Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!purdue!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!ucbvax!agate!shelby!polya!Teknowledge.COM!vaxc!uw-beaver!rice!sun-spots-request From: gam@cvedc.prime.com (Gregory Miller) Newsgroups: comp.sys.sun Subject: Re: The SUN is setting!! Keywords: Miscellaneous Message-ID: <1780@brazos.Rice.edu> Date: 27 Sep 89 17:00:06 GMT Sender: USENET News SystemOrganization: Sun-Spots Lines: 102 Approved: Sun-Spots@rice.edu Dear Sunspots: Recently Chuck Williams of Contel Federal Systems contributed: >As I'm sure most of you have seen in the press, Sun is trying to sell off >their 386i line of hardware. Well, in addition to that they are also >rumored to be planning the end of the entire SUN3 line and any non-SPARC >SUN4 machine by December 31!!! In addition, lead times for some of these >machines have jumped to 240+ days!! I too read this vicious rumor in EE-Times' (#556 18th, September 89) cover story. Before we all fall victim to typical journalism, let me add some additional fact. I too read (with rage) the story regarding the 386i. While we are not considering the 386i for our ECAE software (at this point), the law school I attended here (Portland, OR.) *does* use the 386i and has made a commitment to that platform for faculty research, C.A.I., and Expert systems development. To quote my response to Sun when I initially called for the story would not add constructively to this. %-| However, Sun Microsystems (Portland office ...sun!nosun!bjones) assured me they were equally astonished to see the article and likened it to yellow journalism. I have received assurances from Sun that a letter is forthcoming from VP Marketing and VP Engineering of Sun-East verifying their commitment to the 386i. According to Sun officials I talked to, apparently, Sun *did* explore stwo alternatives: A) sell off the 386i line and its progeny B) commit to the 386i line In other words, fish or cut bait. Some discussion was had with Intel, but the EE-Times article is out of date. The discussion lead no where, and Sun decided to commit to the 386i as a strategy. While I cannot go into it, let me assure you that under non-disclosure preview of future product plans, I have seen what appears to be a commitment to the x86i line. The 386i is basically a strategy product designed to migrate high-end DOS type PC users to workstations. I think it is well settled that the DOS emulation under the 386i is a better solution than DOS under SPARCstation. It is my understanding that Sun is not too concerned with the ultimate success of the x86i line against SPARC or 680x0; that is, market penetration is narrowly defined. Here is an excerpt of Sun's recent mail to me: >>From: nosun!bob (Bob Jones - PDX Sales) >>Message-Id: <8909201904.AA02198@nosun.West.Sun.COM> >>To: gam@cvedc.prime.com >>Subject: Re: 386i Rumors >> >>Greg >> >>Just received my reply from the V-P Mktg. The official disclaimer is >>couched in "irresponsible speculation" language and a re-affirmation >>of our commitment to the Intel architecture... its now on the streets >>from the V.P. Marketing and the V.P. Engineering and references Scott's >>(McNealy) comments. >> >>How would you like me to get a copy of this in your hands - I can leave >>your copy with Sue at the front desk or send it thru the mail if you like. >> >>Regards, Bob. Now while this is not a guarantee, I have no reason to distrust Sun or Bob Jones' honesty. I will say it is shame to me that I (wrongly) believed that the integrity of EE-Times reporting was second to none. Why they dug this up (or from where) I don't know. However, rather than reacting, we should be responding. Asking Sun for the *straight* story is best. They cannot afford to start being dishonest. A simple "no-comment" is usually enough said. As to the other rumors, I suggest before we fall victim to the journalists, lets ask where the rumors come from, and run down a source before we blindly advance them. The thought of Sun ousting the Sun3 Sun4 lines is border-line absurd (at this point). And as to 240 days, geez, I'm glad I'm not stuck with Chuck's salesman, and I do feel sorry for him. The worst wait we've had is 1/3rd of that or 90 days. Again, is the lead time a rumor? According to who? For what machine (specifically)? On what quantity basis? For how large of a customer? And on what financing terms? I say, let's all take a deep breath and respond by asking questions, before we overreact and electronically paper the world with perpetuating rumors. Sun is not without fault, but society has a history of crucifying before all the facts are clarified. :-) -Good Luck -My two cents worth Gregory Miller Technical Staff Prime Computer ECAE Software uucp: .....sun!nosun!cvedc!gam Beaverton, OR 97006 Internet: gmiller@cvbnet.prime.com -also- Northwest Computer Law Center Lewis & Clark Northwestern School of Law Portland, OR 97219