While we're speaking of software support (ahem) and "right to use"...
 
Suppose you purchased "right to use" Basic/V umpteen years ago.  It is
still supported, HP still takes support dollars for it, and isn't about
to do anything for it other than keep it running.  If you drop support,
what happens?  No more Basic on your subsys tape.  But I don't think
there are any SL/XL/NL dependencies here, so no harm done.
 
If you "drop support" essentially saying you are "content with the product
as it stands" can you still use it?  Perpetually?
 
Dropping support means you won't get the necessary files on future subsys
tapes.  Not a problem *unless* there are SL/NL/XL dependent routines which
will be omitted in subsequent releases.  Can you get "source" - of course
not; can you get a "USL/NMOBJ/NMRL" - not clear.
 
More and more products are falling into the "no planned enhancements, though
we will continue to support" category.  This is the old "if it ain't broke,
don't fix it" adage, and I was tempted to state this on the Glance/iX reply
stating essentially what I said to open this paragraph.  This says to me,
in essence, that "we will continue defer your obsolescence as long as you
keep paying the bill".  Or restated, "we will continue do to nothing for as
long as you wish to pay".
 
What's wrong with this picture?
 
This isn't intended as a general criticism; I feel that much of my support
dollars are well spent.  I just have an issue with those products that have
been sent to the semi-obsolete category and demand equal support funds.
 
Jeff Kell <[log in to unmask]>