HPE OpenVMS Hobbyist license program is closing

[Fred Cisin]

> On 3/9/20 10:19 PM, 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,

On Tue, 10 Mar 2020, Bill Gunshannon via cctalk wrote:
> With their own property

Exactly.  Their ownership of the IP gives them the power and legal rights 
to do what they like.

>> but don't value the hobbyist market enough to try to help.
>
> Which costs them money with very likely  no ROI.

Some such companies spend money on advertising.  A well run hobbyist 
program is good advertising.  It promotes brand loyalty and good PR.

If done right, the cost can be negligible and break even:
A two layer license, with a VERY expensive "full support" that breaks 
even.
A cheap hobbyist license, without any corporate support "If you want 
support and questions answered, upgrade to 'full support'".  Charges 
sufficient to cover direct and indirect costs.

Happy hobbyists sometimes have some influence on corporate choices in 
their day jobs.

> What a way to run a business.  :-)

Is a hobbyist program less effective as advertising than unrelated charity 
and "image" ads to brag about it?


--
Grumpy Ol' Fred     		cisin at xenosoft.com