Re: interesting /. story on RPG

["Leif Svalgaard" <leif@xxxxxxxx>]

From: James Rich <james@eaerich.com>
> True, though I wonder how far IBM can really lower the price
> less that an iSeries system.  So based only on hardware, IBM can't produce
> an iSeries that will be competitive with an Intel based system.  This is
> simply because there isn't as high a volume of PowerPC fabs as there are
> x86 fabs.
>
PowerPCs are used in Macs, and Mac don't cost $10,000.
Now, I agree that it will be hard to produce a $399  iSeries,
but we don't have to go that low to be competive.

> When considering software, it is hard to beat a $5-$90 CD with your
> favorite linux distribution on it.  It is even harder to beat a free
> download.  IBM needs to charge significant dollars for the OS to make back
> on their investment - otherwise they will just dump it as any investor
> would.  IBM can only lower the price so far - Miscrosoft ain't giving away
> their OS for free and IBM isn't about to, either.

becasue OS/400 is old, it is long paid for. Now, IBM invests new money
into making the OS/400 look like Linux. Gee, if you want Linux, go buy
an Intel box.