On 9/14/06, Roy Brown <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> In message
> <[log in to unmask]>, Pete
> <[log in to unmask]> writes
>
> <Snip>
>
> >Which brings me back to my original idea.  Use Linux as the chassis
> >and build a user mode MPE interior with all of the familiar controls,
> >layout, and easy-of-use design.  The key in a nutshell, is to build a
> >wall of MPE intrinsics separating user mode MPE on one side, and a
> >Linux platform on the other.  Between 85% to 95% of MPE/iX can be
> >thrown away as not only unnecessary, but replaced by better components
> >of a Linux platform and with no ongoing support costs, with free
> >enhancements, and with free support of new server hardware and
> >peripherals.  In this scenario, you are not trying to beat Linux
> >(which even MS has failed miserably to squash for over 10 years), you
> >are joining Linux, and acquiring all of its resources by default.  I
> >still haven't seen anything that says this idea won't work, nor have I
> >seen any other idea that is anywhere near as economically feasible.
> >If I am wrong on either account, please enlighten me.
> >
> >- Pete
>
> I don't think you are wrong at all.
>
> I think you are describing Transport pretty closely.
>
> http://www.xformix.com/xform/xformmf.htm
> --

I took a look at it.  Looks like a fine product.  I do have some
questions/comments.

1)  Appears to be focused on converting your applications to the *nix
world.  I am interested in creating an MPE world where conversion is
not required and *nix world is not exposed, except through PM.

2)  It is not open source.  I would like to see a complete GPL/LGPL
solution that can be led by OpenMPE, and anyone is free to
investigate, debug, or enhance.  Official version would still come
from, or authorized by OpenMPE (with crytographically tamper-proof
safeguards).

3)  It should be created as a Linux install package, providing for
dependency checking and including Linux tools to create one or more
MPE environments, and a tool to setup appropriate terminal linkages
for users.  In this day and age, maybe setting MPE up as a Linux
TCP/IP service with an assignable port number is all that is
necessary.

4) Transport comes close to proving that it can be done.

> Roy Brown        'Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be
> Kelmscott Ltd     useful, or believe to be beautiful'  William Morris
>