On Nov 20, 2007 5:32 AM, Simpkins, Terry
<[log in to unmask]> forwarded:

> 1.      Does any vendor refurbish HP3000s legally without HP? What does this entail and
> how do we know those vendors from other vendors? Will others emerge?

there are a number of vendors that legally sell used hp3000 systems.
typically, these vendors will also (broadly) suggest you buy hardware
support from them as well.  as with most things we buy, do your
homework.  ask for references.  ask about how long they been in
business.  etc...

> 2.      Has anyone had a business case for HP to convert an HP9000 into an HP3000?
> What does it entail and how long does it take? Does anybody have a firm commitment from
> HP to create a HP3000 from a HP9000?

this is slippery ground.  for some people, converting a 9000 into a
3000 entailed jail time ;-)  if you search hp's web site, you should
be able to find an article from hp that discusses the conditions that
need to be met in order for hp to step in to help with hardware
problems.

imo, there is no hardware shortage at the moment.  that does not
excuse you (as a company) from doing your due diligence if your
foreseeable mpe-future stretches out beyond 2010.  again, this is the
kind of conversation i strongly recommend you have with your hardware
vendor.

> 3.      When buying an HP3000, how do you transfer SUSAN numbers legally?

i believe (and i'll undoubtedly be corrected if i'm mistaken) that you
do not transfer mpe licenses.  if you buy a 3000, you all buy the
license as well.

> 4.      How should parts and entire HP3000 systems be stored if stockpiled?  What ration of
> parts will be functional after being stored for 6/12/28/24 months?  What will be the level of
> workability for parts and systems after 2008?

i'm not sure you (as a company) should be worrying about stockpiling
hardware unless you've got some circumstance (like being based in the
yukon or something :-) that warrants doing so.  again, the hardware
support vendor that you *partner* with should being doing this for
(and is another example of the kind of question you need to ask).

having said that, i'll as strongly as possible urge you to look at
upgrading your disc.  it's probably the one component most likely to
fail on your box -- especially if you're still running internal 4 or
8gb drives.  if your drives have been in service for more than 8-10
years (did you put in new disc to upgrade to 5.5 for y2k?), imo you're
skating on thin ice!  it's a matter of time before you'll be changing
disc in a panic instead easily over some weekend.  so ask your vendor
-- do you have staff that can assist with a disk migration?

i'll add in one other comment.  do not even *think* of trying to
homestead without hardware support.  sure, it *looks* cheap to buy
hardware only when something breaks.  however, if you come to your
local hardware vendor 5 years from now wanting a replacement "X" and
you've no previous relationship with this company, i wouldn't much
blame them for laughing uproariously after you get off the phone.
otoh, establishing a relationship (eg, contract = spending money) with
them now -- you can jointly determine your best course(s) of action.

> 5.      Will MPE emulators emerge?   Will Infor allow emulators or have any control over what
> machine we run MANMAN on?

(infor?) there is increasing interest in an mpe emulator.  companies
that are anticipating a l-o-n-g stay on mpe know that at some point
hardware will become an issue and are seeing an emulator as a way to
stay on mpe as well as be able to run on up-to-date hardware.  if your
company is envisioning this, i suggest you contact openmpe.  (and yes,
i'm on the board of openmpe....)

> 6.      Will new drivers be available or emerge?

from hp?  it's hard to say.  have you contacted hp so that they are
aware of your needs?

> 7.      What will be the HP3000 inventory after 2008?

there are others that can say better....but imo, it will be
fine....but not forever....

> 8.      How do we safely move our HP3000s to a new facility?

planning, planning and more planning.

- get double backups and verify them.
- have a hardware vendor ready to go...because the powercycling is
likely to be the culprit for hardware failure more so than the
'shaking' from the move.

finally, just to be a wee bit grumpy about the whole subject....

but there is NO SUCH THING as running any kind of computer system for
free!  deal with it!  loosen the purse strings and do the right thing.
 take care of your computers and you save money in the long run.

if you plan on running any computer for a long time -- 1) make friends
with your local hardware support vendor; 2) find like-minded users
(hp3000-l and openmpe come to mind for mpe-related things) and 3) plan
plan and plan some more.

         - d

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