rbloom@apg-1.ARPA (Robert Bloom AMSTE-TEI 3775) (11/25/85)
People: A number of months ago I sent a request for information on multi-user computers. Thanks to all that responded. This is a recap of what happened to that request. I work in the Department of Defence, in the Test and Evaluation Command of the Army Materiel Command (AMC). The machine in question would be used in my division and would replace a well-used and trusted NorthStar Horizon. Based on the responses, I thought I had a pretty good handle on what was available that met my requirements and was affordable. I was looking for a system that would be less expensive than AMC's 'standard' micro (an Intel 310). Priminary research indicated that there were some potentials at 1/3 of the price of an Intel and lots at 1/2 the price. (The Intel system was *at*least* $50k.) I've been shot down in the attempt to save some taxpayer money. (How's that for an inflammatory statement?) From a AMC letter dated 19 May 85 on "Policy of Acquisition and Use of Microcomputers", "[the Intel contract] is a mandatory source for single-user and multi-user microcomputers for AMC activities whose requirements can be satisfied by the contract." Cost savings, no matter how much, is not a basis for buying anything other than items on the contract. Our ADPE acquisition people are using this to beat everyone down, me included. (We can't even buy a plain-vanila IBM-PC any more!) This is not to say that the Intel 310 is not a good machine. It's just that I don't believe that a single machine, albeit configurable in many different ways to meet many different requirements, is best for all those requirements. Oh well. So like a good military man (which I'm not) after stating my view, I am supporting whatever decision the commander makes. Looks like I'll be buying an Intel 310 ethernet'ed to 8 PC clones. Thanks again to those that helped me in my research. I felt that I had an obligation to those kind net-people that sometimes never find out the results of the issues mentioned here. Bob Bloom (I do not have any affiliation with Intel, SMS, or any other contractor, or the Army ADPE selection or acquisition. I consider myself 'just a poor end-user.' Please address any comments or replies directly to rbloom@apg-1 in case I get in [any more] trouble for this message.)