I am investigating options for us to upgrade our 960 (and possibly 950)
to "something bigger".  Currently the 950 serves as our academic/library
machine, while the 960 has administrative applications and development.
The 960 needs an upgrade, but of course both the 950/960 are of limited
value these days.  Options would be:
 
* Upgrade to a "big" box and consolidate production of both on it, and
  get a small box for development,
 
* Keep 950 or 960 for development, upgrade the other to a big consolidated
  box,
 
* Leave library alone (or move to 960) and just upgrade admin machine.
 
My problem is with software licensing.  We have "tier-based" software which
is unlimited license (legacy) except for Image/SQL.  I've been told by one
source that you can't move software from a 960 to, say, a 987; particularly
MPE.  Given the cost of a 160-user MPE license (whew!) I'm taken aback.
The only option here is to go the 980 route (which has software licensing
issues to play again, since that's a higher tier than the 960, and just costs
that much more to upgrade to another technologically dying box).  Can't you
transfer software licenses from a 960 to a 987 without penalty?  (they are
the same tier, aren't they?)
 
General comments are welcome.  Specifics from vendors by private-email also
welcome (I've waited a year for HP's suggestions).
 
Jeff Kell <[log in to unmask]>