HPE OpenVMS Hobbyist license program is closing

[Dave Wade]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: cctalk <cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org> On Behalf Of John H.
> Reinhardt via cctalk
> Sent: 10 March 2020 14:34
> To: Bill Gunshannon <bill.gunshannon at hotmail.com>; General Discussion:
> On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
> Subject: Re: HPE OpenVMS Hobbyist license program is closing
> 
> On 3/10/2020 8:48 AM, Bill Gunshannon via cctalk wrote:
> > On 3/10/20 2:31 AM, Dave Wade via cctalk wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: cctalk <cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org> On Behalf Of Rod
> >>> Smallwood via cctalk
> >>> Sent: 10 March 2020 04:14
> >>> To: Fred Cisin via cctalk <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
> >>> Subject: Re: HPE OpenVMS Hobbyist license program is closing
> >>>
> >>> On 10/03/2020 02:19, Fred Cisin via cctalk wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> On Tue, 10 Mar 2020, Doug Jackson via cctalk wrote:
> >>>>> So.
> >>>>> At the end of the day there are three paths.
> >>>>> 1.  Accept that HP doesn't give two hoots about hobbyists and
> >>>>> patch the abandoned operating system to fix the problem.
> >>>>> 2. Declare that we need to develop an open replacement.
> >>>>> Or
> >>>>> 3.  Accept that HP actually owns the rights to our VAX 11/785
> >>>>> machines and arrange for them to be dropped off at their corporate
> >>>>> headquarters because they can't do anything without software.
> >>>>> Sigh...
> >>>>
> >>>> 4. Contemplate what would happen if dropped off from a considerable
> >>>> altitude, . . .
> >>>>
> >>>> It is discouraging that they have the power, and legal rights, to
> >>>> do what they like, but don't value the hobbyist market enough to
> >>>> try to help.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>> --
> >>> Like all large US corporations they are dollar driven
> >>>
> >>
> >> I noticed that. I wonder how they would feel if I were to take my VAX to
> MakeFests with a notice on saying how much they want for a licence to
> actually load software and demo an antique machine....
> >
> > They would not care and it would have no effect on their bottom line
> > so why should they?
> >
> > bill
> >
> >
> It would be bad PR.  But it's still unlikely they would care as the people who
> attend Makerfests aren't usually the ones that sign the contracts.
> 

You might be surprised.....


> --
> John H. Reinhardt