[Info-vax] OpenVMS in the future, Open sourced or Closed? Intent is to keep it...

[seasoned_geek]

On Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 10:37:24 AM UTC-5, Craig A. Berry wrote:
> On 5/2/15 7:01 AM, IanD wrote:
> 
> > It would be 'interesting' to know however from the horses mouth if
> > open source is indeed a goal for VSI or not
> 
> Clair Grant has said he's already attempted and failed to make VMS open 
> source several times.  I don't know but would venture a guess that the 
> last time was during the negotiations for the current deal with HP.  It 
> seems really unlikely open sourcing would happen unless and until that 
> deal is replaced with a completely different one, and it seems highly 
> unlikely that's even a possibility until some years down the road.
> 
> > Open source is one way to get rapid development happening
> 
> So the hype goes. That can happen, but as often as not even critical
> open source projects like NTP are maintained by one or two beleaguered
> volunteers who are strapped for resources:
> 
> <http://www.informationweek.com/it-life/ntps-fate-hinges-on-father-time/d/d-id/1319432?print=yes>
> 
> Open source can work, but it works best when companies who depend on it
> are investing a lot in making it happen.


VMS cannot and must not be OpenSourced. There are far too many security implications for the entire human species.

In the case of nuke plants, we aren't just talking about the United States. In its infinite wisdom the government allowed certain corporations to create, in affect, turn-key nuke plants. These things were exported far and wide. Not just the reactors, but control systems and the whole 9-yards. 

OpenSourcing such an OS allows ONE deranged individual with a whole lot of hate and time on their hands to patiently study, find a weakness, patiently locate "enough" plants to make their point, and well, do the math.

People can malign the Patriot Missile System all they want, but, until it is scrapped by the U.S. and _every_ country it was sold to, VMS will not be OpenSourced.


VMS is for customers who cannot tolerate or legally use a Wal-mart knock-off platform.

commodity != good

commodity == low quality