[Info-vax] VAX VMS going forward

[Dave Froble]

On 7/22/2020 2:45 PM, Arne Vajhøj wrote:
> On 7/22/2020 11:52 AM, Dave Froble wrote:
>> Wonder why it is that those who stand to benefit the most from
>> continual scrapping what works and replacing it with new always
>> suggest said scrapping?
>>
>> Most might feel that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
>>
>> Then there are IT people who say "we need the work, throw out and
>> replace".
>>
>> :-)
>
> There are a few good reasons to upgrade systems and a few bad reasons.
>
> If we start with bad reasons then this is management covering their
> ass by choosing the same as everybody else, management showing
> "drive" by changing something just to change it etc..

Or the IT guy that wants to get WEENDOZE or Linux on his resume?  This 
happens, I've seen it.

> Good reasons:
>
> Even though something works just as well today as it did
> 25 years ago, then there may be a better solution today.
> Non-IT example: horses still works fine, but most people
> agree that cars are significantly better.

For trial riding ?

"Better" is quite subjective.

> Even though something works right now, then there is no
> guarantee that it will continue to work. Running obsolete stuff
> is a risk.

Replacing what ain't broke also is a risk.  Just ask all the companies 
who are no more due to an attempt to "upgrade" to SAP.

> If the HW breaks can it be replaced.

In this particular case, emulators ...

> If something
> changing breaks the SW can it be fixed.

That's a wide open topic.  Anything can break.  Anything can need 
ongoing maintenance.  You changed the oil in your auto lately?  If not, 
have then replaced the auto?

> If the people running
> the stuff quits can they be replaced.

Sure, with people who know less, and may leave even quicker.

What about the risk of long term employees who know the existing system 
and don't know the new stuff.  Key on "long term", ie; loyal.

> Running on current HW,
> supported SW and widely used SW reduces risk.

Perhaps, and perhaps not.  WEENDOZE just did an update, and everything 
quit working.

> Non-IT example:
> it is July and you are checking your roof and you can see that
> the beams are seriously weakened - it will collapse if it
> gets 2 feet or more of snow.

Now it's broke, or ready to break.  Of course it's time to repair or 
replace.  That is a different case than "it's just old".

Also, if the case is "checking your roof/app", and you see it will not 
remain a solution, then changes are possible.  But why before this?

We can argue this forever, but, I've seen too much of selfish interests 
being put above the interests of the company.

Maybe I've just seen too much ...

:-)

-- 
David Froble                       Tel: 724-529-0450
Dave Froble Enterprises, Inc.      E-Mail: davef at tsoft-inc.com
DFE Ultralights, Inc.
170 Grimplin Road
Vanderbilt, PA  15486