Help Us Defend Against VMS

[Claude Laferriere]

	As I am relatively new to the net, it is with interest
that I read the debate over Unix vs VMS.  What struck me as
interesting in those discussions is that it is very difficult to be
objective because one's own frame of mind is indeed influenced by the
system one is using.  We should not forget that an operating system
and its associated development tools not only imposes a style of
interaction (e.g., command interaction) but also promotes a certain
development methodology among its users.

	As was pointed out by many, there is a Unix development
methodology which is evident in the way Unix itself was (and still is)
developed. It also goes without saying that this Unix methodology does
not apply to the VMS case.  Therefore, any attempt at evaluating VMS
with this Unix frame of mind is somewhat unfair to VMS.

	What I would like to do here, however, is to move the debate
to a different level and ask the following question: given a set of
requirements originating from a group of users, how easy is it, in
each system, to conceptualize a solution and implement it?  Are there
features in each system that would help or hinder design and
implementation?  For example, Unix system philosophy would tend to
favour small, single function modules in a co-operative arrangement
whereas the VMS way would be closer to a larger, monolithic package
(Caveat: this is my perception of VMS but I am no expert on it).

	I think it would be interesting to assess each system based on
its strength, that is how it enables designers to conceptualize
correct and efficient solutions.  Let us face it: both systems are
likely to be with us for a long time to come.  It is incumbent on
system developers to choose the operating system which is better suited
for the tasks to be accomplished and be prepared to make that choice
on a project by project basis.


Claude Laferriere		Internet:	claude at intech.arpa
Intellitech			Phone:		(613)236-7803

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