Hi Jim,

I propose to you that HP has already made "a break” and for all practical purposes has already moved "away from MPE".  But let's deal with those things that we do have control over.

If OpenMPE is to succeed, then the OpenMPE board must build a business case (again, in dollars, not a census).  Experience has shown time and time again that a solid business case will motivate HP to action.  If OpenMPE gives HP a fist full of letters of intent - as it is structured today - then it will be discounted as another group of propeller-head TECHNICIANS and not a concerned group of BUSINESS PEOPLE.

I agree that not every public company bases decisions on stockholder value.  Simple economics dictates that those who ignore it will be soon out of business.

However, we are not talking about theoretical companies -- we are discussing HP.  And HP does value the enhancement of stockholder value.  If the board can demonstrate how OpenMPE can help accomplish this, only then you will have HP's ear.

OK, we will agree to disagree.



--

Dale Halterman          Wumly Consulting Services, Inc.
510/703-5849    mailto:[log in to unmask]  http://www.wumly.com
  "Professional Services to Information Systems Management"
    specializing on all types of HP equipment since 1988.




On Mon, 11 Mar 2002 10:38:19 -0500 Jonathan M. Backus wrote:
Dale,

        I'm afraid I don't fully understand your point or concerns, so I can't
completely react to it.  This may simply be an issue of agreeing to disagree
on content or approach.  The "Letter of Intent" outlines the goals of
OpenMPE, Inc., it outlines the potential costs, and it asks vendors and
users of MPE to go on record indicating they wish for these goals to be met
and they believe at this time they are willing to pay the costs (as
outlined) if it happens.

        Not every decision a corporation makes has to translate directly into an
increase in stock value.  The MPE community has been a group of long
standing loyal HP customers, many of which have chosen to purchase HP stock
over the years.  HP's decision to enable another company to take over MPE
has indirect results for the company.  There is good will towards this
community of users.  There is more time to migrate for the customers that
are seeking that, which could translate into some of them migrating to other
HP platforms.  There is the chance for HP to make a break and move away from
MPE without fighting through all the issues of abandoning (or retiring) a
platform.

Thanx,
        Jon

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