[Info-vax] VSI strategy for OpenVMS

[chris]

On 09/13/21 18:24, Scott Dorsey wrote:
> Bill Gunshannon<bill.gunshannon at gmail.com>  wrote:
>>
>> Any browser requires a desktop.  I thought that idea had been abandoned?
>
> No it doesn't, that is the beauty of DECWindows.  Mind you, there's really
> no reason to have a browser on a machine without a desktop, other than
> for diagnostic purposes and downloads.  But it's not required, and it is
> occasionally handy.
>
> Does "occasionally handy" warrant an enormous effort to port a modern browser
> to VMS?  I don't think so.  But if someone here wants to give it a try, have
> at it.  That's the beauty of open source.
> --scott

A lot of system management is done via browsers, for years now. Also, 
for software dev, nothing beats a windowing system with multiple
terminal windows and tabbed full screen editors. I used to be pretty
deft with edt on a vt terminal but those days are gone forever. All the
ilom i've worked with works far better using a browser for access. A 
sort of universal access method for systems. So yes, lack of a browser 
might be seen as a serious disadvantage.

As for built in frame buffer support, they are often very low end
hardware devices and none i've seen have been good or fast enough
for X windows use. Important to know what's being promised in that 
respect...

Chris