Future of SCO OpenServer - Opinions?

[motoslide]

We've been a user, reseller, and supporter of SCO OpenServer (and it's predecessors) for about 20 years. Over the past few years, I've seen increasing evidence that 3rd-party vendors (hardware, languages, and applications) appear to be dropping support for this O/S. 10 years ago, SCO was a fairly major player with decent support from hardware vendors like HP, Compaq, Acer/Altos, etc. Now, it seems you really have to scratch around to find drivers for the latest network card, SCSI adapter, etc.. And, if problems arise, the support resources just aren't there.
I understand that Version6 is just around the corner, and I'd appreciate some feedback from other SCO veterans on how they perceive the future. Should we all jump onto the LINUX train? Given a choice, I'd prefer to stick with SCO, but that seems foolish if the hardware mfg's aren't committed as well.

What do you think?

 

[fredericofonseca]

Personally, and if the software you/your customers use can run on Linux or Unixware, then I would move to either of them.

OpenServer is a dead end as far as I and most of my customers are concerned, but our software is completely portable, and it really doesn´t matter which OS is used.


Regards

Frederico Fonseca
SysSoft Integrated Ltd

http://www.syssoft-int.com

 

[stanhubble]

HP is still supporting SCO on certain platforms. it all depends on the application as to whether or not to switch. we also have been selling our application on openserver and its predecessors since 1989?.... and over the years some openserver specific things have crept in to our app and until openserver is not available it is not worth our while to officially change until we have to (of course i have it already 95% running on another *nix platform, just in case).
It is easier for our helpline to support the fewest number of os variations as possible (5.0.4, 5.0.5, 5.0.7). we will continue to use the new version based on its availability and functional merits

 

[piperent]

I'm moving my applications to a different platform. For me, marketability is based on several issues: Price, support, future enhancement, and dependability. For a long time SCO was a solid player in these areas. Because of that, you could be reasonably certain that the product would progress with the industry. But, starting back in about '98, they turned their back on Unix, tried to move to Linux, reversed course back to Unix, filed a major lawsuit against an industry icon, and continue to denigrate the few shreds of respectability they have left. What else need be said. They seem to be on a road to self-destruct. Common sense tells you that SCO has seriously injured OpenServer's marketability. OpenServer might survive, but, there are major question-marks to the future. I'm going to be prepared to continue with my applications regardless of what SCO does.

Just my 2 cents.

J Piper