Hello Friends:

>At 12:12 PM 8/9/2001 -0700, David T Darnell wrote:
>  >Running Microsoft applications on a non-Windows platform would be OK, but
>  >I'd like to here about survival sans Microsoft as well.

Here at the 3000 NewsWire we manage our entire business  -
financials, inventory, circulation and production of Web pages and
print - without any Windows servers. We use Apple's Macs. As close as
we get is a Windows emulator that runs on one of our Macs, extremely
infrequently. We do use Microsoft's applications: Excel, Word,
PowerPoint and Explorer. Like or not these are commonplace, and we've
found life much easier in being able to accept and generate MS-app
files. As for mail services, I still believe avoiding Outlook is one
of the best ways to go. Eudora is a much better client.

In these days of rampant virus attacks, we're doing our
virus-checking behind a steep firewall: most of the malice is being
written for Windows desktops and servers. It's a similar to
protection the HP 3000 enjoys, which is one of the things that's made
us feel like kindred spirits to 3000 owners. All of us are operating
alternative platforms with a rich history of success.

There are always places, however, where being able to emulate a
Windows environment solves a problem quickest. A most recent example:
CSY's Webcasts, which are served up with an application that demands
Explorer running under Windows. The streaming archive files created
for the audio are also a Windows-only creation, something that
remains elusive to us. We burn CDs with Toast; the latest Mac OS X
lets you do this with just a drag across the desktop, I believe.

It probably sounds like heresy (to some) to propose a Window-less IT
environment. The same sentiment gets expressed about every solution
that's the leader in popularity. I hope David strikes a balance that
better suits his company while Thinking Different. Respecting
differences is a nice sign of maturity.
--

Ron Seybold, Editor In Chief
The 3000 NewsWire
Independent Information to Maximize Your HP 3000
http://www.3000newswire.com
512.331.0075 -- [log in to unmask]

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