I don't think I ever said it should be free.... As a side question, isn't Cloud Computing....Time Sharing? Aren't we paying for Cloud Computing?
I don't think, we, as individuals are paying into it, much...yet, but we are. Yahoo isn't free. We a flat rate, get some email services and storage and virus protection. Cobormite (the online backup service) isn't free. Back on the CMS/hobbiest side. Have a fixed rate charging system. $10 per month. Gives you 5 minutes CPU time (perhaps charged a MIP/Seconds used). And cut off when you run out. Gives you 100 cylinders. Gives you 32 MB machine. You can pay for additional bumps in resources. But a total limit as a hobbyist. Of course it isn't us, as a general rule, but the amount of money spent on "ring tones", "text messaging", "ATM fees", etc. makes me wonder. Last year, I bought a new desktop (Lenovo). My first Lenovo. Unlike IBM PCs, it didn't come with a free copy of Lotus. My old PCs are still running, so it isn't a problem yet. But eventually, I have to buy a Suite. Lotus is compatible with what I have, but MS is compatible with my clients. I might be willing to consider a Cloud version if the cost is small enough vs a few hundred for the standalone product. The IBM commercials are touting the Cloud version of Lotus Notes. $3 per user per month. How much for CMS? Tom Duerbusch THD Consulting >>> Alan Altmark <alan_altm...@us.ibm.com> 12/13/2010 4:26 PM >>> On Monday, 12/13/2010 at 05:06 EST, Tom Duerbusch <duerbus...@stlouiscity.com> wrote: > IBM had a program. If you were a developer, you could sign up and have time on > one of IBMs' mainframes. Kind of like the old time sharing services back in > the '60s and '70s. > > It seems to me that it resurfaced with Linux development but I haven't heard > anything about it in, at least, 5 years. Yes, it's offered by the Dallas Systems Center as part of the IBM Innovation Center, but it is open only to PartnerWorld members. If you are in the *business* of software development, IBM has programs to help you. I'm not aware of anything within IBM to address hobbyists' needs. There is an opportunity for others to fill that niche, but I think it's telling that no one has done so in a general way. Remember that the service provider has to pay licensing costs for the software on their system, including 2nd level z/OS guests. (There's no such thing as a free z/OS.) Further, they accept responsibility for YOUR use of the software, which triggers risk management. (Gotta read those license agreements carefully!) And even a niche provider has to break even on wetware, software, hardware, and environmentals. Alan Altmark z/VM and Linux on System z Consultant IBM System Lab Services and Training ibm.com/systems/services/labservices office: 607.429.3323 alan_altm...@us.ibm.com IBM Endicott
