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Conference 7.286::digital

Title:The Digital way of working
Moderator:QUARK::LIONELON
Created:Fri Feb 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5321
Total number of notes:139771

2874.0. "Shoemakers children..." by THEBAY::CHABANED (Spasticus Dyslexicus) Tue Jan 25 1994 22:23

    
    
    It happened to me again today.
    
    I got a DAT tape in the mail with software for a prospective customer.
    I spent yesterday trying to locate a DAT drive I could borrow so I
    could do my Sales Support thing and load the software on the machine 
    for the customer.
    
    I later find out that the tape was written with a TLZ06 drive and the 
    only DAT drive I could find was a TLZ04 which is NOT COMPATIBLE!!!
    
    The incompatability does not bother me so much as the fact that I 
    simply don't have the tools I need to do my job correctly.  The result:
    a potentially angry customer.
    
    Does anyone care that those of us who are responsible for demonstrating
    our products do not have access to them?  Does anyone care that
    valuable time is forever being wasted trying to locate tools that
    should be available to those who need them?  Why don't we have a pool
    of things like tape drives that can be checked out on a daily basis?
    
    Hell, even logistics doesn't have 'em!!!
    
    disgusting.
    
    -Ed
    
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2874.1ODIXIE::MURDOCKWed Jan 26 1994 00:2410
    
    
    Re: .0
    
    Try being a UNIX consultant responsible to demonstrate and DELIVER 
    solutions at $132/hour and NOT have a system on which to increase
    or even maintain one's skills...?!?!
    
    I share your pain..!!!  :-)
    
2874.2Unix? We got Unix special for $29.99DPDMAI::WISNIEWSKIADEPT of the Virtual Space.Wed Jan 26 1994 04:20155
    Everyone can afford to be a Unix Consultant... At $29.99
    Per CDrom... BTW This is what OSF/1 and OpenVMS and WNT 
    are competing against...
    
     ;-)
    
    
    All this for $29.99
    
	TCP/IP, SLIP Networking
	C and C++ Compilers and other development tools
	Various Language Translators
	UUCP and Usenet Software
	Several popular editors including GNU Emacs.
	X Windows system.
	DOS Emulator
    
    Price is still good I just got my CDrom yesterday... now I have to 
    scare up a PC with a CDrom to load it...;-(
    
    
X-News: fallout alt.cd-rom:12040
From: linux@ditdah.Morse.Net
Subject:Linux on CDROM or Disk, $29.99: *Only 7 days left*
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1993 01:33:53 GMT
Message-ID:<1993Dec20.013353.879@ditdah.Morse.Net>

  Due to the overwhelmingly postive response this offer generated, we have
  extended it through the end of this year. Please note that our office will 
  be closed from December, 27th through January, 2nd. There are only 7 
  business days left in this year to take advantage of this offer, and it
  will not be renewed once it expires.

  Seasons Greetings from Morse Telecom.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
           Limited Time Introductory Pricing Announcement

		$29.99 for Linux on CD-ROM or Diskette

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
From now until December, 31st, Morse Telecommunications is offering
special Usenet-only pricing on Linux distributions. These distributions
contain a full version of the Linux Operating System, plus printed
documentation to get you started and 30 days technical support.

Our Linux distributions are provided on either CD-ROM or diskette. All 
are being offered at the same low price of $29.99 + S/H. The CD-ROM
includes both the SLS & Slackware versions of Linux in addition to
the entire contents of TSX-11's archive, one of the best sources
of Linux utilities anywhere. Floppy distributions contain SLS and are
described in further detail below.

We are now accepting subscriptions for our Linux Quarterly. For $79.95
you can now have four Linux CDs per year, fully supported. This brings
your cost per CD to less than $20.

To take advantage of this special offer, you must mention this posting
when placing your order with us. Orders may be placed via electronic
mail or you can call us at 800-706-4046, 24 hours a day. We accept
Visa, Mastercard or American Express. If you call us before 4:30PM EST
we can generally ship your order the same day.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


Linux is a freely redistributable version of the Unix(tm) Operating System
which runs on 80386 and 80486 PC Compatible machines. This software is
a full version of Unix which contains all the standard utilities and more,
including:

	TCP/IP, SLIP Networking
	C and C++ Compilers and other development tools
	Various Language Translators
	UUCP and Usenet Software
	Several popular editors including GNU Emacs.
	X Windows system.
	DOS Emulator
    
For your convenience, we now have 24 hour, toll-free ordering 
and can accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. 
Many of our customers have requested technical support and we are 
pleased to announce that thirty days of software support via 
phone and email is now included with each order.

The version we distribute is SLS 1.03 which contains the Linux Kernel
version .99 patch level 12. Disk 'A1' is the bootable diskette which 
will bring up Linux and take you through the installation procedure.
A breakdown of the packages contained in this release is as follows:

	Base Release:  Disks A1-A4, B1-B7, C1-C3
	Source Code:   Disk S1
	Documentation: Disks D1-D2
	TeX formatter: Disks T1-T3
	X Windows:     Disks X1-X10

The full release (30 diskettes or 1 CDROM) is priced at:

		3 1/2" Diskettes: $29.99
		CD-ROM Version:   $29.99

Shipping and handling for domestic orders and those in US Territories
is $5.00. Overseas orders please add $10. Reseller inquires can be
emailed to mjohnsto@morse.net

The CD version includes SLS & Slackware, as well as the
entire contents of TSX-11.MIT.EDU. This CD is supported the
same as the floppy distribution: 30 days, no questions asked. The
contents of the cd, in 'ls -C' format, are appended to this message.

Linux is currently available on many Internet sites including TSX-11.MIT.EDU
and others. We offer this as a service to those who don't have the time
or resources to download such a large distribution. This version can be
installed directly from diskette in about 30 minutes time.

Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, all of Linux is copylefted under
the GNU Public License (GPL). SLS extensions are copyrighted by Softlanding
Systems. You may not claim any part of Linux as your own. This assures 
that future users of Linux will be able to obtain it as freely as everyone
else has already.

Additional technical support for Linux is available through us with the 
purchase of a service contract. Linux Support Service contracts are 
available in monthly, quarterly, and yearly terms. Rates begin at 
$19.95/month, per machine, and discounts are given for both quarterly 
and yearly subscribers. See our additional posting in this newsgroup 
or send email to lssinfo@Morse.Net.

Terms of payment are one of the following:

	Visa/Mastercard/American Express/Discover
	Personal Check  
	Bank money order
	COD cash or cashiers check (COD charge is an additional $4.50)

We may, at our descretion, hold personal checks for as long as 10 
business days to allow them to clear. All sales are final. No refunds are 
given on software. We offer unconditional replacement on diskettes or CD's
that prove defective or are damaged in shipment.

For credit card or COD orders please call us, toll-free, at 800-706-4046
or you may email your order to us at order@Morse.Net. If you wish, you
may prepay your order by mailing a check to the address below. Be sure
to indicate the type of disk you wish.

	Morse Telecommunications
	24 Prospect Avenue
	East Rockaway, NY 11518

For order inquiries or other information, please call (516) 887-4046.

Resellers please contact mjohnsto@morse.net for our volume discount
information.

For complete contents of the CD-ROM, please email linux@morse.net
    
2874.3GIDDAY::QUODLINGWed Jan 26 1994 06:248
    OR being in a CSC where we don't have enough disk space to install the
    products that we have accepted maintenance contracts on...
    
    It's hard enough talking people through things, but when you can mimic
    it at your own end, tyhen you are in trouble...
    
    q
    
2874.4Multivendor support : HOWUTRTSC::SCHOLLAERTHolland goes USAWed Jan 26 1994 06:4217
    Or being a Multivendor Customer Services Software Support Specialist 
    who has to solve printing problems from WordPerfect / ALL-IN-1 integration
    to a Brother Laserjet running in HP emulation mode when connected
    to a DS90TL. Non of the HW/SW even available. No WordPerfect
    documentation. Nothing. Digital offered this customer full support
    but his configuration never worked since installed a couple
    of month ago. I don't minded, good for my
    personal development, and when I complain to much, I am
    not flexible enough. But is this how MCS can compete against
    other in Multivendor support. Can / should we invest in all
    products we are suppose to support ? 
    
    Regards,
    
    Jan
    
    
2874.5They are out there!SWAM2::SCHMAUDER_PAWed Jan 26 1994 13:5111
    RE. 1
    
    I checked.  Go to your logistics an order a TLZ06-AA, 4GB 4MM DAT Drive
    3.5 EMB, $625.  Stockroom 17 in Andover has 50 on hand.  They are on
    the Restricted item list but that shouldn't stop you from getting one.
    
    I do understand your plight - I work in logistics and sometimes I'm
    asked to do the impossible.
    
    Keep the faith
    Pat
2874.6THEBAY::CHABANEDSpasticus DyslexicusWed Jan 26 1994 14:5118
    
    Got one.  Ridiculous part was that I had to log a call to get logistics 
    to release the part.  I just got off the phone with the FE who was
    assigned to the call and told him I'd do the installation.
    
    Imagine what it would cost DEC if I were one of those "hardware impared"
    sales support types!
    
    Have groundstrap, will travel.
    
    RE:linux
    
    Not a solution.  Try demonstrating Objectbroker of CohesionWORX on
    Linux.  Actually, try demonstrating them on my DECstation 3100 w/ 16MB
    and RZ55!!
    
    -Ed
    
2874.7Have we learned a lesson or not??????????ELMAGO::JMORALESWed Jan 26 1994 15:0519
    As far as I can understand, what we are experiencing here is what I
    have called the "cost for the sake of cost syndrome".
    
    'We have to be cheaper than the competition, so do not purchase
     pens, pencils, computer upgrades, software, etc........'
    
    That has been proven time and again is not the answer.   In fact it
    will turn your company obsolete (don't have access to new trends/
    technology or consumer changing needs).    However for a reason that
    I particularly don't understand we keep on doing it.   
    
    I can agree that it is a cost concious customer that we have out there.
    However, I've seen customers pay a little more for quality, services,
    and other longer term items.   The price tag is important but it is not
    the sole decision making point.    In computers there items like:
    service, upgradeability, quality/reliability,software
    supported,supported options,ease of use,knowlegeable personnel when
    help is requested, speed of the service (quality also) that are
    considered when purchasing several computers.
2874.8-<Fuel to the fire>CSOA1::LEWANDOWSKIEd in PittsburghWed Jan 26 1994 16:0618
    I'm a Network Integration Services project manager who performs a great
    deal of work in the field on customer sites.  It took me three years of
    begging, pleading, whining, and cajoling to obtain a laptop.  Beginning
    in FY94 my group was realigned under the PSC's and I obtained a new
    manager who promised me he would obtain a laptop for me.  To his credit
    he made good on his promise.  However, the only way he could do so was
    by giving me his laptop.  He figured I needed it more than he did and
    for this I was most grateful.  Now I would like to obtain a Xircom
    Ethernet adapter card to perform testing on customer sites and to have
    a network connection while I am in the office.  You would think that
    being in the networks business it would be fairly easy to obtain one of
    these animals. Think again...  
    I've been with Digital ten years and it seems we have never been able
    to obtain the tools we need to do our jobs.  Maybe I should just be
    thankful that this shoemaker's child now has one shoe.
    
    
    ed
2874.9Do I have a problem ?AKOCOA::TLAV01::SAMFriday yet?Fri Jan 28 1994 01:4910
    
    Got news for people with resource availability problems  :
    
    I work for Digital India - with DEC into Alpha/OSF already -
    we're still struggling to get a look at Alpha machines - my Training 
    Curriculum included Alpha course delivery even before I'd seen
    one live - now can you match that ? 
    
    
                      
2874.10RCOCER::MICKOLDigital Consultant IIFri Jan 28 1994 05:009
A guy from Belgium came up to me tonight at Network Academy as I was sitting 
there using my 425SLC notebook stating that he has a old Compaq portable and 
that they can't get any Digital notebooks in his local office. And they are 
available for sale to his customers. What's wrong with that picture?

Jim

                      

2874.11Common practiseIDEFIX::SIRENFri Jan 28 1994 07:1529
re .-1

I have understood, that that's a common practise in Digital in many European 
countries.Outdated equipment is dumped to employees (often with a reasonable 
price), but very few countries allow you to buy latest models with any kind of 
discount.

I don't understand that. 
	-Digital looses the (not necessarily very profitable) revenue of 
	 purchases of typically higher than average price PCs.
	-Comptetitors' marketshare is increased with the purchase
	-Digital looses the marketing value of employees as owners of DECpcs
	-Digital looses the value of employees learning about features and
	 options of our own products. Many of us learn better if there is 
	 some specific need to learn

And most important, almost all manufacturers do give discounts for their own
employees for the purchase of their own brand. Even car manufacturers do that
and that's a lot more money than a PC price.

Somebody could try to count, how much lost business current practise means. 
I personally purchased one '386 PC from Digital Finland in -90. That was at that
time an up to date model. I purchased also a '486 50 Mhz PC from outside Digital in early 
-93. Digital France didn't want to sell me a '486 model, so I had to go outside. 
Now my husband wants to buy a laptop. I'm supposed to spend some time to find out,
the best place to purchase that. I would rather save some time and just buy it
from Digital, but..... 

I bet that there are plenty of similar stories. 
2874.12European countries? HERE!GLDOA::TREBILCOTTI can't believe it's only WednesdayThu Feb 03 1994 00:028
    Common practice in European countries?  I had an old Compaq portable 
    up until about three months ago and the only reason I got the 320p I
    now have is because the previous owner was TFSO'd
    
    It's kind of sickening to obtain equipment when from your co-workers as
    they are walking out the door...