On Sat, 1 Dec 2007 05:43:41 -0500, David Cole wrote: >As Ralph Johnson noted in his post to the FLEX-ES listserv, "Interesting!" > >http://www.sys-con.com/read/468626.htm > >IBM's intransigence in its so called "negotiations" with FSI, its >belligerence with PSI, its bullying of T3 and its total shunning of >Hercules has created a substantial threat to my business and the >business of a hundred or two other small mainframe developers. > >I no longer believe that IBM is acting in the long term interest of >the z/OS industry. Or more accurately, I believe that IBM's focus on >z/OS has changed from growth to consolidation, and that they see >themselves less as a hardware/software company and more as services >company. Their actions with respect to the z/OS world are utterly >anti-competitive and in total disregard of what is needed to nurture >the long term health of this portion of their business. >
With all due respect, I don't believe IBM has an obligation to you or any of us to act responsibly nor fairly in this matter. This is IBM's property and they are entitled to sell it or allow access to it or give it away in any way they see fit. And that includes protecting it in any manner and with whatever ferocity they feel appropriate. But I also whole-heartedly agree with your sentiment as it relates to the good of our industry and our profession. Protectionist policies rarely stimulate growth. I think many on this list have complained about this for years. I think there's a better and more profitable business model to embrace. One that stimulates growth, encourages education in the platform, and allows for long-term growth and stability. That would include a no- or low-cost personal- use version that can be used for educational purposes. Low-cost entry-level hardware such as that offered by PSI. And special consideration for independent developers and their products. It would be interesting to pose this kind of option to a vote of IBM's shareholders. Protectionist anti-growth business model or a business model that embraces the future. I can't agree that IBM is obliged to do any of this though. If IBM feels it is in their best interest to stifle growth in z/OS and embrace policies that ensure extinction, that is their right. If you elect me president, CEO and chairman of IBM, I promise things would be different. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: GET IBM-MAIN INFO Search the archives at http://bama.ua.edu/archives/ibm-main.html
