Hi all.
   Just my $.02... I like Jerry's concept of the subtle jab at the "industry
standard" IT options.

RAT

_______________________________________________________________________
 Rich Trapp "RAT"
 Managed Business Solutions   [log in to unmask]   http://www.mbsnav.com
 Assigned to Design Automation Support at Agilent Technologies
 Telnet or 970-679-2221 [log in to unmask]  Loveland, CO USA

_______________________________________________________________________


-----Original Message-----
From: Jerry Fochtman [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2000 6:48 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: My turn: Focus, people!: e3000 Ad (*BETA*)


I personally think a slightly different approach which actually uses
the current 'lack of visibility' may actually generate the desirable
reverse affect.  Congratulating HP for being low-key about the HPe3000,
the key to 'our business success over our competitors' might actually
generate interest.  If potential high-level corporate people start
inquiring at their corresponding levels in HP, the HP folks may very
will have to be in a position to talk/extol about the HP3eK.  This
seems to be a more tactful method than using this ad vehicle to make
it look like HP's CEO doesn't know about/acknowledge one of their
products.  The later approach may generate some difficulties.

For example, an ad like:

 >>>>>>>>>>

100% availability - POSIX - IA-64 - JAVA - WEB-enabling technologies
- Image - Apache - 25 years of compatible - High performing OLTP
- scalability - (etc.)

"Dear Carly:

  Thank-you for keeping HP's best business
  computing technology out of today's morass
  of shifting information technology (IT?) options.
  While our competitors use valuable resources
  in their attempt to employ the latest unproven
  technologies, we continue to meet our business
  challenges and expand our markets using the
  cost-effective, forward moving technology
  invented by HP.

  Signed,
  HPe3000 users worldwide

* http://www.hp.com/go/3000

Paid for by the following companies and private individuals:  etc.
(No logos, etc., as it dilutes the message by making it appear
to indeed be a sales/marketing ad by HP.  Besides, it'll take a
large list of contributors to be able to cover the cost and we'll
need to space.  Also, even alternate web sites can be part of a
marketing campaign, I would hesitate using them.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<

It's subtle, yet also carries an underlying message without potentially
provoking HP corporate.  Kinda like a back-handed compliment, with a
message that some corporate folks continue to chase the latest
technology 'skirt', while those with the HPe3K quietly and effectively
become the market leaders.... :)

/jf  (Back to my cave.... )