Re: Goodbye/400

From: "Leif Svalgaard" <leif@leif.org>
> Once we all run linux and no green screens anymore,
> there won't be enough difference between the two series
> to warrant having two of them.

One problem with that analysis is that the iSeries is defined primarily by
software, not hardware.  That software includes multiple layers, including
applications.  Besides, when will "technology independence", "single-level
store", "object-based design", and "integration" become obsolete.  If those
design principles become irrelevant at some point, then OS/400 will become
irrelevant too.  But I don't see that happening.

It seems to me that IBM is sending the message that they are in the business
of selling INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES.  So rather than emphasize the
distinctiveness of iSeries and OS/400, IBM emphasizes middleware that ties
all platforms together.

Since my product is OS/400 specific, I don't like it.  But I haven't reached
the conclusion that IBM is against OS/400.  I think they recognize a
distinctive OS/400 market, but feel compelled to walk the slender fence
between all their platforms.

Nathan M. Andelin
www.relational-data.com