Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Replies: 14 | Last post Jan 31, 2008 at 3:30 PM
Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Sep 18, 2007 9:24 PM by Marco (release not specified)
One thing I would love to see is the ability to translate the old Lotus Ami-Pro word processor files into ODF. I did all of my writing in that format in the early/mid 90s and I no longer have access to any of that work. I'd love to be able to resurrect it.
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Sep 19, 2007 3:59 AM by DrTLawson (release not specified)
Absolutely. I have a large number of documents dating back to the early 1990s. The inclusion of WordPro (.lwp) conversion is great. But the addition of Ami Pro (.sam) conversion would let me retire my aged version of Lotus Smartsuite. Please include the Ami Pro conversion as an option add-on or incorporated into future renditions.
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Sep 19, 2007 11:33 AM by Chad Small (release not specified)
If you have a copy of WordPro convert the Amipro docs to WordPro check that the conversion is good then use the WordPro conversion in Symphony.
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Sep 21, 2007 3:44 AM by Marco (release not specified)
I don't have a copy of Word-Pro and I lost my copy of Ami-Pro in a move in the late 90s. So, I'm basically stuck unless I can find an old copy of the software or a new application will do the conversion. And, when I read about Symphony I was hoping the conversion would be built in since IBM has the original code for the documents--accessing the documents would be nice since I could "print" them to PDF, but converting them into a current (and open) format would be a lot better.
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Sep 23, 2007 5:13 AM by Brian Burch (release not specified)
Since we seem to be waiting for a helpful reply from a developer, I will add my own set of woes (with useful keywords for others to find)...
I licensed amipro for OS2 and subsequently upgraded to smartsuite for OS2. I've spent the last couple of years moving all my applications to linux once it became clear to me that IBM wanted OS2 to die.
Because smartsuite could read amipro files, I never needed to convert them.
Last week I needed to look for an old document amongst dozens of candidates, but wanted to do it under ubuntu. Open Office will not open sam or lwp files. The only help I found from googling was to run Lotus KeyView running under wine. I found two different versions - the IBM download didn't work, but one I got from a non-IBM site installed and ran OK. It opens both file types some of the time, but fails without any diagnostics most of the time.
Then I got an email about the Symphony beta from IBM. I won't be picky about the bloated size of the package, but it installed OK without any icons. The tip on this forum showed me how to run it and I gratefully opened my first lwp file.
Then I tried to open a sam and got the error "IBM productivity tools do not support this file format". The most intelligent OO post said the file formats are proprietary and IBM/Lotus would not share them with the community. So why isn't the sam format supported by Symphony, when there are no meaningful alternatives?
Do I have to install OS2 (I still have an ecomstation license) on a spare machine and then reinstall smartsuite? (Obviously, my licensed products will not run under windoze.) Is this really the best IBM and Lotus can do for someone who still holds valid copies of their licensed products and a lot of "legacy" documents?
I licensed amipro for OS2 and subsequently upgraded to smartsuite for OS2. I've spent the last couple of years moving all my applications to linux once it became clear to me that IBM wanted OS2 to die.
Because smartsuite could read amipro files, I never needed to convert them.
Last week I needed to look for an old document amongst dozens of candidates, but wanted to do it under ubuntu. Open Office will not open sam or lwp files. The only help I found from googling was to run Lotus KeyView running under wine. I found two different versions - the IBM download didn't work, but one I got from a non-IBM site installed and ran OK. It opens both file types some of the time, but fails without any diagnostics most of the time.
Then I got an email about the Symphony beta from IBM. I won't be picky about the bloated size of the package, but it installed OK without any icons. The tip on this forum showed me how to run it and I gratefully opened my first lwp file.
Then I tried to open a sam and got the error "IBM productivity tools do not support this file format". The most intelligent OO post said the file formats are proprietary and IBM/Lotus would not share them with the community. So why isn't the sam format supported by Symphony, when there are no meaningful alternatives?
Do I have to install OS2 (I still have an ecomstation license) on a spare machine and then reinstall smartsuite? (Obviously, my licensed products will not run under windoze.) Is this really the best IBM and Lotus can do for someone who still holds valid copies of their licensed products and a lot of "legacy" documents?
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Sep 23, 2007 11:43 AM by Vasek (release not specified)
Same thing as everybody here. Need to read/convert AmiPro, WordPro, etc. files. As Symphony is offered by Lotus, I didn't even cross my mind that it wouldn't open them! I just plain expected it. Just who else to turn to to read obsolete proprietary formats than the original manufaturer. Hell, it's less than 10 years! Who's gonna decipher digital hieroglyphs from this sad era in 100 years?! It was Lotus who decided to make the format proprietary all those years ago. It should now eat it's own dog food.
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Sep 24, 2007 10:15 AM by Otto (release not specified)
Not having AMI Pro converter is big miss. I imagine LOTUS still has all source code for AMI Pro and Word Pro and I do not think it is in IBM interest to revive this old format. But a read importer will be the solution for most of us. I know there are workaround around but all of these are becoming impractical for the long term.
An importer will be the solution that long time users of lotus software will really appreciate.
An importer will be the solution that long time users of lotus software will really appreciate.
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Sep 24, 2007 10:36 AM by
Thanks to everyone who posted and responded on this topic. I will ensure that these requests for AmiPro compatibility are directed to the appropriate team for consideration.
Keep up the great feedback.
Keep up the great feedback.
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Dec 5, 2007 3:31 PM by william.marsh (release not specified)
I enjoy working with amipro,3.1 now I have new computers, that wont let me print in XP OR VISTA
I do not want to give up amipro, that is the only one to use, can I get help to make amipro work with xp and vista
Thanking you very much
William
I do not want to give up amipro, that is the only one to use, can I get help to make amipro work with xp and vista
Thanking you very much
William
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Jan 2, 2008 11:44 AM by Maurice (release not specified)
Marco.
Did you find your AmiPro software?
Please advise.
Thanks,
Maurice
Did you find your AmiPro software?
Please advise.
Thanks,
Maurice
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Jan 19, 2008 12:30 PM by Mark (release not specified)
I have been a satisfied user, first of Ami Pro 3.1, and then of Word Pro 9.8 -- although I must concede a strong preference for Ami Pro... I began using Word Pro when I discovered that XP would not run the program. I recently upgraded my current computer (which uses XP) to install a larger hard drive (from 40 gig to 160 gig) and increased memory (from 1 gig to 2 gig). Since I dd that, and reinstalled all my programming again, my Word Pro has been consistently crashing... Since it is my main word processor, I've been scrambling to find a solution...
Someone recommended Symphony, which enables me to access my Word Pro files but will not allow me to access Ami Pro files :-(
I'm not exactly that happy with Symphony as compared to either of my two prior applications -- but if it allows me to access my Word Pro files, it will have to do...
However, I'm really stuck attempting to access my many Amip Pro files, which, as many previous posts have indicated, go back to the early 1990's...
Also, I broke down and purchased MS Word 2007 -- and I am on information overload attempting to learn to use it!
I WANT MY AMI PRO BACK -- OR AT LEAST WORD PRO!
Aren't there any computer genius' out there who could adapt Ami Pro to work in a 32 bit or 64 bit environment?
If it could be done, it would make a lot of us faithful Ami Pro and Word Pro users happy!
Someone recommended Symphony, which enables me to access my Word Pro files but will not allow me to access Ami Pro files :-(
I'm not exactly that happy with Symphony as compared to either of my two prior applications -- but if it allows me to access my Word Pro files, it will have to do...
However, I'm really stuck attempting to access my many Amip Pro files, which, as many previous posts have indicated, go back to the early 1990's...
Also, I broke down and purchased MS Word 2007 -- and I am on information overload attempting to learn to use it!
I WANT MY AMI PRO BACK -- OR AT LEAST WORD PRO!
Aren't there any computer genius' out there who could adapt Ami Pro to work in a 32 bit or 64 bit environment?
If it could be done, it would make a lot of us faithful Ami Pro and Word Pro users happy!
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Jan 19, 2008 10:29 PM by Me (release not specified)
Sorry, no help from me.
There obviously is no help.
Quote:
"Is this really the best IBM and Lotus can do for someone who still holds valid copies of their licensed products and a lot of "legacy" documents?"
I just wonder how decision makers at IBM could possibliy be given the ability to notice the true ethics of this venture. Where is the loyalty they themselves expect from their subordinates?
I just wonder how to warn all the exalted new freeware fanatics about this new non-open-source proprietary software.
I cannot, because Symph supports an open document format.
Nobody who uses Symph will be dependant on IBM. The unbeatably best part of it. And just that part is "stolen" from others.
It hurts to say this, as I can very well see the very hard work a lot of engineers put into it. Sorry you guys!
Bad management. Very bad management. How much more valuable could this sweat have been. Sorry again.
Is Symph the best that could be expected? I guess so, with hindsight. I was still hoping for continuancy of the really good Lotus products, but there never - up to date - came a clear, truthfull word from IBM. None, believe me, I know. They even still sell the legacy loaded Smartsuite.
Me,
... still waiting for a from ground up really well coded, and full featured office suite with a database app from somewhere. Hopefully it will also support ODF. Someday. IBM just seems to have a talent to miss the point. One time too much for me - for sure. I need to run a reliable business. And so, I need reliable partners. Bye bye, babe...
There obviously is no help.
Quote:
"Is this really the best IBM and Lotus can do for someone who still holds valid copies of their licensed products and a lot of "legacy" documents?"
I just wonder how decision makers at IBM could possibliy be given the ability to notice the true ethics of this venture. Where is the loyalty they themselves expect from their subordinates?
I just wonder how to warn all the exalted new freeware fanatics about this new non-open-source proprietary software.
I cannot, because Symph supports an open document format.
Nobody who uses Symph will be dependant on IBM. The unbeatably best part of it. And just that part is "stolen" from others.
It hurts to say this, as I can very well see the very hard work a lot of engineers put into it. Sorry you guys!
Bad management. Very bad management. How much more valuable could this sweat have been. Sorry again.
Is Symph the best that could be expected? I guess so, with hindsight. I was still hoping for continuancy of the really good Lotus products, but there never - up to date - came a clear, truthfull word from IBM. None, believe me, I know. They even still sell the legacy loaded Smartsuite.
Me,
... still waiting for a from ground up really well coded, and full featured office suite with a database app from somewhere. Hopefully it will also support ODF. Someday. IBM just seems to have a talent to miss the point. One time too much for me - for sure. I need to run a reliable business. And so, I need reliable partners. Bye bye, babe...
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Jan 20, 2008 1:04 AM by Michael Paine (release not specified)
I started with the original Ami that used a runtime Windows and still have Ami Pro 3.1 running under Virtual PC on a Mac. But the conversion process to MS Word or PDF is tedious and patchy.
I am looking forward to Lotus Symphony for Mac but would appreciate the ability to open SAM files.
I am looking forward to Lotus Symphony for Mac but would appreciate the ability to open SAM files.
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Jan 31, 2008 3:04 PM by Johan Jankowski (release not specified)
I agree that Ami Pro conversion should still be supported by IBM. I think the big problem is that IBM doesn't want to support a word processing program so unlike all other programs. Except for Ami Pro, all windows based word processing programs are essentially editors of rich-text formatted documents. The differences are basically the "bells and whistles" each one has. Ami Pro was the only word-processing program made for the windows, not DOS, platform that I know of. It is not exactly a rich-text processor, which arguably made it better than Wordperfect, MSWord, et.al which, as I said, were originally DOS based programs that displayed text in WYSIWYG, i.e., rich text. So when they moved to the Windows platform, these programs were tweaked rather than overhauled and didn't take full advantage of Windows. (Could it be that they wanted to support documents made in prior versions?).
Lotus bought Ami Pro from Samna in 1988. It was the first word processing program made exclusively for the Windows 1.0 (I think that was the version) operating system. It beat beat Microsoft by about a year in coming out with a word processor for Windows. By the time Ami Pro 3.1 was on the market for over a year, Lotus decided to roll out Word Pro which resembled MSWord much more than it took after Ami Pro. It was a sad day for me since it felt like Lotus "threw in the towel." Later, IBM bought Lotus. Strange to me how the converter from Ami-Pro to Word Pro couldn't be updated to whatever SmartSuite's word processing program currently is since it probably is a rich text processor as are all the rest.
Lotus bought Ami Pro from Samna in 1988. It was the first word processing program made exclusively for the Windows 1.0 (I think that was the version) operating system. It beat beat Microsoft by about a year in coming out with a word processor for Windows. By the time Ami Pro 3.1 was on the market for over a year, Lotus decided to roll out Word Pro which resembled MSWord much more than it took after Ami Pro. It was a sad day for me since it felt like Lotus "threw in the towel." Later, IBM bought Lotus. Strange to me how the converter from Ami-Pro to Word Pro couldn't be updated to whatever SmartSuite's word processing program currently is since it probably is a rich text processor as are all the rest.
Re: Convert Lotus Ami-Pro .sam Files
Posted Jan 31, 2008 3:30 PM by Johan Jankowski (release not specified)
One final thing. I seem to back good but losing technology. Yup, I have a betamax, several minidisc players, a Mazda with the rotary wankel engine, and, of course, Ami-Pro. (My father was one of the few dozen or so people who had the opportunity to test a Chrysler with a real turbine engine, think Batman, back in 1962 or thereabouts). I too use Ami Pro with a windows emulator on a mac. So does that curse Macintosh? I certainly hope not! :)
