About a year ago there was a discussion about code naming an emulator
project and one of the suggestions was "Morphe".  So, let's start to create
a very specific definition for "Morphe" as it is used in our discussion as
the simulating of the Hewlett-Packard PA-RISC instruction set and related
hardware to allow for the execution of the MPE/iX operating system and
related sub-systems without requiring any modifications.

        Let's reflect back on my proposal of a community owned "Morphe" solution.
We've been talking about roughly one million dollars needed.  We've talked
about how many "sales" would need to happen at various "selling prices".
We've talked about different time periods to implement Morphe.  If OpenMPE
coordinates a community funded and owned project then the whole million
dollars would not need to be present day one (although it would be nice).
If the development takes four years then we would need to come up with the
money to cover the expenses (salary) on an ongoing basis for the duration of
the project life cycle.  The number of "it depends" people that might switch
to "ok" could be greater if they actually see progress being made.  We could
take money for the project as a percentage of membership dues (assuming we
increase from zero) or we could have a separate fund drive.  Either way, the
money paid toward the project by individuals (or companies) could be counted
as payment on their copy (or copies) of the emulator.

        This could serve two points.  It could take the sting out of the cost.  For
example, instead of saying we need you to put down $4,000 upfront and we'll
get back to you in four years with an emulator (hopefully).  We could say we
need you to put down $1,000 a year for four years and you will get an
emulator at the end of the four years.  This would protect you to an extent
in that you could pull out if you feel the project is going south or your
company looses all interested before the end.  New company's could join in
during the four year project and simply pay the balance at the end for their
copy.  It would also take the sting out of the cost for the "Morphe" project
team.  They may not want to sink any degree of effort on the project without
seeing the commercial viability or the million dollars upfront.  With this
approach, it's just another project they have been contracted to do.  As
long as their hours are being paid for on an ongoing basis they should be
happy.  If the project goes south, they are not out anything.

Thanx,
        Jon