A fellow hp3000-L contributor wrote in a private message:

...
>  > No-one ever said that wielding monopoly power was not profitable.
>
>A very good point. Now, remind me again - who else makes an HP3000?

Actually, hp3000 users don't construct software for the hp3000
"computer" -- they develop software for the MPE-Image *interface*.

So, the question becomes:

         Where else can the MPE-Image interface run?


A couple of days ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Frank G. Soltis,
the IBM iSeries Chief Scientist.  Among his many accomplishments, he
wrote a book with an unfortunate name, which implies a "specific"
rather than a "general" topic.  Hopefully, folks on hp3000-L will be
able to quickly jump over naming (marketing?) choices and go straight
to the substance.

The "general" topic of the book is just what MPE-Image users want, in
terms of computer-science insights.

The "specific" topic of the book is the architecture of the iSeries,
but don't be fooled.  The "general" topic of the work is truly
fundamental and applies to ANY computer platform.

I highly recommend this book ("Fortress Rochester") and, in particular,
sections on "The Technology-Independent Machine Interface".


How can I tell a good "technology" book?  By the architecture (and
implementation) of the book itself.  Here is the "roadmap" (to use
a hackneyed bromide :-) that the book follows:

     The Architecture

     The Hardware (in deep bits-and-bytes treatment, with a
                  "chili pepper" rating system that Wirt would love
                  and that ranges from "relatively mild technical
                  content" to "smoking hot technical detail").

     The System Structure

     Application Enablers

     ... And so on


If you have some spare time, I believe that you would be wise to
invest it in studying this remarkable book by Frank G. Soltis.

Enjoy,

   _______________
  |               |
  |               |
  |            r  |  Alfredo                     [log in to unmask]
  |          e    |                           http://www.adager.com
  |        g      |  F. Alfredo Rego
  |      a        |  Manager, R & D Labs
  |    d          |  Adager Corporation
  |  A            |  Sun Valley, Idaho 83353-3000            U.S.A.
  |               |
  |_______________|

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