Putting a different verison of MPE/iX on a small machine for
developers does not particularly interest me -- because it is
another operating system to support. Afterall, even suppose this did
happen. How would the developer be able to guarantee their software
running on MPE/iX 5.5/700 really works on the big MPE/iX 5.5 boxes,
if, indeed, there were many differences in the operating system.
 
However, a version licensed
on a box appropriate for a one-man dev shop is what I would have
wanted several years ago.
 
I have always found it interesting that I could buy enough
devloper software on a PC platform for less than $1000 to get
started on a project. However, the going price for just a compiler
on a 3000 was/is? $4000 +.
 
MS doesn't do everything correctly, but they sure know how to
MAKE a market. This is ONE BIG difference between HP and MS.
How many PC applications started in the home basement?
HP waits for the market. MS helps generate the market -- in this
case by providing development software at a price Mr Average Joe
Street can afford. And if he makes a good product, sells 1000 to
10 mikllion copies, so be it. MS is ultimately a winner also.
Sure, the guy was small potatoes. They all were at one time.
 
I am amazed that (most of) the other (non-MS) manufacturers don't get it yet
 
Elbert