Keeping OpenVMS update-to-date

[Neil Rieck]

Friends, I just received an informative blurb from VSI

Neil Rieck
http://neilrieck.net

#####################################################

A “Major Storm” is Coming - Part 2

The major OpenVMS “storm” is here. Important deadlines arrive on December 31, 2020 and January 31, 2021. We wanted to send out this message again to ensure that you are not caught by surprise and to tell you how VMS Software, Inc. (VSI) can assist you.

Important changes that you need to know.......
1. HPE OpenVMS SW V8.4 standard support ends on December 31, 2020.
2. HPE i6 server sales is scheduled to end on December 31, 2020 with standard support included through 2025.
3. HPE i2 server standard support is scheduled to end January 31, 2021.

To help you weather this storm, VMS Software, Inc. is able to provide you options to keep your mission critical OpenVMS environment healthy and viable. Whether your best option is to upgrade on the latest VSI OpenVMS license release (to maintain standard support and receive RTNV) or to continue with your OpenVMS V8.4 while you plan for VSI’s V9.2 x86 product we are prepared to assist you.

If you are already a VSI customer and have made this transition, we thank you. If you have not made this change yet and would like to discuss your opinions, please contact us at ***@vmssoftware.com. We look forward to working with you.

About VMS Software
VMS Software, Inc. develops, sells, and supports innovative and advanced releases of OpenVMS, the most secure operating system on the planet. VSI also provides worldwide support and professional services primarily for OpenVMS customers. The company’s core motivation is to support and enable customers to run their mission-critical applications at the legendary uptime levels OpenVMS is known for, at maximum performance levels, today and into the future. VMS Software Inc. is headquartered in Bolton, MA. For more information, go to http://www.vmssoftware.com.

Contacts:
VMS Software, Inc.
***@vmssoftware.com
www.vmssoftware.com

[Chris]

Post by Neil Rieck
Friends, I just received an informative blurb from VSI
Neil Rieck
http://neilrieck.net
#####################################################
A “Major Storm” is Coming - Part 2
The major OpenVMS “storm” is here. Important deadlines arrive on December 31, 2020 and January 31, 2021. We wanted to send out this message again to ensure that you are not caught by surprise and to tell you how VMS Software, Inc. (VSI) can assist you.
Important changes that you need to know.......
1. HPE OpenVMS SW V8.4 standard support ends on December 31, 2020.
2. HPE i6 server sales is scheduled to end on December 31, 2020 with standard support included through 2025.
3. HPE i2 server standard support is scheduled to end January 31, 2021.
To help you weather this storm, VMS Software, Inc. is able to provide you options to keep your mission critical OpenVMS environment healthy and viable. Whether your best option is to upgrade on the latest VSI OpenVMS license release (to maintain standard support and receive RTNV) or to continue with your OpenVMS V8.4 while you plan for VSI’s V9.2 x86 product we are prepared to assist you.
About VMS Software
VMS Software, Inc. develops, sells, and supports innovative and advanced releases of OpenVMS, the most secure operating system on the planet. VSI also provides worldwide support and professional services primarily for OpenVMS customers. The company’s core motivation is to support and enable customers to run their mission-critical applications at the legendary uptime levels OpenVMS is known for, at maximum performance levels, today and into the future. VMS Software Inc. is headquartered in Bolton, MA. For more information, go to http://www.vmssoftware.com.
VMS Software, Inc.
www.vmssoftware.com

Wish you the best, but please drop the "the most secure operating system
on the planet" ?. Professional audience won't be impressed
by such hype...

Chris

[Simon Clubley]

Post by Chris
Wish you the best, but please drop the "the most secure operating system
on the planet" ?. Professional audience won't be impressed
by such hype...

Good luck with that. :-(

VSI have been told multiple times about that and the great big target
it is painting on the backs of their customers with comments like that.

BTW, here's something related: VSI do not have a security reporting
mechanism on their website even though they and their employees have
been told about it multiple times. They _finally_ implemented one for
a while in the aftermath of the DCL vulnerability and then actually
removed it from their website some time afterwards.

Check for yourself:

https://vmssoftware.com/contact/

There's no security reporting link on that page that I can see...

Simon.

[Chris]

Post by Simon Clubley

Post by Chris
Wish you the best, but please drop the "the most secure operating system
on the planet" ?. Professional audience won't be impressed
by such hype...

Good luck with that. :-(
VSI have been told multiple times about that and the great big target
it is painting on the backs of their customers with comments like that.
BTW, here's something related: VSI do not have a security reporting
mechanism on their website even though they and their employees have
been told about it multiple times. They _finally_ implemented one for
a while in the aftermath of the DCL vulnerability and then actually
removed it from their website some time afterwards.
https://vmssoftware.com/contact/
There's no security reporting link on that page that I can see...
Simon.

ne would assume that with such a claim, there would be supporting
documentation that describes the relevant tests and approvals, so
is there ?. It will need to be related to the current release, not
some 20 year old Vax or Alpha approvals It's a steep mountain to
climb, but essential if such claims are to have a base in reality.
Bug reporting system need s to be there as well, as that fosters trust,
especially if accompanied by transparent and timely remedy.

Let's drop the marketdroid speak and concentrate on the engineering...

Chris

[Simon Clubley]

Post by Chris
ne would assume that with such a claim, there would be supporting
documentation that describes the relevant tests and approvals, so
is there ?. It will need to be related to the current release, not
some 20 year old Vax or Alpha approvals It's a steep mountain to
climb, but essential if such claims are to have a base in reality.

No such documentation exists that I am aware of.

As far as I can tell, VSI seem to be comparing CVE counts for an old
and now obscure operating system (VMS) that is probed probably once
in a blue moon with CVE counts for operating systems that are probed
every day by an army of highly capable researchers and then claiming
that VMS is more secure as a result.

If anyone else knows of another reason why VSI are claiming VMS is the
most secure operating system on the planet then I invite you to reveal
that reason.

Post by Chris
Bug reporting system need s to be there as well, as that fosters trust,
especially if accompanied by transparent and timely remedy.

My own experiences indicate that VSI do not seem to understand this.
I should also point out that this appears to be a VSI _management_
problem and NOT a VSI engineers problem. My problem is with the VSI
management, NOT the VSI engineers.

Post by Chris
Let's drop the marketdroid speak and concentrate on the engineering...

I agree. VSI clearly have a different outlook on this however. :-(

Simon.

[Arne Vajhøj]

Post by Neil Rieck
The major OpenVMS “storm” is here. Important deadlines arrive on December 31, 2020 and January 31, 2021. We wanted to send out this message again to ensure that you are not caught by surprise and to tell you how VMS Software, Inc. (VSI) can assist you.
Important changes that you need to know.......
1. HPE OpenVMS SW V8.4 standard support ends on December 31, 2020.
2. HPE i6 server sales is scheduled to end on December 31, 2020 with standard support included through 2025.
3. HPE i2 server standard support is scheduled to end January 31, 2021.
To help you weather this storm, VMS Software, Inc. is able to provide you options to keep your mission critical OpenVMS environment healthy and viable. Whether your best option is to upgrade on the latest VSI OpenVMS license release (to maintain standard support and receive RTNV) or to continue with your OpenVMS V8.4 while you plan for VSI’s V9.2 x86 product we are prepared to assist you.
About VMS Software
VMS Software, Inc. develops, sells, and supports innovative and advanced releases of OpenVMS, the most secure operating system on the planet. VSI also provides worldwide support and professional services primarily for OpenVMS customers. The company’s core motivation is to support and enable customers to run their mission-critical applications at the legendary uptime levels OpenVMS is known for, at maximum performance levels, today and into the future. VMS Software Inc. is headquartered in Bolton, MA. For more information, go to http://www.vmssoftware.com.

Does this mean that from 31-Dec-2020 when i6 sales stops to the time
when 9.2 is production ready it will be impossible to buy a new server
with VMS?

Arne

[Dave Froble]

Post by Arne Vajhøj

Post by Neil Rieck
The major OpenVMS “storm” is here. Important deadlines arrive on
December 31, 2020 and January 31, 2021. We wanted to send out this
message again to ensure that you are not caught by surprise and to
tell you how VMS Software, Inc. (VSI) can assist you.
Important changes that you need to know.......
1. HPE OpenVMS SW V8.4 standard support ends on December 31, 2020.
2. HPE i6 server sales is scheduled to end on December 31, 2020 with
standard support included through 2025.
3. HPE i2 server standard support is scheduled to end January 31, 2021.
To help you weather this storm, VMS Software, Inc. is able to provide
you options to keep your mission critical OpenVMS environment healthy
and viable. Whether your best option is to upgrade on the latest VSI
OpenVMS license release (to maintain standard support and receive
RTNV) or to continue with your OpenVMS V8.4 while you plan for VSI’s
V9.2 x86 product we are prepared to assist you.
If you are already a VSI customer and have made this transition, we
thank you. If you have not made this change yet and would like to
look forward to working with you.
About VMS Software
VMS Software, Inc. develops, sells, and supports innovative and
advanced releases of OpenVMS, the most secure operating system on the
planet. VSI also provides worldwide support and professional services
primarily for OpenVMS customers. The company’s core motivation is to
support and enable customers to run their mission-critical
applications at the legendary uptime levels OpenVMS is known for, at
maximum performance levels, today and into the future. VMS Software
Inc. is headquartered in Bolton, MA. For more information, go to
http://www.vmssoftware.com.

Does this mean that from 31-Dec-2020 when i6 sales stops to the time
when 9.2 is production ready it will be impossible to buy a new server
with VMS?
Arne

Hmmm ....

Define "new server" ...

Apparently, one will no longer be able to purchase an i6 from HPe. I
could perhaps sell you one. David Turner would be very happy to sell
you one.

[Arne Vajhøj]

Post by Dave Froble

Post by Arne Vajhøj

The major OpenVMS “storm” is here.  Important deadlines arrive on
December 31, 2020 and January 31, 2021.  We wanted to send out this
message again to ensure that you are not caught by surprise and to
tell you how VMS Software, Inc. (VSI) can assist you.
Important changes that you need to know.......
1. HPE OpenVMS SW V8.4 standard support ends on December 31, 2020.
2. HPE i6 server sales is scheduled to end on December 31, 2020 with
standard support included through 2025.
3. HPE i2 server standard support is scheduled to end January 31, 2021.

Does this mean that from 31-Dec-2020 when i6 sales stops to the time
when 9.2 is production ready it will be impossible to buy a new server
with VMS?

Hmmm ....
Define "new server" ...

Equivalent to "new whatever".

Post by Dave Froble
Apparently, one will no longer be able to purchase an i6 from HPe.  I
could perhaps sell you one.

That would probably be a used one.

Post by Dave Froble
  David Turner would be very happy to sell
you one.

Same.

But January 1st he will be the main supplier of VMS systems.

Arne

[Dave Froble]

Post by Arne Vajhøj

Post by Dave Froble

Post by Arne Vajhøj

Post by Neil Rieck
The major OpenVMS “storm” is here. Important deadlines arrive on
December 31, 2020 and January 31, 2021. We wanted to send out this
message again to ensure that you are not caught by surprise and to
tell you how VMS Software, Inc. (VSI) can assist you.
Important changes that you need to know.......
1. HPE OpenVMS SW V8.4 standard support ends on December 31, 2020.
2. HPE i6 server sales is scheduled to end on December 31, 2020 with
standard support included through 2025.
3. HPE i2 server standard support is scheduled to end January 31, 2021.

Does this mean that from 31-Dec-2020 when i6 sales stops to the time
when 9.2 is production ready it will be impossible to buy a new server
with VMS?

Hmmm ....
Define "new server" ...

Equivalent to "new whatever".

Post by Dave Froble
Apparently, one will no longer be able to purchase an i6 from HPe. I
could perhaps sell you one.

That would probably be a used one.

"New" to you ....

:-)

Post by Arne Vajhøj

Post by Dave Froble
David Turner would be very happy to sell
you one.

Same.
But January 1st he will be the main supplier of VMS systems.

I'm fine with that. He's always treated me very well.

[Arne Vajhøj]

Post by Arne Vajhøj

                            David Turner would be very happy to sell
you one.

Same.
But January 1st he will be the main supplier of VMS systems.

I'm fine with that.  He's always treated me very well.

I completely agree that it is a great company and a great guy.

But despite that then it is not a good situation for VMS. We
need a production ready 9.2 fast.

Arne

[Kerry Main]

-----Original Message-----
via Info-vax
Sent: October 2, 2020 8:49 AM
Subject: Re: [Info-vax] Keeping OpenVMS update-to-date

Post by Dave Froble

Post by Arne Vajhøj

Post by Dave Froble
David Turner would be very happy to sell
you one.

Same.
But January 1st he will be the main supplier of VMS systems.

I'm fine with that. He's always treated me very well.

I completely agree that it is a great company and a great guy.
But despite that then it is not a good situation for VMS. We need a
production ready 9.2 fast.
Arne

The reality is that HPE is getting out of the HP-UX, OpenVMS (and I personally believe NonStop as soon as they can get a VSI-like partner for NonStop) OS and server platforms. HPE's recent focus is on server HW, Supercomputing, AI, "cloud" and Network type solutions. Just go to hpe.com and you can see the difference in focus.

Similar to what happened with the Alpha EOL, "new" servers are likely also going to be available from most of existing HPE resellers for a number of years. As long as there are HW support contracts available from a viable partner, then most Customers will likely be ok with this.

Likely these servers will be rx2800 rack and BL blade servers, but this has been the case for a number of years now.

Lets not forget that the same Integrity servers are required to support HP-UX.

Fyi, the HP-UX world is likely a lot more concerned than OpenVMS Customers.

While the Integrity server platform from HPE is coming to an end, OpenVMS has a much longer viable path forward than HP-UX with VSI OpenVMS V9.x on X86-64. VSI's roadmap also shows extended support for OpenVMS V8.* on Alpha/Integrity.

HP-UX on Integrity support end date (period) is Dec 31, 2025, extended support (typically big cost) to Dec 31, 2028. That’s it. NO more OS support. HPE is actively promoting that its HP-UX Customers migrate to Linux (on ProLiant of course).

HP-UX Roadmap:
<https://www.hpe.com/us/en/pdfViewer.html?resource=/content/hpe/country/us/en/resources/servers/reference-guide/hp-ux-public-roadmap&parentPage=/us/en/products/servers/hp-ux>

<http://tiny.cc/HP-UX-Roadmap>


Regards,

Kerry Main
Kerry dot main at starkgaming dot com

[seasoned_geek]

Post by Dave Froble
Hmmm ....
Define "new server" ...
Apparently, one will no longer be able to purchase an i6 from HPe. I
could perhaps sell you one. David Turner would be very happy to sell
you one.

Never forget that if you really need it and can pay for it, David can usually find it. Sometimes he even finds it before he finds out you can't afford it <Grin>