I was just talking to one of my consulting clients about the forced
migration away from MPE.

It occurred to us that:
1) All of us went through a Y2K decision process re migrate off MPE or stay
and play just a couple of years ago.
2) Many of those of us left on MPE made a decision that on balance, it was
better to invest in MPE than a platform migration, particularly since HP
was promising IA-64 and a long term hardware/software platform commitment.

Now we find that HP seems to be reneging on those commitments.  While I
understand that the decision was likely very difficult for CSY to make and
that they think that they did us a favour, I hope that CSY understands how
VERY bitter many in the community are feeling.  The "HPWorld 2001"
references on the Webcast materials is also cause for some paranoia in
light of what is happening and fuels the flames. CSY was still pushing MPE
very hard at HPWorld.

If we stop and think, CSY people may be some of the most affected by the
decision, at least in the short term.  I am sure that they feel that they
did the right things for the community, I just wonder if they realize how
much many people disagree with that assessment.  I am fairly certain that
many of the comments made over the past weeks are very hurtful to
individuals at CSY and I hope that they realize that hopefully the comments
are simply frustration and not person attacks.

As far as charging for the webcasts, others have already made the point for
me.  The HPUX and Linux folks at HP should view this opportunity as a low
cost, high leverage opportunity to keep us on HP hardware.  I am sure that
IBM and Sun will not charge to provide the first level of migration
support.  I agree that HP should charge for services specific to an
individual case (or not) but that even there, a case could be made for it
as a "cost of sales".


Brian Duncombe  [log in to unmask]  http://www.triolet.com
voice: 1-877-TRIOLET (874-6538) (905)632-2773 fax: (905) 632-8704
"Inside every large program is a small one struggling to get out"
C.A.R. Hoare

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