Re: Unix Comparison

I'm sorry... but this comparison is unfair, and in most situations,
completely untrue.

If you buy an RS/6000 from IBM (for example) you get all the software and
hardware from the same source, etc, all maintained by the same company.

Likewise, if you put 3rd party software and printers and other equipemnt
for your AS/400, you get a similar scenario to #1 with the AS/400
platform.

In my experience, any computer/software/hardware system will end up sooner
or later being like the "build your own car" scenario.  Thats why people
like us have jobs.



On Thu, 11 Jan 2001, Emilio Padilla Taylor wrote:

> This is the comparison that I usually use with my clients when they ask me
> the same question:
> 
> Think in a new car, you have two options:
> 
> 1. Build your own car.
> You can get something parts like:
> Volvo chassis, Porshe engine, Ford Suspention, Toyota Fuel inyection, Skoda
> brakes, etc.  IF you are a great mechanics, and after doing a lot of
> adaptations, meassurements, etc.  You COULD end up having THE BEST CAR
> AROUND.  Great millage, great power, great utility, etc. Something made
> exatly to your needs.  Sure it would need a lot of attention, you have to be
> very careful about the parts, if the continue to be on the market.  If you
> need a new part, because is broken or you need a new function, you MAY BE
> on the need to do more adaptations and changes.  If you car need service or
> repairs, YOU and only YOU can fix it rigth.  No one to blame, no one to take
> the car to.  You will end up earing things like, this brakes are no designed
> to work with this kind of suspention, is the chassis fault, etc.  THIS IS A
> UNIX SYSTEM. You buy parts, Hardware, OS, Database, Emulation software,
> Comunications software, Applicaton software, etc.  You are in charge in
> putting it togeter, in servicing it, fix it in case of need. No one to
> blame, no one to take your system to.  You will end up earing things like,
> this this version of OS does not support this version of Database, this
> communication software does not support DRDA for this kind of Database, etc.
> Be ready to it.  The price COULD BE that you will have the BEST CAR AROUND.
> 
> 2. Buy a car for whatever brand you like.
> You will have consistency, you will be sure that every piece of you car will
> perform as desing in a complete range of functions for what that vehicle was
> design for.  You don't have to deal with things like compatibility,
> adaptations, etc.  If you need service, you go to your dealer, he will know
> what to do.  Your down time(in case of necesity will be lower).  You can
> rely on people knowing everything about this particular model (all are build
> the same). This is an AS/400. You will know (almost all the time) that
> comunications work with database, that OS work with the security, etc(in
> case of doubt, install the laset PTF's CUM).  It may not be the BEST car for
> all your needs in all cases, but it will give a peace of mind that you will
> never find in a UNIX System.
> 
> Emilio Padilla
> 
> 
> 
> +---
> | This is the Midrange System Mailing List!
> | To submit a new message, send your mail to MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com.
> | To subscribe to this list send email to MIDRANGE-L-SUB@midrange.com.
> | To unsubscribe from this list send email to MIDRANGE-L-UNSUB@midrange.com.
> | Questions should be directed to the list owner/operator: david@midrange.com
> +---
> 

+---
| This is the Midrange System Mailing List!
| To submit a new message, send your mail to MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com.
| To subscribe to this list send email to MIDRANGE-L-SUB@midrange.com.
| To unsubscribe from this list send email to MIDRANGE-L-UNSUB@midrange.com.
| Questions should be directed to the list owner/operator: david@midrange.com
+---