To all users of TurboIMAGE and Image/SQL: Now that y'all have had a couple weeks to "digest" the CSY 14 Nov HP e3000 "end of sales" / "end of support" announcement, we need to take some quick action to come up with an updated list of Interex System Improvement Ballot (SIB) enhancements that CSY can still implement before the enhancement coach turns into a pumpkin at the end of October 2003. Note that is only 23 months away; and has to include time for beta-testing and software release. So as a practical matter the "final countdown" on getting additional MPE / Image/SQL enhancement work started is likely already down to <= 18 months. CSY has in fact requested that we expedite the SIB process; so they can start working ASAP on whatever the next list of enhancements ends up being. In order to facilitate that effort, I will do two things and propose that you the users participate in a third: (1) In separate message tonight I will post a list of all items that were still on the long-standing "Now / Soon Available in Image/SQL" list in "SOON" status as of HPW-2001-Chicago. Summary of all "SOON" items is: They are all either done / close to done / in beta test. Given that state, and that it will take at least a few weeks to go through an accelerated SIB process, without objection I propose that we let the Database Lab finish all items they have been working on; and get them out to the user base in an appropriate release vehicle. (2) In separate message (hopefully) by this Sunday swing shift, I will post in text format the current SIGImage/SQL Enhancement "A" list (at SIG-3000 last February a number of items were moved to a "B" list; i.e.: lower priority. Given 14 Nov, without objection all "B" list items fall off the end of the world (or at least get filed in the "ignore for now - maybe someday if OPENIMAGE happens" folder) ). (3) Here is the ACTION for ALL USERS: After reviewing above two emails, please reply directly to me and to 3000-L, with what your site would now consider high-priority enhancement needs for Image/SQL that are NOT already on the "A" list; in light of 14 Nov. Discussion by all is invited and encouraged. TEN DAYS from right now (10 Dec) SIGImage/SQL will narrow down the "A" list to five to seven items that will be forwarded to the next SIB round. Note will likely be another SIB round in about six months instead of one year as was usual; to allow refinement and update as the "23-month clock" winds down. NOTE: One item y'all do NOT have to bother to suggest; that I believe by consensus of the MPE Forum will automatically be added to next SIB: "CSY facilitate OPENMPE / OPENIMAGE" (just how, when, and to what degree still TBD).... Ken Sletten SIGImage/SQL Chair * To join/leave the list, search archives, change list settings, * * etc., please visit http://raven.utc.edu/archives/hp3000-l.html *