--- Russ Smith <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> >  If you can't find a
> > replacement for software on your HP3000, maybe you need to re-evaluate
> > your needs.
>
> And how is revisiting an analysis of what the company does and needs, going
> to help anyone see that differently?  If we determine that the HP3000
> running application suite X is the best solution for our business needs, the
> only way that will change is if we look again and say "oh but that option is
> no longer available".  It may not be available, but it is *still* the best
> option.  Can we find a replacement?  Yes.  Is it a better option?  No,
> otherwise we would have already chosen it instead.  When the answer is still
> going to be a custom application running on a single centralized server with
> a tightly integrated DBMS, now we have to look for another system capable of
> handling it and then we're looking at other vendors because HP is making us
> leave their version of that answer.

I was speaking in general terms.  If you're talking about a 3rd party package
that is not a major part of how your company does business, then re-evaluating
your needs is reasonable (eg: maybe e-mailing that document instead of printing
it will work).  As the scope increases, then re-evaluation becomes less and
less reasonable.

> >  Am I happy that HP has decided this?  Of course
> > not.  But none of us should have been surprised by this.  Now each of
> > us have to make the decision to continue on a risky path or move onto a
> > more stable path.
>
> Raise your hand if you think HPUX/Oracle or WINTEL/SQL systems are going to
> be more "stable" than MPE/Image.

Of course not.  However, I *do* consider moving to a platform that a company
still stands behind as being a more stable path (even if the platform itself is
less stable than the HP3000).  [And this is the reason I will not recommend
moving to an HP9000 - because I don't believe HP will not decide to pull the
plug on that.]  Which brings us back to the purpose of OpenMPE - to try to
bring more stability to the HP3000 after HP dumps it.

Allow me to tell you where our company is coming from...  We need to replace
our ERP package (MANMAN) with something more modern and with more capabilities.
 First, ASK sells it to Computer Associates who just wanted it for the money
(imagine that).  They add next to nothing to the product.  Oracle decides to
stop supporting the HP3000.  HP then announces they're discontinuing the
HP3000.  CA then sells MANMAN to SSA - who recently decided there will be no
more new releases.  For me, the writing on the wall has slowly become easier to
read.  We are forced to go to a platform that is still being supported and to a
database that will not be as stable as Image.  Am I happy with the events?
Heck no.  My life will become more complicated and more stressful (if that's
possible).  That great feeling of the past 15 years of watching the non-HP3000
world struggle is coming to an end for me...

> > Criticizing
> > another person's approach to software accomplishes nothing.
>
> I disagree.  If the criticism is constructive it may *teach* a person
> something.  :)

I agree (and smiley noted).  I was referring to Cecile Chi's comment: "Mr.
Schwartzman does not seem to be living in the real world."  He's just living in
a different world - as is each of us.

Paul Meyerhofer
Wilson Greatbatch Technologies

> Rs~
>
> Russ Smith
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> The opinions expressed in this email are mine, and are not meant to reflect
> those of any other party.  The subject matter herein is intended solely for
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