David, while I was once the relationship manager between FSI and
IBM (working for IBM), I can only guess based on that history, what might
be going on in either company. I'm sure you already realize
this is a very complex situation between two companies coming to
terms with a number of issues and a multitude
of options. Unfortunately for all of us, the PWD
program wound up in the middle.
First, I am certain that FSI would continue their support of the PWD
program, if they felt comfortable in doing so. They have worked with
IBM and the PWD resellers to provide several hundred licenses in support of that
program, which seems to have been a success. Apparently, FSI now
feels a degree of risk due to the expiration of certain IBM patents on
11/1 along with some agreements that are dated.. (Note: This
was covered in some detail on the FLEX LISTSERV..)
Conversely, IBM owns the patents, approves zArch licenses for PWD
use, and simply expects FSI to
continue delivering them via PWD resellers (Cornerstone and
T3) for distribution to the PWD members. It seems a simple
enough matter to resolve and we all hope that will happen some
time soon.... at least by November.
I suspect that both IBM and FSI are working hard to
resolve the issues before them. Unfortunately, we can't predict if/when
they will reach an agreement. For this reason Steve
Friedman (T3) and I have been notifying partners of the pending end
date. Hopefully, IBM and FSI will reach an agreement that benefits us
all. Whatever the outcome, Cornerstone intends to continue
support for our PWD customers.
Regards,
Len Diegel
VP IBM zSeries & zFrame Solutions
Cornerstone Systems Inc.
