jpp@slxsys.UUCP (John Pettitt) (09/18/87)
I have been following the current OS/2 v Unix debate with
interest. I suspect the answer is that there is not an answer.
OS/2 has many new features and is, so I am told, a great
improvment over MS/PC DOS. It provides (limited) multi-task
capability in (when it's available) a window based environment.
It does not however have multi user capability other than that
provided by the lan manager. Not all users want, or can afford,
a machine each. A PC/AT (286/386) running UNIX/XENIX can
in many cases provide a more cost effective 2 to 16 user box.
I am not talking here about the CAD or stats user who probably
would not be happy until they had a cray each :-) but rather
the 'typical' small business user running inventory, three
ledgers, wp and maybe a spread sheet program.
Another point to consider is market size. The market for
computer systems is largest at the single user end, as the
size, and cost of systems increases the number of buyers
grows smaller until you reach the supercomputer market.
It follows that a systems designed to be single user,
that runs most of the existing single user applications,
will sell more than a multi-user operating system.
In summary OS/2 and PC Unix/Xenix appear to be aimed at
differing market segments with only limited overlap.
--
John Pettitt - G6KCQ, CIX jpettitt, Voice +44 1 398 9422, Discalimer applies !
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Remember: Bill Gates is the worlds greatest expert on Operating Systems :-)