[Info-vax] OT: Sun/Oracle - Effect on Hardware Support

[Richard B. Gilbert]

Arne Vajhøj wrote:
> Richard B. Gilbert wrote:
>> David J Dachtera wrote:
>>> I know this seems off-topic. However, I know many here also deal with
>>> Sun and/or StorageTek hardware. Sun bought StorageTek a while back and
>>> has been servicing my tape library at work.
>>>
>>> Just wondering if anyone has heard anything through channels about how
>>> the acquisition of Sun by Oracle effects the hardware support side of
>>> the business.
>>
>> When and if the sale becomes final, Oracle inherits all the assets and 
>> liabilities of Sun.  That means that you still have an enforceable 
>> contract for your hardware support.  Oracle must honor it until the 
>> expiration date.  If the contract gives you an option to renew, you 
>> can exercise that option in accordance with the terms of the contract.
> 
> And even if the support contract is expiring then I would expect
> Oracle to be more than willing to sign a new one.
> 
> They want to make money.
> 
>  >                                                                  It's
>  > quite likely that you will still be dealing with the same people by
>  > phone and on-site; their badges may now read "Oracle" instead of "Sun"
>  > but still the same faces!
> 
> There is always the risk of new procedures and reorgs.
> 

Yes.  The new procedures and/or reorganizations might make things work 
better.  A new owner can take a look at how things have been done for 
last N years and wonder "what were they thinking of".  Occasionally the 
shoe is on the other foot and they say "Why didn't we think of that?"