Re: FW: OS/400 upgrades for CISC

Dave wrote:

>You seem to be very sure CISC is dead.  I am curious, as to how many
>CISC is out there vs RISC.  Anybody have these numbers?

I don't think the numbers are all that relevant. After all, I would guess
that there are more 486s installed than Pentiums, but that wouldn't stop
me from calling the 486 "dead". 

The move to RISC marks a change in the type of upgrading that we are used
to, but it is simply model upgrading. When the F models were announced, we
didn't argue about the D models being "dead". We all know the transitional
stages of processor technology.

IBM is standardizing on one processor for it's midrange line. The PPC
technology has many uses, cutting R&D costs. 

During the next couple years, the vast majority of AS/400 customers will
want an upgrade. IBM will do everything they can to move them to RISC
machines. If it can't be done, IBM will be forced to support the multiple
processor types in the market, but that will come at increased cost, which
might affect the AS/400s ability to compete against other servers in the
marketplace. 

I don't think IBM will have much trouble moving most customers. They are
being reasonably successful at it right now. But, there are no guarantees.


Chris Rehm             | You have to ask yourself, "How
Mr.AS400@ibm.net       | often can I afford to be unexpectedly 
                       | out of business?" 
Get Warped or Get Bent!| Then get an AS/400.
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