Re: Many RPG programmers would like to be able to port their apps to other

Jon said:
>First of all none of you have seen the requests that continue to flow into
>the Labs.  I have.  For years one of _the_ most frequent requests has been
>"Make RPG available on other platforms".

First, Jon, I have known Hans for more than 10 years and greatly respect
his viewpoint and capabilities(I remember him giving us ANDNE OREQ, was it
on your lunch hour Hans?)

Hans just happened to be the "Messenger" of the first volley.

I also realize as much as you that "... One of_the_most frequent
requests...." is a true statement.   I still think RPG on other platforms
is nearly impossible without porting OS/400 with it. (I think this was
Hans's point of RPG being "Tightly integrated" with the OS.)
"Tightly Integrated"  may also mean "Deadly embrace"  depending on your
viewpoint.

I was speaking for myself when stating;
"..Joe's and Jeff's comments really is a very valid viewpoint of many of
us.."

I think the only/major problem we have had in the last 10 years is the
interface.
Client/Server (wasn't that fun?), GUI,   Browser..  It has been about the
interface to the user.  From Green Screen to Where?

The browser is like the lowest common denominator. (The VT100 of
interfaces).  The gymnastics you have to go thru with JavaScript to ensure
they didn't key 30 characters into a 2 byte input field is a good example.

but I digress;

Let me restate my real belief again;
-----

Java SW (for an example)  that can run on any OS is IBM's dream come true,
It's NOT My Dream come true.

Linux that runs on every hardware is IBM's dream come true,
it's NOT my dream come true.

I will let you in on one more secret before I close this rant.

The customers that ARE concerned about porting their apps to another OS or
hardware platform will become just like the other typical
Intel or Linux/Unix customers.

Which is:

They don't give a flying F@#$ what the hardware it is. Compaq, Dell,
xSeries...
"Are you the cheapest?, No? then you are outta here"

Unix, Linux, Python, VB.... They will say "I have NO loyalty or allegiance
to you,
Next week You are Outta here"

IBM, SUN, MS..... I have NO loyalty or allegiance to you.
I will change from you like I change socks.
-----------------------

IMO

Respectfully (to all parties)
John Carr