[Info-vax] something weird just happened

[Neil Rieck]

This happened to me last week and I have been wondering if I should
mention it here, or how I could find the words. So I'm only going to
tell you what I heard.

###

We were asked to build an off-site DRP system to match our AlphaServer-
DS20e based business system. Before we purchase any hardware outside
of the company, we are required to check with our corporate reuse
center. I did this last week and learned that I could have my pick of
five AS-DS20e systems that just arrived. I asked the manager if he
knew where these systems came from and he replied "the VAX
modernization program".

Caveat: Alpha technology part of "the VAX modernization program"? last
year I heard about "the VAX modernization program" which involved
moving VMS applications to DL380/385 systems running Charon VAX
emulation, then retiring the VAX hardware. Both the new hardware and
Charon VAX are installed by HP Canada. They also are involved in the
application and data migration.

Now I do not have a problem with Charon VAX per se. It really shines
when you've got to run apps on hardware that can no longer be
maintained AND you've lost the source code. Ten years ago, I was
involved in porting apps from 32-bit VAX to 64-bit Alpha and it was
relatively straight forward. I have been told that it is much easier
to port from Alpha to Itanium/Integrity.

So at this point, I do not know if my employer wanted to get rid of
all hardware not under a manufacturer's warranty, or was duped by a
fast talking salesman, but many of my peers are wondering what
business case was made to replace AS-DS20e systems (which are all
rockets) with PC technology and an emulator.

So here are some questions percolating through my group (which are
trained to do VAX and Alpha hardware maintenance by the way):

1) Why are these AS-DS20e systems not being moved to Itanium/
Integrity?
2) Do my corporate IS/IT people hate every h/w platform other than
x86 ?
3) Why wasn't HP able to sell Itanium/Integrity to my employer?
4) Did the HP salesman even try?.
5) Is HP de-emphasizing Compaq and DEC technology?
6) what does this say for people doing VAX/Alpha hardware support?
(toast)

NSR