Bob Walker wrote:
>
> This thread brings a similar issue to mind.
>
> There seems to be a variety of reasons that management can
> come up with for moving from HP3000 to NT.
> The one I have to contend with is:
>
> 'There is little expertise out there in HP3000 systems. If you got hit
> by a bus, we would have a hard time hiring someone off the street
> that could come in and quickly assume control of the HP3000
> system and databases, therefore we want to a move to platform
> where we can readily hire replacements if need be.'

ARe you running custom software or commercial?
If commercial, should should be able to get emergency level
help from your vendor.  If custom, you should have more than
one person on staff who knows at least something about most of
the things that matter the most. If you have an HP or 3rd
party support contract, they will assist you with an emergency
like that. Of course, if they really want to be able to survive
a lose like that easily, then you need an assistant position without
regard to platform or application.

Besides, any platform and any application package requires knowledge
and learning of your enviornment.  HP3k people are available, even
if it takes a bit more looking and a bit more money.  So, the issue
is *not* obtaining a replacement, but how much of a risk is taken before a
replacement is hired and can you get quick support in the interrim if
really needed. How does this risk compare to losing any other position -
Registrar, Facilicies engineer, Budget director, etc.

Remember it is "hard" to get any time of IT replacement with experience in
*your* use of applications and *your* use of platforms, no matter what the
choices.

>
> If I may impose, to those who have the inclination, how would you
> answer this in a reasoned manner?
> Answer's like 'That's absurd!', although true, are not really useful.

"Hey, it's nice to know I'm appreciated, now about that raise.":-)

>
> Environment:
> 1 HP3000 - 939  100 user license. MPE 5.5 Xpress 7 + patches.
>    Image/SQL and Client/Server very active.
>    Apache heavily used.
>    Samba.
> Support:
> 1 - me. about 10% of my time spent on systems(updates, patches,
> backups, id creation). Not much time spent, but when needed, it's
> fairly complicated, that is, latest patches and revisions of everthing.
> 1 - backup to me. Less expertise, used to be system manager
> years ago.

So, you do have a backup, so what's the issue?!

HP Updates and vendor stuff is your least worry - help is available. This
should not be a major concern area.

It's custom stuff where you are likely actually more vulnerable. To
maintain custom code you should have two staff (or more, of course) more
or less familar with the most important application and database things.

Richard G.

>
> Location:
> Vancouver, BC, Canada.
>
> Thanks to any that can give advice.
> Bob.
> --=--=--
> Bob Walker, Computer Centre  --  [log in to unmask]
> Capilano College, North Vancouver, BC, CANADA.
> ------
> 'No one is listening until you make a mistake.'


--
Richard L Gambrell
Database Administrator and
Consultant to Computing Services at UTC

** UTC business:
  University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  113 Hunter Hall, Dept. 4454
  615 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37403-2598
  fax: 423-755-4025
  phone: 423-755-4551       email: [log in to unmask]

** other business or private:
  voice mail/phone: 423-874-0261  email: [log in to unmask]