From: sandy@godzilla.quotron.com (Sanford Zelkovitz)
Subject: Re: DELL SVR4 - separate /usr and /var filesystem?
Keywords: dell svr4 filesystem
Organization: Quotron Systems, Inc.
Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1992 13:59:41 GMT

In article <BuB4tJ.FK0@gator.rn.com> larry@gator.rn.com (Larry Snyder) writes:
>sandy@godzilla.quotron.com (Sanford Zelkovitz) writes:
>
>>Larry, then why is Dell "such a bargain"? If the price for Dell is the same
>>as a complete ESIX SVR4 and Merge, then, if my logic is correct, ESIX is the
>>better value. Am I missing something?
>
>Because Dell has a reputation for fixing problems -- and shipping a
>product that works as advertised.  When I was playing with ESIX SVR4
>I had to get patches from their BBS -- they wouldn't send them out via
>overnight mail unless I paid the shipping.  ESIX also let lots of bugs
>slip by in their previous releases while Dell corrected them.  I can't
>speak for ESIX SVR4 4.0 -- maybe they've cleaned up their operation?
>
Larry....  I think we must be talking about two different companies. Whenever
I had a problem, the response time with a solution was immediate. As you
stated above, "maybe they've cleaned up their operation" with their new
release; however, now, support is beyond question. To be honest with you,
I can't compare DELL to ESIX since you and Bill are the only two users, that
I know of, of DELL Unix. I know  of many ESIX users though.

>ESIX also has a history of not reacting to problems in a timely manner -

The reaction time that I have experienced has been immediate. You really
can't ask for any better.

>where as with Dell I can report a problem, and many time I receive a
>fix a couple of days later.  People on the net keep speaking of poor support

How about a fix on the same day? That has actually happened to me with ESIX.

>from ESIX - but they accept it -- based on the price.

Hmmmmmmmmmm      Honestly, with my own experience, I couldn't ask for any
better support. BTW, I have absolutely no ties with ESIX/Everex so my
remarks are expressed without bias.

>
>Also, ESIX appears to be a much smaller operation -- as compared against
>the Unix division at Dell.  Maybe that accounts for the support problems?

Everex Corporation, if I am not mistaken, is quit a bit larger than Dell
Computer. ESIX is a division of Everex. Also, ESIX is located in a LARGE
building in Santa Ana ( I have been there ) and, I can assure you, their
operation is not small.

>
>As a bonus, Dell comes with all kinds of PDS ported and ready to run. 

I hope that they got the OK from the authors of the PD software! If not,
they may be violating the copyrights! If they are distributing any of my
PD software, they never contacted me for my OK!


>If you want source, likewise -- it is included on the tape.  
>This makes it real handy when installing new machines -- also, Dell
>can be had for as low as $495 when you purchase hardware from Dell

Since I do not know the cost of Dell computers, the $495 price tag along
with the price of their computer,  may, in actuality, be more costly than
buying Brand X computer with any of the other flavors of Unix that are
presently on the market. BTW, did you check with Everex and see what the
price is of their computers along with ESIX? Everex, if I am not mistaken,
also has a "package deal".


>(which by the way  has dropped greatly in price -- btw, I saw
>the American Red Cross on TV during Andrew working on their databases
>using Dell hardware!).
>

I am sure that Dell has done a nice job of compiling AT&T code, etc; however,
so has many other Unix Houses. If you like what Dell has done for you, then,
by all means, use it. I, personally, like what ESIX has done and am quit
satisfied with what they have to offer, both with their support and upgrades.
Since I have no ties with ESIX, my views are without bias. I don't think that
you have any ties with DEll, do you????

>-- 
>Larry Snyder                                    internet: larry@gator.rn.com
>keeper of the Gator                                  uucp: uunet!gator!larry


-- 
Sanford <sandy> Zelkovitz            XBBS
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