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