[Info-vax] OpenVMS versus Windows/GE Telemetry Control Systems.

[David Froble]

cyberunlimited at gmail.com wrote:
> I work for a large Water Utility. Our SCADA Telemetry Control System
> uses Alpha Servers. Management wants to scrap OpenVMS and go with a
> SCADA System by GE called iFix that runs on Windows. I'm told that HP
> can't be trusted to continue with OpenVMS and they may discontinue
> the Itanium Machines. Also, it's too hard to find VMS Experts in the
> work force. Also, I'm told that the industry is moving from OpenVMS
> to Windows everywhere.
> 
> Can I please have your thoughts concerning my predicament?
> 
> Thanks.

Not sure from your post just what your "predicament" is ??

If you're wanting to keep the VMS based solution, then the only way to 
do this, possibly, is to do a cost vs benefit analysis.

What is the costs, and benefits, of keeping the VMS based solution?  IF 
you've already got it (as you mention) then there are no acquisition, 
training, conversion, and such costs.  There is your normal operations 
costs, whatever that is.

Do you have any costs associated with the application software?

If you look at a new system, there is cost of specifying hardware and 
software.  There is the costs mentioned above.  Some of these should 
never be considered trivial.  I've seen conversions.  Not one has ever 
been smooth.

When you're done, what will you have?  Will a new system be better? 
Cheaper to operate?  Easier to use?  Just what is the "promise" of a 
weendoze based system?

I'd assume that any change will cost money, and if there is no benefit, 
then it's money wasted.  Sometimes a manager decides to do something, 
and it's going to happen, regardless of any costs.

Bottom line, you'll usually lose any disputes with management.  About 
the only thing you can do is show them the costs, and hope for some 
common sense.  I've seen a lot of "lack of common sense" or any other 
sense ...

As for HP and VMS, it's still being sold.  Once you have your copy, it 
won't stop working no matter what HP does.  Even if HP stops selling 
hardware and software, what you have today will still do the same thing 
tomorrow.  The only problem is long term, not being able to purchase 
rather old hardware.  But you're talking many years.

And if there is need in the future, you can always convert then.  Why do 
it now if there is no need?  Somebody got a nephew who needs to sell 
some stuff?