Re: CISC upgrades

Dave Mahadevan wrote:
> O'Connor, Peter H. wrote:
> > I have been reading the comments on upgrading to RISC and staying on CISC.
> > Guys, it is a matter of economics.  I am a developer and it is very costly 
>to
> > keep supporting old release of the software.  At some time one has to stop
> > updating verions of software that run on old version of OS/400.  That 
>decision
> > is based on $, Guilders, Francs, or Pounds.  Money is the name of the game. 
> IBM
> > cannot continue to support both platforms at equal levels because of the
> > $$$$$$$$ involved.  While one might not like their decision, one has to 
>respect
> > it.  IBM is in business to make money.  I think that they will do their 
>best to
> > support CISC to a certain point and that poing is an economical point.
> >
> > I respect your position to stay on CISC if that is what you want.  I always 
>have
> > to keep reminding myself of an old saying.  "There is no such thing as a 
>free
> > lunch"

> That is exactly my point.  It is a business decision on both sides (IBM
> and its CUSTOMERS).  Wheneven each side feels it is in its best interest
> to change their hardware/platform they will do so.  IBM realized their
> mistake on the S/36 and they introduce the 436.  I am hoping that they
> are not out to do the same mistake again with CISC!

As someone who is in the process of purchasing a new AS/400, I
chose RISC over CISC because I wanted software compatibility for
years to come.  CISC is being phased out and RISC is being phased
in ... and as your CISC boxes need to be upgraded, you will be making
the same business decision to remain on the current platform or move
onto something else.  The AS/400, IMHO, will always have its niche
in today's business operations, so I am not worried that all 800,000
CISC users will abandon ship just because of IBM not supporting it
much longer (I have actually seen some companies remove and then
reacquire the AS/400 because the new stuff could not remain reliable,
go figure).

Mistake or not, RISC is the future move by IBM and it is their
decision (be it right or not) and the customers can vote with
their dollars if they do not agree.  Just my $0.02.

-Bob-
-- 
 1 Bob Angell, Principal - Sys. Engineer/Author/Consultant
 2 Applied Info & Mgnt Sys, 1238 Fenway Ave., SLC, UT 84102 
 3 v: 801-583-8544 e: aimsllc@ibm.net / bangell@cs.utah.edu
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