Newsgroups: biz.comp.software
Path: utzoo!telly!ddsw1!karl
From: karl@ddsw1.MCS.COM (Karl Denninger)
Subject: Re: AKCS **SALE** - Get the best BBS/conferencing software for LESS!
Message-ID: <1989Aug24.135754.19409@ddsw1.MCS.COM>
Reply-To: karl@ddsw1.MCS.COM (Karl Denninger)
Organization: Macro Computer Solutions, Inc., Mundelein, IL
References: <1989Aug22.201325.14261@ddsw1.MCS.COM> <15387@netsys.Netsys.COM>
Distribution: biz
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 89 13:57:54 GMT
Lines: 57

In article <15387@netsys.Netsys.COM> len@netsys.COM (Len Rose) writes:
>
>Karl.. Why are you charging more for a 3B2/500 port when it's the
>same binary?
>
>Just curious..
>
>
>Len

Simple Len -- the 500 handles more people and is more likely to generate
support headaches (who owns a 500+ personally anyway?).  Besides, the 
machines listed there are representative, not all-inclusive (we'll port it 
to anything that runs System V Unix for a reasonable cost; time required is 
only a few hours).  The list of systems is really to give people an idea of
where their machine fits into the grand scheme of things.

Actually, there are four classifications; "D" class machines aren't included
in the sale, as I haven't seen an individual yet who owns one (these systems
typically cost >$25,000.  How many people spend that kind of money for a
non-commercial, personal, hobbyist machine?)

If you have a 3b2/500 and want to get AKCS on the cheap, buy the 300/400
version.  There's nothing in the code that limits the number of users; you
only lose optimization for the faster processor.

They are _not_ the same binary.  Yes, you could buy a 300/400 version
and run it; it would likely work and I won't complain until and unless you 
have a problem I can't duplicate on a 300 or 400 series machine - then you 
are out of luck.  The 3b2/500 version is different, it requires at least 
a 32100 to run (and will NOT work on a 300 series machine), and optionally 
it can be shipped with MAU support enabled.

The 3b2/300 & 400 version is built for a vanilla 32000, no MAU, and will run
on all 3b2 series machines that I am aware of -- albiet not at full speed.  
The 500 version would probably run on a 400 (but hasn't been checked out).

Our new scheduling allows people who personally own machines to get the
software at a very low cost, although taking that option sacrifices some of
the support.  Commercial sites don't have that option, as we feel that if
you are running a business and using AKCS it is not reasonable to forego
full support services. (If you disagree, have an employee buy the software
personally.)  It is now the individual's choice whether to pay for services
they may or may not want.  For those people who don't think that being able
to yank on our chain over the phone (and get bugs fixed within 24 hours most
of the time) is important and worth money, we now offer a much less 
expensive alternative.  Those customers can actually pester us on the phone
and the like, but they will be charged on a pay-as-you-go basis, including
mailed updates and such.  Purchasing the commercial version waives that cost.

The choice is yours.

--
Karl Denninger (karl@ddsw1.MCS.COM, <well-connected>!ddsw1!karl)
Public Access Data Line: [+1 312 566-8911], Voice: [+1 312 566-8910]
Macro Computer Solutions, Inc.		"Quality Solutions at a Fair Price"