[Info-vax] Java on VMS, was: Re: So is there still a hobbyist program or not

[Arne Vajhøj]

On 7/20/2019 10:23 PM, Dave Froble wrote:
> On 7/20/2019 7:44 PM, Arne Vajhøj wrote:
>> On 7/20/2019 7:36 PM, Bill Gunshannon wrote:
>>> On 7/20/19 6:50 PM, Arne Vajhøj wrote:
>>>> A standard application is much lower cost to maintain than a custom
>>>> application.
>>>
>>> I would disagree with that. The Custom Application was, in most
>>> cases, written to specifically match a business paradigm.  The
>>> typical canned package will require the business model to be
>>> modified to match the software.
>>
>> That is only a real problem if ones way of conducting business
>> is truly unique.
> 
> If a business has an advantage from their business model, and does 
> better than their competitors, (and yes, this does happen), give up the 
> advantage and most likely lose the business.  (This also happens.)
> 
>> But in like 98% of cases the business is not really that different
>> from what similar companies around the world does for that particular
>> task.
> 
> Totally false.  Businesses strive for a competitive advantage.

That businesses want a competitive advantage does not imply that they
need a custom IT system.

Competitive advantages are usually in the product being produced
not the IT systems supporting that production and supporting
the general operation of the company.

If you for your product should weigh your competitive advantage
based on:
* the logic you put in your product
* the editor and compiler you use to create the product
* the finance system you use to bill your customers
* the finance system you use to report to IRS
what would you say?

There are exceptions - for certain manufacturing and
transportation businesses the IT system supporting that
is really more important than the plastic thingies being
produced or the containers being sent.

But I consider that exceptions.

>>>                                 That's like changing the design
>>> of your house to use nothing but nails because the builder doesn't
>>> have anything but hammers.
>>
>> No. It is like asking the builder for a house using a base model the
>> builder has used previously instead of asking an architect and
>> engineer to design a fully custom house.
>>
>> It saves money.
> 
> Not if you don't get a house you're happy with.
> 
> Perhaps someone would want a weight room, or a theater room, or 
> whatever.  Not everyone would be happy with lowest common denominator.

Most people like low cost.

:-)

And if you pick a standard house there may very well be
a room that could be fitted into weight room or theater.

If you save 100-200 K$ on taking a standard layout then you
will have money to do some nice things within that layout.

Arne