I just received this private message from a shy HP3000 lover.  Here it is,
verbatim, for the edification of the whole HP3000-L:
 
>     Hi, Alfredo.
>
>     Did you receive the new HP Computer News?
>
>     There's a cover letter from Dick Watts, who took over from Wim
>     Roelandts.  In the letter he says "I want to personally assure you
>     that our tactical programs and commitments remain on track and on
>     time.  Our commitment to UNIX is as strong as ever and our goal of
>     maintaining and growing our worldwide UNIX market leadership remains
>     unchanged.  I believe that with your help we have all the right
>     strategies in place to accomplish this goal."
>
>     His message could have been much more politically correct, considering
>     that his audience includes HP3000 and HP1000 vendors, huh?
>
>     Take care and stay warm.
 
As a postscript, I would like to add that whenever I hear words along the
lines of "I want to personally assure you that our tactical programs and
commitments remain on track and on time..." I begin to REALLY worry.  As a
translation for those who were born yesterday (or, rather, today, because
we are in a fast-paced time warp), this just means, "Sorry, Unix folks.  HP
is now beginning to chase the new skirt in town: NT.  We are REALLY sorry,
but such is life in the me-too lane.  If we don't chase the new skirt in
town, we'll be left behind by the powers to be.  We have no control over
that and there is nothing we can do."
 
As a contrast, witness Microsoft.  Whatever one may say about Microsoft
software, one has to hand it to Bill Gates: He puts 110% of his commitment
behind his products and, not surprisingly, he manages to turn them around
from pieces of junk to tolerable products that, eventually, become market
leaders.  One can only speculate about the results of such an "amazing"
strategy within HP if HP management had taken GREAT products (such as the
HP3000) and put even 51% percent of HP's commitment behind them.
 
Food for thought (was "foot for mouth").
 
 
Just wondering,
 
+---------------+
|               |
|            r  |  Alfredo                     [log in to unmask]
|          e    |                           http://www.adager.com
|        g      |  F. Alfredo Rego               Tel 208 726-9100
|      a        |  Manager, Theoretical Group    Fax 208 726-2822
|    d          |  Adager Corporation
|  A            |  Sun Valley, Idaho 83353-3000            U.S.A.
|               |
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