RE: Also Leaving MidRange Equipment -- MIDRANGE-L

I've been on Midrange equipment since 1982 (s/34, s/38, as/400), and I'm
convinced for ease of end-user use, maintenance, and dependability, nothing
beats the iSeries.  Heck, even programming is a snap if you take a
methodological approach.

However, the iSeries has a lack of "sexy" mission-critical packages using a GUI
front-end.  And screen-scraping technology left a bad taste in the mouths of
early-adopters in the 90s.

What the iSeries community of developers must do to keep the platform viable is
to take a look at the "best-of-breed" packages out there, running in unix and
Windows environments, then write our own.  Once written, the TCO will close the
business.  The problem is that software is perceived to be "behind the curve"
if its not browser-based or has a GUI.  Unfortunately, the customer is always
right, so we must give them browser or GUI based apps whether it makes
technological sense or not.

William


> date: Mon, 7 Feb 2005 09:47:21 -0500 (EST)
> from: Don <dr2@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> subject: RE: Also Leaving MidRange Equipment
> 
> 
> 
> On Sat, 5 Feb 2005, Joe Pluta wrote:
> 
> > And so it's our job to reach out.  That's part of why I joined my local
> > user group.  We need to get the word out.  We need to touch those who
> 
> Joe, I'm  the President of my LUG...have been for a long time, I'm the
> founder and past chair of the COMMON LUG committee...  What was it you
> didn't think I knew about the marketplace again???
> 
> As for getting the word out, it is the absolute max in gall that we should
> HAVE to do what a multi BILLION dolloar corporation refuses to
> do...promote their products properly...  Hasn't anyone really asked
> themselves WHY?
> 
> The Super Bowls over...what will most people remember???  Bud, Pepsi and
> Fedex ads....gee....  Isn't anyone asking the obviouse questions?
> 
> Joe, we're not at war here...but frankly, I'm fielding calls REGULARLY
> from LUG members both local and accross the nation....and LUG Directors
> from accross the nation...and they're all telling me the same thing that I
> posted in my previous email that you took so much time to rebuff...  Now,
> looking at the trends, as they are presented to me by LUG leaders around
> the US (and world!), as well as our own membership, I think that you have
> a bit of learning curve ahead of you when it comes to what's actually
> going on in the iSeries marketplace and why....and it's not pretty....and
> I really take no relish in saying that as I'm the middle of it as well.
> 
> I'm glad you joined your LUG.  ALL LUG's can use good minds and leadership
> and I know OMNI does a great job for the folks in Chicago.  I wish others
> would join their LUGs...LUGs are GREAT! :)
> 
> > IBM just doesn't get it yet.  I don't know if they ever will.
> 
> As you said... DUH   ...which makes you wonder why....!
>