Datek Softens Anti-Mac Stance, Working On Mac OS Compatibility

We reported earlier this week that Datek Online had updated their "streamer" software, and the latest version did not offer Mac compatibility. A Datek representative had sent one Observer a letter which stated, in part:

Unfortunately, current software available for the Macintosh operating system does not support many of the advanced security features that are now part of Streamer. We recognize that many Datek Online customers use Mac OS computers and apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause.

For the time being, Datek Online is unable to support Streamer on the Macintosh operating system. Until Macintosh can develop software up to par with us, streamer will not be available.

The blatant "anti-Mac" sentiment caused a minor uproar in the Mac community. Apparently Datekis "streamer" is a Java-based application and was updated to take advantage of the Java 2.0 standard. Mac OS 9 Java support is limited to Java 1.2, and OS Xis Java implementation is still somewhat lacking at this point.

Whatever the reason, the Datek update left their Mac using clientele in the dark, while their anti-Mac attitude left them upset. One Observer voiced his concern by sending Datek the following letter:

I recently read that youire temporarily discontinuing Mac support of your Streamer software. Although Iim not currently one of your customers, I do have a Mac and I think this decision reflects poorly on your company. I would think it would be more desirable to reassure any customers you canit support that youire working on alternatives that will not amount to criticizing their choice of computing platform.

While Datek has not made any changes to their software to re-enable Mac compatibility, they did respond with the following letter:

I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your e-mail.

We recently implemented several enhancements to our Streamer java applet. These enhancements include improvements in functionality and display, as well as a change to the login process to increase security for our customers. Unfortunately, current software available for the Macintosh operating system does not support many of the advanced security features that are now part of Streamer. We recognize that many Datek Online customers use Mac OS computers and apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause.

For the time being, Datek Online is unable to support Streamer on the Macintosh operating system.

Datek Online is currently working to make all aspects of our website, including Streamer, compatible with MAC OS computers.

If you have any questions, e-mail us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at [email protected] or call Customer Support, weekdays 8 AM - midnight and weekends 9 AM - 7 PM Eastern Standard Time at 1-800-U2DATEK. Please call 1-201-761-7500 if you are calling from outside of the United States. You can also view the status of any cases regarding your account by choosing the @nswerbox link under the Account Services pull-down menu.

Sincerely,

William Mack
Customer Support
Datek Online Brokerage Services LLC
Member NASD/SIPC

The tone in the above letter is far different than the tone of the original letter and gives Mac users some hope that Datek is working to meet the needs of their Mac using customers. You can find more information about the company at the Datek Web site.