend the time you do patiently answering questions - and quickly too. And don't forget Christine for the manual.

I continue to be inspired by the consistently prompt, polite, knowledgeable, and 'free' advice/help your team delivers.

I have purchased both the MSDOS and C-Kermit books and I still feel like I'm stealing the best terminal and transfer software going.

Thanks,
Wakeley Purple


From: Michael Kairys&#60;[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Help with dial timeout (noise?) problem
Date:Wed, 14 May 1997 21:13:23 -0400
Organization: SL Corporation

> I think I see the problem now. Your USR modem is set for "no echo,
> digit result codes" (Q0E0V0). Cure:
>
>  set modem command init \freplace(\v(m_init),Q0,Q0E1V1)
>
> This should perk things up :-)
>
And indeed it did. Correct behavior, and a clean solution. I thank you, and I'm glad we pursued it to this end.

Now if I could only become literate in Kermit's excellent scripting language!

Thanks again, and my continued admiration for one of the most respectable pieces of software out there.

Michael


Date: Fri, 31 Oct 1997 15:05:04 +1100
To: [email protected]
From: Antonino Sidoti <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: K95 1.1.15

By the way thanks for the great support. You are truely a one off when it comes to providing excellent support. It seems [you] never sleep. The emails come in at all hours and always very positive.

Nino Sidoti
Sidoti Cad/Cam Services Pty Ltd
Sydney Australia


Send us your comments too.


Kermit Tech Support / Columbia University / [email protected]