Hello Listers,

I'd like your advice/opinions on the value of renewing HP Support on
our HP3000 A400  running 7.5.
The first year's maintenance (HW and SW) were part of the purchase
package, and it's nearing the end of that period.   We have just
received the PP2 tape, but it is not yet installed.

Once we reach Dec. 2006, our intent is to continue to run the system
under 3rd party support, as we had done with the 937 it replaced.
(Vendors - please do NOT submit bids...)

Question is - do you consider it worth the cost ($600+ per month) to
stay with HP for the duration (until 12/2006)?  Will there be
Software Updates or essential patches that I'd miss out on, if we
drop SW support now?  I will definitely keep the A400 under HP
hardware support as long as possible.

I'm thinking we could take the $500/month SW cost, and apply most of
that (minus cost of 3rd party SW support), toward a new system.
Another option - HP used to offer different levels of SW support,
don't know if there are still any such options; if I could get a
contract that would give me OS updates & patches, without Response
Center support, for a significantly lower cost - that would be a
reasonable alternative.

Bottom line - what do you consider the advantages and disadvantages
of HP vs 3rd party Software Support from now until the EOS?

Thanks for your input.

Connie

--
cs/CFA

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