31 Jan
2002
31 Jan
'02
3:45 a.m.
I won't speak for other systems, but IBM publishes
nothing for the hardware
or original software on System/36 or System/38. The only reference they
make to it anymore is the emulated environment still available under
OS/400.
Well, the S/38 docs are probably in the same category as the AS/400 docs
- ultra-secret in the IBM world. I would not even try to get S/38 docs,
for fear that the answer would be a quick, blanket "NO" from IBM.
I think there are some S/36 hardware docs loose. Then again, it is not a
architecture with much to hide.
I have a few contacts at IBM, and I've been in
contact with their
publications people. I haven't broached the subject yet, but I believe IBM
like other vendors embraces it's history and will at least tacitly support
hobbyists.
They do, but in a sort of "private" way. If you walk the halls of the
various IBM buildings, you would probably be AMAZED by what they have on
display. They also had an excellent exhibit at the big museum in Chicago
about ten years ago (650, a RAMAC, S/360, a huge pile of greenbar with
some old OS on it, S/370, and all sorts of great stuff). I think IBM San
Jose also has interesting bits floating around - mostly disks, of course.
I'm guessing
the real reason why these things aren't available is IBM didn't wish to
invest the time in maintaining them. They also wanted to encourage
migration. But hobbyist are a new and accomodating market. And I have a
certain amount of faith we'll see encouragement from them.
Oh yes, and even their embracing Linux could help the cause. Im my
opinion, however, we should move slowly - starting with machines that are
in the 30+ year old category. It would be harder for IBm to make that
blanket "NO" statement.
First things first though. I actually have to get a
hold of the document
set. Irregardless of web availability, I'm sure an email in the right (my)
direction will yeild results, when there are results to yield :->~ nudge
nudge, wink wink, knowwhaddamean?!
Colin Eby
Senior Consultant
CSC Consulting