Have you been disturbed by the fact that HP support revenue we pay is
not really directed to CSY (except for image/sql) for continued r&d on
the core functionality of MPE/iX.
 
As I understand it, the r&d efforts are funded through new system sales
and not support revenue. This creates an interesting problem for a mature
stable platform like the HP 3000. As new sales growth flattens out there
is not enough $$ to keep r&d going at a rate to keep the platform current
with technology. This then influences the growth rate negatively which
lowers r&d $$. A downward spiral of epic proportion.
 
IMNSHO this funding model guarantees a fast decline in any product that
begins to see its sales flatten out. Review your HP product history and
you will see this to be true.
 
Why couldn't we (the users, Interex Advocacy, etc) propose to HP that they
slightly adjust their funding model. Here is a brief proposal. I'm sure
others on this list have other creative ideas.
 
Simple funding model
--------------------
Add $50 to every HP 3000 annual support contract and give this $$
to csy for continued r&d on the platform.
If there are 50,000 supported systems then this will generate a
tidy sum of 2.5 million $$ per year.
 
 
 
Duane Percox  (QSS)
[log in to unmask] (v:415.306.1608 f:415.365.2706)
http://www.qss.com/    ftp://ftp.aimnet.com/pub/users/qssnet
Visit the 'Land of QWEBS' at http://www.qss.com/homeloq.html