In message 
<[log in to unmask]>,
  Ray Shahan <[log in to unmask]> writes
>Thanks, Craig – LOL, I did that before I posted to the list.  Still 
>don’t know that it’s actually been done, and was it cost effective?
>
>

I believe the general consensus from those that have looked and smelt 
is:

1) Yes its been done, that's how the Stromasys product does it.
2) From all reports, Yes it works. It may still require some work for 
complex/large environments, but again from feedback I have received the 
average SME HP3000 should just run.
3) Is it cost effective? That depends where you view it from. If you are 
keeping HP3000 hardware running for a couple of thousand bucks a year, 
then No. If you are reliant on your HP3000 applications, are happy with 
the constraints of MPE, and think that will hold true for a few years, 
then Yes.

The analogy is rather like running an old car that you like and feel 
comfortable with as your daily transport. Its inexpensive to keep 
running, the local parts store and local garage seem to be able to 
supply and fix everything for a few hundred bucks when it breaks. But 
you have a nagging doubt that if you decided to undertake a cross 
continent journey that the engine might just expire with a loud bang. 
Now someone comes along and offers you a brand new engine for $5000.00, 
what do you do?

1) Decline the offer as too expensive, and carry on as now.
2) Accept the offer, and continue driving your comfortable old car for a 
number of years confident that its got a good engine that's going to be 
reliable.
3) Decide that if your going to spend $5000.00 that you may as well use 
it as a deposit and buy the new vehicle that you would really like and 
that will better suit your needs for the next decade.

Which is the best most cost effective choice, Ah well only you can know 
that, for as with so many things the answer is "It Depends"



-- 
Alan Yeo
[log in to unmask]    Just because you're paranoid
Phone +44 1684 291710   it doesn't mean someone isn't!.
Fax   +44 1684 291712

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