On Wed, 17 Sep 2003 12:14:57 -0500, Ron Seybold <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:

>3000 hardware available. MPE development outside HP needs to start as
>soon as HP will allow it to begin.
>
>And so we return to the rubbing point of the homesteader's life. Or
>as Mike put it, "I do think he's saying that his business plans
>cannot wait for that to happen." It's a matter of waiting, isn't it?
>And each week that ticks away with no firm post-2006 MPE future puts
>another customer like those at Tufts or IES onto the migration path.

I agree totally. HP has been dragging its feet and continues to do so. I
also think it's intentional in hope to get as many people on the migration
path as possible.

>In the end, a computer customer wants somebody to be responsible:
>Microsoft, Red Hat (through support), HP. Giving OpenMPE a chance to
>be responsible -- well, that's something HP can do for the 3000
>community. Maybe HP is waiting for OpenMPE to mount a membership
>drive with skin in the game (revenues via fees), so OpenMPE can fund
>its virtual lab. How else can HP decide if moving the source will be
>in the customers' best interest?

Isn't it a chicken-and-egg thing? HP is waiting for OpenMPE to get its
membership/fund-raising on a roll to prove there's serious interest out
there. However, customers who are (were?) interested in an emulator or vLab
are waiting for a positive *clear* message from HP that they will not
interfere and give the project every chance to succeed.

As Ron often likes to use sports analogies, HP has decided to leave the
e3000/MPE league to move to a different (but not necessarily better)
league. In the process, they want to close down all MPE stadiums, bring all
the equipment, players and fans with them. A lot of players and fans are
happy with the "old" league and don't want to leave. Why don't HP be a good
sport, let them have the stadiums and equipment. Let them continue to play
in that league. If it ever comes to die because of lack of
players/fans/funds, so be it. HP at least gave them the chance to give it a
go.

HP always said they did what they did for the customers own good. Now that
there are only a few weeks to EOS, it's time for HP to let go. You've done
enough "good" things for us. I still have some faint hope that, comes 2004
(or earlier), HP will announce that it's setting MPE free.

François Desrochers