Newsgroups: comp.os.vms
Subject: CDDS (was Re: How to mount ISO and HSG CD-ROM's on (Open)VMS?)
From: hansher@bclcl1.im.battelle.org (Kevin Hansher, Battelle Computing Center)
Date: 12 Jan 93 07:46:27 EST
Organization: Battelle, Columbus, OH

In article <1993Jan11.123307.5936@ais.com>, bruce@ais.com (Bruce C. Wright) writes:
(many lines deleted to get to the reason for my posting...
> 
> If you have a CD-ROM reader, the CONDIST is an excellent investment --
> current distributions of almost all the common layered products, and
> online documentation as well (well, yeah, it's in Bookreader format,
> but if you have even one Xterminal it can be useful to be able to find
> things on it that have been `borrowed' from the regular doc set or that
> are for a product that you don't have but need information about).
> 
> Bruce C. Wright

Yes.  I will agree with the above.  It has been great having all of the
materials available in one (although many CDROM's) location.  Great
combination with an InfoServer.  Sure beats having all of those different
size tape reels lying around.  Also a lot easier to find out what the most
current version is.

Anyway, the reason for my posting is this.  Are you all aware that the
PRICE of CONDIST (or more correctly referred to as CDDS - which combines
both the media and doc) has doubled beginning with your next software
maintenance renewal.  Ouch!  It used to be an excellent deal for even those
using a few products...now you get to weigh out the price difference.

The excuse is that, unlike in the very beginning when there were not quite
as many products on it, now it is supposedly costing DEC a lot more because
of the volume of products.  I'm surprised if this is really that much more -
but I'm sure there are many of you out there that have CD's produced and
know the real cost.  It "socked" our budget, since I found out about it
after submiting our budget for 1993.

CDDS is still a great benefit, but it's a shame that the price doubling
occurred.  As I mentioned, I'm sure the smaller sites will look at the cost
a lot closer now.  Also, we have multiple sites, and instead of trying to
re-kit or copy savesets all around our network, some of the sites were
getting their own CDDS.  Sure saved us time/$$$ overall.  Now for budget
reasons, I bet those sites start cutting CDDS.  Obviously that comes from
a different "pocket".

CDDS is an excellent marketing tool for DEC.  With users already having
media and doc in hand, all you need to try out a product is to call DEC
up and ask for a demo PAK.  Too bad DEC doesn't "realize" their return
on investment here instead of doubling the cost.  (or maybe they do???)

A couple of us meant to discuss this at the last DECUS, but forgot until
sitting in a suite the last Friday night discussing some other things.
Hopefully someone will remember to bring it up for discussion in Atlanta -
hopefully someone has changed DEC's mind before that!!!

-- 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin Hansher			Symposium Session Quality Coordinator -
Battelle		        U.S. DECUS VMS Systems SIG
505 King Avenue	                Internet:	hansher@bclcl1.im.battelle.org
Columbus,  OH  43201		Voice: 614-424-4008  Fax:  614-424-5263