>> I have clients that are hanging onto RPG II and OCL tooth and nail. It
>> meets their current business needs so who am I to tell them otherwise.
>> There are more out there than most realize which is why all of us will
>> always have plenty of work.
First of all I should say that I have some sympathy for RPG II users -
conversion is much harder for them than for RPG III users who have no
excuse.
On the other hand - and I'm not trying to be rude. This is really addressed
to all those who find themselves in your position.
The answer your question "who am I ..." is that _you_ are the professional
who should be able to demonstrate to them some of the problems/risks that
they face if they stay in this environment. And of course the benefits to
them of moving forward. One of these risks as I noted earlier is the just
announced end of IBM support. As of V5R5 (or whatever it is called) RPG/36
becomes a PRPQ not a product. Assumedly the S/36EE will follow at some
time. Maybe your customer is OK with it but I don't want to have my
business rely on unsupported software.
Think of the old code as a Model T (the vintage is similar <grin>) - lovely
to own one, great for a gentle drive in the country on a Sunday. But would
you want to rely on it if you had emergency medical supplies to deliver?
The other issue of course is that it only takes one person in the upper
management chain to change (takeover, death, senior family member standing
aside, etc.) and all of a sudden "meets our current business needs" becomes
"why are we using this old crap". Do you think that in those circumstances
they will look to you to lead the modernization effort? You are much more
likely to become the scapegoat as all those who gladly let things drift
along try to get on the right side of the new boss by pointing out how
unresponsive you were to their needs etc.
Jon Paris
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