HPE OpenVMS Hobbyist license program is closing

[Bill Gunshannon]

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