Messages in this thread |  | | Date | Mon, 6 May 1996 02:14:58 -0500 (CDT) | From | "Jonathan A. Davis" <> | Subject | Re: FreeVMS? (long) |
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I've been following this little thread for the last few days and, based on some observations, have a few comments. Realize that, with the exception of some gleanings from research papers, everything here is based on my opinion alone.
First off, we use two main operating environments here at USM. Most research and almost all of our Internet access is Unix-based. Our largest Unix cluster is, in fact, Linux. We also run the gamut of other Unices including AIX, Digital Unix, Dynix, SunOS/Solaris, HPUX, Irix, SYSV/88000, etc..
However, our main administrative environment, which is currently based on an ancient Bull HN OS known as CP6, is in the process of being converted to OpenVMS. Like many production environments, ours is very high availability. A fifteen minute non-scheduled outage is considered catastrophic.
Why OpenVMS and not Unix?
Anyone who knows me, can tell you I'm a Unix hound from a *long* way back. When other *computer geek* kids were playing with C64's, IBM's with MSDOS and the like, I was playing with Unix. I know the environment well and couldn't think of a better system tool to have on my desk. I avoid MicroSloth Windoze like the plague (personal opinion again).
So, again, Why not Unix?
Because, I am so familiar with Unix, I know many of it's strengths and limitations. It, by nature, was never designed, philosophically, to be a 24X365 operating environment. Now, before everyone gets that-look(tm), consider -- every commercial Unix has a plethora of "add-ons" that are designed to support a "production" based environment and, giving credit where it is due, they *are* getting there -- slowly.
Enter, other operating systems. Those that were conceptually designed as production operating systems from the start. OpenVMS is one of them. Yes, I know that its roots have some research base (for example RSX) in them. But Digital started VMS with the concept of a secure, 24X365 environment from the very start. Does this make OpenVMS better that Unix? No, just possibly better suited for one area in a very large field.
One research paper made an interesting point. If the various Unix flavors tried to pull together all the features of a high availability, high performance, scalable operating system supporting production oriented features, they would end up with something that looks very much like OpenVMS or, to a lesser extent, IBM's MVS.
Another philosophical difference is that in a comparison of the programming environment and OS services, Unix traditionally gives much control to the programmer. OpenVMS, and it's ilk, do much work FOR the programmer, and shield much of the operating system's internals from access. To put it another way, OpenVMS programmers become horrified that Unix allows an applications programmer access to so many system functions. While the Unix camp is equally horrified with any operating system that interferes with their freedom.
Would I run OpenVMS on my desktop? Not of your life! I love the freedom that Unix gives me, I love it's tools, flexbility and very spirit which is so evidenced by discussions on this list (to name just one example). But would I trust *my* paycheck to it? No way. I'll put up with screwy command parsers like DCL all day rather that put my 24X365 in Unix's "hands".
The bottom line for me is: FreeVMS? Sure, entirely possible. Do I have any interest in it? Consider the reason I have VMS to begin with and you'll quickly realize the answer.
no.
My $0.02(US).
P.S. There is an "interesting" postscript to this. Digital is expected to submit OpenVMS to X/Open for certification under the common Unix95 specification -- and it is expected to pass without difficulty. Digital could then legally call it "OpenVMS Unix". Kinda makes me itch all over, doesn't it you?
-Jonathan _ _ ------------------------------------------------------------->>>>>>>>-(o)(o)--- Jonathan A. Davis | Academic Systems Analyst | Hattiesburg/Gulf Park/Stennis Computing Center | Box 5171 | 39401-5171 | (601) 266-4103 | davis@cc.usm.edu http://evergreen.cc.usm.edu/~davis | Linux: The choice of a GNU generation
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