Is there any interest in extending any of the PDP-11 operating systems
so that they are able to support dates at least until 3000? While my
personal interest lies with RT-11, I am curious if anyone has looked
at the requirements for any of the other PDP-11 operating systems
to determine what is required for Y3K date support? In addition,
are the resources (technical knowledge, files to make the required
changes and hardware to support the development) available?
For RT-11, the resources are available and I suggest a review of
the required software changes by anyone who has the technical
background to evaluate any proposals for Y3K implementation.
If other individuals who are interested in RSX-11, RSTS/E and
TSX-Plus are motivated to support Y3K implementation for
these OSs, I would be interested in providing support for
any solutions required to exchange dates between all PDP-11
operating systems.
I am not sure if there is any commercial impact to producing
Y3K code for PDP-11 OSs. However, it is possible that
any current commercial use MIGHT be more likely if Y3K
support is available. On the other hand, it is almost certain
that any Y3K projects for all PDP-11 OSs must be done
without any commercial support at this time. Consequently,
as with all DECUS contributions, any actual code changes
would become available to everyone. If this enhances the
commercial value of the PDP-11 OSs, then it should be a
positive development.
Responses and suggestions are appreciated.
If, as I have noted in the past there is no response, then at
some point when it seems worthwhile, I shall at least present
the technical details of what is required to implement Y3K for
RT-11. There may also be details of other enhancements along
with RT-11 bug fixes. If anyone has a wish list for RT-11 or
knows of any RT-11 bugs which need fixing, I would very much
appreciate the help.
Jerome Fine