I met with HP reps last week about the future of HP3000, Information
     Access, Open Desk, Resource Sharing and the response center.  I do not
     believe that HP is interested in keeping the 3000 alive even if it
     were funded.  Their primary interest if any seems to be in selling
     HP-UX boxes with 3rd party software solutions.  I'm looking at moving
     totally away from HP as fast as I can.  I have been a fan of HP for
     years and I'm sad to say there is no future for me with HP!!!
 
 
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: HP3k longevity/funding models
Author:  HP3000-L ([log in to unmask]) at uuenin
Date:    8/28/96 1:41 PM
 
 
Duane Percox <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
 
>Have you been disturbed by the fact that HP support revenue we pay is
>not really directed to CSY (except for image/sql) for continued r&d on
>the core functionality of MPE/iX.
>
>As I understand it, the r&d efforts are funded through new system sales
>and not support revenue.
 
Right -- it's the LaserJet funding model!
 
>This creates an interesting problem for a mature stable platform like
>the HP 3000. As new sales growth flattens out there is not enough $$
>to keep r&d going at a rate to keep the platform current with technology.
>This then influences the growth rate negatively which lowers r&d $$.
>A downward spiral of epic proportion.
 
Well now, if you want to keep your LaserJet II current you don't upgrade it
 -- you go out and buy a brand new LaserJet 5.  And certainly with a
commodity product like desktop printers there will never be enough support
dollars to pay for R&D -- the R&D dollars *must* come from new unit sales
dollars.
 
>IMNSHO this funding model guarantees a fast decline in any product that
>begins to see its sales flatten out. Review your HP product history and
>you will see this to be true.
 
But we know that HP (with printers at least) "eats their children"...
 
>Why couldn't we (the users, Interex Advocacy, etc) propose to HP that they
>slightly adjust their funding model. Here is a brief proposal. I'm sure
>others on this list have other creative ideas.
>
>Simple funding model
>--------------------
>Add $50 to every HP 3000 annual support contract and give this $$
>to csy for continued r&d on the platform.
>If there are 50,000 supported systems then this will generate a
>tidy sum of 2.5 million $$ per year.
 
Excellent idea!  But only $50/year?
 
 -- Evan