In <[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask] (Ron
Seybold) writes:
 
>
>In article <[log in to unmask]>, [log in to unmask]
(Steven
>Verona) wrote:
>
>> Why continue to go through all of these connectivity problems.  The
>> ideal solution is to migrate all the software off the HP3K and onto
the
>> UNIX system.  This can be accomplished in an automated fashion by
>> DB-Net, Inc. (614-436-6565, ask for Steven).  Their service is fast
and
>> relatively inexpensive and requires no retraining for the users.
>
>Where's the PLUG ALERT? This poster works for DB-Net.
>
>Migration to another platform might be ideal, and it might not. Be sure
to
>advise any callers they'll need to pony up for a Unix database, spooler
>software and a backup solution while migrating. Anything less and the
Unix
>system won't do what MPE already does. The extra cost might make the
>solution less ideal. And let's hope they're migrating a Cobol
application
>for which they have source code. I've been told that's where the DB-Net
>expertise begins and ends.
>
>Don't bother to extend your reach between systems. If your arm's not
long
>enough, just lop it off and get somebody else's arm in there to reach
for
>you.
>
>Migration can be a pretty radical thing. Serving the needs that are
>already out there is one thing. Advocating it, without doing any
checking
>on budgets or company missions, isn't very responsible. It's great for
>sales, though.
>
>--
>Ron Seybold
>Seybold Media
>512-331-0075
>[log in to unmask]
>
 
I would like to preface this response with a few points.  First, I would
like to point out that I work for DB-Net, Inc.  I must admit that some
of my responses are a bit biased because I am the VP of Marketing.  I am
trying to educate the public to the fact that there is a viable solution
to the proprietary system dilema.  I wish to post this UNBIASED response
containing a factual rebuttal to a few of the ideas expressed in the
previous response.
 
> advise any callers they'll need to pony up for a Unix database, >
spooler software and a backup solution
 
Although it is true that you need to obtain a UNIX database and this
needs to be included in your cost analysis, you can choose how much you
wish to spend ranging from free to thousands of dollars.  I must point
out that you have many more choices for a database on UNIX than on the
HP3K, therefore prices are more competitive yieldig a better value.
 
As far as spooler software is concerned, have you ever heard of a UNIX
daemon or line listener?  These two things are included in your UNIX OS.
 
Backup software:  Apparently you have never used tar (tape archives) or
cpio (copy io).  These two things are also included in your UNIX OS.
 
>And let's hope they're migrating a Cobol application for which they
>have source code. I've been told that's where the DB-Net expertise
>begins and ends.
 
Where did you hear that??  DB-Net's talented programmers have extensive
experience with COBOL, FORTRAN, C, RPG, Assembler, BASIC, SQL, SPL,
Prolog, LISP, etc.  Although we prefer to have the source code, we can
work without the source code through reverse-engineering.  The reason we
prefer to have the source code is so that the customer can continue to
develop their programs after the migration is complete.
 
>Migration can be a pretty radical thing. Serving the needs that >are
already out there is one thing. Advocating it, without doing any
>checking on budgets or company missions, isn't very responsible. It's
>great for sales, though.
 
First, I agree that advocating migrations to everyone is irresponsible.
 That is why I do not do that.  I am simply pointing out an alternative
for people to analyze on their own and with the help of objective
information.  I beleive that DB-Net offers the best solution for those
people wishing to take advantage of UNIX's benefits.  I do not think
that migration is for everyone.  I do think migration is the proper
soltion for most people wanting to eliminate their proprietary systems.
 
One last point, you eluded to the fact that you think my response was
irresponsible.  I feel as though MY RESPONSE IS RESPONSIBLE.  I have a
responsibility to inform people of their options.  You, as a writer and
journalist, have a similar responsibility.  I suggest that you check
your facts before publishing them and you keep your biases out of your
writing.  You should be informing people of the pros and cons of
migrations and not stating your somewhat uninformed opinions as fact.