One of the questions that came out of the SIGMPG session for
OpenMPE on this topic had to do with "If people/companies make a
donation of a certain amount (let's say $5k) would they get a copy of
the emulator in return?"  I would like to know people's reaction to this
idea.  I think my biggest concern to be honest, is the liability.  For
example, if we had 10 companies do this (for $50k total), we used that
money to do all the preliminary work and then, for whatever reason, a
production emulator is not created.  What is the expectation (and
liability)?

        Can we have some discussion around what people and companies
would need and want for this additional option to be available?

Thanx,
    Jon Backus



-----Original Message-----
From: OpenMPE Support Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Jon Backus
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2003 2:10 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [OPENMPE] Emulator Status


   The "hottest" topic of the OpenMPE session was the PA-RISC emulator.
We had a couple good announcements.  There have been a couple vendors
express interest in creating an emulator.  One of the concerns is how
big is the potential customer basis for an emulator and is it big enough
for multiple emulators to build successful business cases?  Worse yet,
is it big enough for a single "commercial" business case?  And, if so,
are we back in the same boat being dependent on a single vendor for the
future of MPE (should the commercial emulator vendor decide to leave the
market, for whatever reason). The OpenMPE board has talked with the
vendors and they have acknowledged an interest in potential outside
funding.  They problem there is we do not expect enough donated funds to
"help" multiple vendors.  So, what to do?

"Emulator Committee" - We announced that a committee has been formed to
create an RFP (Request for Proposal).  We will then use the results of
the RFP process to select a single "best of breed" solution to support.
This committee is being chaired by Mark Klein.  Gavin Scott, of Allegro,
has agreed to be on the committee all the way through.  Jeff Vance, of
HP, has been given permission to be on the "front end" of the committee,
meaning he will help to write the RFP but will not be part of the final
selection.  Once the initial RFP is written it will be made available to
the OpenMPE community for review before going to the vendors for
consideration.  This will allow for user input, and potential
adjustments.

"Emulator Fund Drive" - We are kicking off a fund drive effort to raise
money for the community funded process, including the coding of an
emulator.  We are strongly encouraging anybody that wishes to see an
emulator come into being, to visit the OpenMPE web site
(www.OpenMPE.org) and make a donation, which can be earmarked
exclusively for the Emulator project.  Everybody that makes a donation
will get a full accounting of the funds and how they are being used.

"Emulator Beta Program" - We are seeking existing MPE shops that wish to
be part of the emulator beta test program.  If your company would like
to be involved let us know.  Based on the nature of how you use the
HP3000, we will select a manageable group of candidates for the program.

   I CAN NOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH !!!  Now is the time for the user
community to be heard.  If the donation fall well short of the needs for
the creation of an emulator, then that is a very strong message and
there is a very high likelihood that one will not be created.  Please
let us know of any hurdles that prevent you from being involved so we
can do our best to clear them.

Thanx,
   Jon Backus