The internet wasn't well understood in 1995, at least not to the point where we could rely on it for providing support. The only way to connect computers across distances, was over phone lines with a modem. Bulletin boards were a pretty common thing in those days. It occurred to me that creating one might provide a way to disseminate information and chat with reps in the field.
I submitted a proposal to develop one, using a BBS software product that had a graphical interface and supported both Macs and PC's. After figuring out the software and spending under $25,000 to buy all the equipment and software. First I created areas for News, a central Library of software drivers and technical docs for all the products, Conference/chat areas wiith photos of the products they were intended for and more. The field loved it. Support loved it. We were finally all connected and could chat in real time on various issues of concern, and send out the latest versions of software, etc. IT found out about it, however and made me take it down, so they could replace it with Lotus Notes. The worst piece of NON productivity software I've ever used, at least the Mac version was. It did not replace what I had created. When I expressed my displeasure with the decision to shut it down on the BBS, I was threatened with being fired unless I removed the email, it wasn't the first time and wouldnt be the last either. Kodak itself was often the largest obstacle to the acceptance of new ideas.
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