From: karl@ddsw1.mcs.com (Karl Denninger)
Subject: Re: AUSPEX ? 
Summary: Answers
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 1992 17:14:49 GMT
Organization: Macro Computer Solutions, Inc., Chicago, IL

In article <bertil.717927487@isy.liu.se> bertil@isy.liu.se (Bertil Reinhammar) writes:
>!!!
>Here in the outbound, we appear to lack representation
>of AUSPEX. Thus I ask You:
>1) Why should I (not) buy an AUSPEX system ?
>   1a) NFS service any good ?

Incredibly good.  This is what the box is for.  8 ethernets driven as hard
as Ethernet can take 'em on the NS5000 series.  They also sell a write
accelerator which is a modified PRESTOSERVE product.  Their architecture is
a functional multiprocessor, and NFS operations never see the "primary" CPU.
In fact, you can crash the primary and NFS ops will continue (which can be
rather disconcerting :-).

>   1b) Compute service any good ?

No.  They have a Sparc processor available for compute service, but it is
essentially a 4/110.   Don't run processes on it unless you must.  They 
will be slow.  They need the host processor to do things like grant mount
requests and the like, but otherwise it is pretty feeble and really doesn't
do much.

>   1c) OS any good ?

Quite good.  Its a modified SunOS release with their own additions.  It
"feels" like SunOS.  Their OS, however, isn't really SunOS -- its what is
running on those processor boards driving the disks and ethernets.

>2) Where do I get in touch with a proper AUSPEX
>   representative ( provided I wish after all answers :-)
>   given that I live in Sweden.

No idea in Sweden.

One other thing.  Auspex has a quality definition that would make anyone
green with envy.  Any firm which is trying to compete in a global market
would do well to take their policy and implement THAT.  Those of you at Sun
who are reading this need to take some lessons from these folks.

A few points from the policy:

1)	No system's revenue is recognized until the customer is satisfied.
	That is, the sale does not "count" until that time.  It also means
	that all sales are by definition "on approval".

2)	If you're not satisfied, you can call the CEO.  Direct.

2.5)	If you're not satisfied you will be :-)

3)	No server will experience more than a 4 hour downtime -- or you will
	get a call from executive management explaining why and apologizing.

4)	Every department and employee is rated on customer satisfaction and
	quality improvement in some fashion.

5)	Auspex does not edit their customer list to avoid disclosing a
	dissatisfied customer.  You can get (on a non-disclosure basis)
	their unedited trouble statistics and customer list.

We have one of these at my day job, and I can safely say that both the 
machine and their attitude as a company has been exemplary.  Highly
recommended.

I'd love to work for these folks -- this is a company that wants to produce 
a quality product, and spares no trouble to do that and act in an ethical 
manner at the same time.  Highly recommended.

There is a rumor that they will go public sometime soon.  I'd buy their
stock if you want to invest in a quality organization when it becomes
available.

--
Karl Denninger (karl@ddsw1.MCS.COM, <well-connected>!ddsw1!karl)
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