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

[David Froble]

JohnF wrote:

> Trying to convince a manager who wants to migrate
> that it's not necessary can't be solely based on the unadorned
> fact statements above.

Well, if a manager wants to migrate, then many times that's what is 
going to happen, and please don't confuse him/her with such trivia as 
"facts".

My arguments aren't against migrating.  People should do what they want 
to do.  My arguments are only about the "why" of such a decision.  If 
you got something that ain't broke, then why fix it?  Now, can it be 
broke now, or clearly broke in the future, why, then addressing the 
problem is a correct action.

As for the case of the original poster, the Alpha systems are running 
today, and will continue to run until something breaks.  Given the 
history of DEC hardware, it should normally be expected to run for a 
long time yet.  Individual pieces can and do break, and then it's a 
question of whether there is any recourse to fixing or replacing the 
failed equipment.  In most cases, fixing or replacing is far less costly 
than a migration of the system to something else.  In business decisions 
should be based on a cost / benefit ratio.

I do remember when computer hardware could cost a quarter or half 
million dollars, and most software was custom.  Business still invested 
in computer systems, because they still beat any alternatives.  I can 
see where the decisions to spend money today might be easier, as the 
costs are much lower.  I guess maybe the computer hardware and software 
industry needs to do something to keep the churn going ....