[Info-vax] Unexpected DECnet Phase IV functionality with possible captive account implications

[Dave Froble]

On 5/12/2021 1:59 PM, Simon Clubley wrote:
> On 2021-05-12, Stephen Hoffman <seaohveh at hoffmanlabs.invalid> wrote:
>>
>> DECnet use is still common, due to a less than robust migration path.
>>
>> Remote DECnet FAL for shared-file-access use, rather less common. I'd
>> hope. That's just asking for trouble.
>>
>> I don't see a great future in DECnet generally, or for FAL
>> shared-file-access among specific features.
>>
>
> I would write that as "I _hope_ there isn't a great future for DECnet
> generally". :-)
>
> The fact that people are still demanding it in 2021 does make me wonder.

There most likely is no future for DECnet.

Would I ever use FAL in an application?  Not a chance.

If I have ever used a feature even once, then I found the feature 
useful, and would not consider it a bad thing.  Doesn't mean I'd use it 
in an application.

Without researching it, I'm guessing that FAL might be involved in 
BACKUP to a save set on a remote node.  That by itself justifies FAL.

I'm guessing that when VSI asked customers "do you use DECnet" there was 
plenty of positive answers.  Possibly because it was needed, more likely 
because it is useful.


-- 
David Froble                       Tel: 724-529-0450
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