[Info-vax] VMS - what is the current thinking amongst the user community

[DaveG]

I work in the health care segment where VMS used to have a (much)
larger presense.  Over the years, it has shrunk considerably here and
elsewhere.  We ran several divisions here on VMS - mail, database, in-
house development, PC/MAC connectivity etc.  Mostly gone but not
totally.  Nothing new this century.  When we get summer interns here,
they ask "what do you do?" I answer " I help support VMS systems".
They respond "What's VMS, never heard of it".  Draw your own
conclusions.  I already have.

Today I'm more or less a fireman.  I come to the station everyday,
make sure all the remaining equipment is working, patch the hoses when
needed, feed the dog and long (less now than before) for yesteryear.
Don't get me wrong, I am feeding my family, sending the kids to school
(seen college costs lately?) and am very grateful that I'm still
employed.  I'm lucky.

Since I'm in the winter of my career, it doesn't matter to me as much
as it would to the generations that followed us baby-boomers.  I would
not recommend to someone in his or her 20s, 30s, 40s, to bother with
VMS.  I'm also (very) sorry to have to say that, but reality is what
it is, and please no Beta is better than VHS stories.  We've all heard
those before, over and over again.

Visit a school.  Check out your local library.  Buy something today,
web or otherwise.  Look in people's homes if allowed.  Wander through
cube city at most places of employment.  What will you most likely see
and use?  I'll give you 3 guesses.  The first 2 don't count.