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From: goldstein@delni.enet.dec.com (Fred R. Goldstein)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Re: Why Are They Called 'Generics'?
Message-ID: <14669@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 13 Nov 90 18:47:23 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 819, Message 1 of 9


In article <14643@accuvax.nwu.edu>, jjwcmp@ultb.isc.rit.edu (Jeff
Wasilko) writes...

>As I was catching up on my Digest-reading, a thought occured to me --
>why are switch programs called 'generics'?

You had to own/manage a Rolm 7000-series CBX to really appreciate what
a generic is!  (No, it doesn't mean "cheaper than name-brand
software".)  Back in the '70s and early '80s I used to run a bunch of
them.

Some early computer-controlled telephone switches had highly
customized software.  You told the manufacturer what your hardware
configuration was, how many of this and how many of that feature, how
you routed your calls, your numbering plan, etc., and they linked an
executable software module Just For You.  At Rolm, this process was
called "Sysgen", and produced a "configuration".  Changing this
required a "deconfiguration" (print it out with any changes made) and
"reconfiguration".  So, for example, if you wanted to changed the
wired-for configuration to include more tie lines, DID trunks, or a
different mix of ordinary/fancy phones, you had to reconfigure. Even
changing a hunt group pilot number nominally took a six-week-plus
reconfiguration cycle, though _certain_ things could be patched if you
knew whom to ask.  (And a few things could be changed using
undocumented commands.)

Needless to say, Rolm had "releases", but not "generics".  A generic
is a set of software that could be field-customized to meet the user's
requirement.  It may or may not have all the optional feature
licenses, but it's generally configurable, so customers don't need
factory intervention in order to set the machine up and maintain it.
Most PBXs today as well as central offices use generic software.

If there's another explanation, I'd be curious to hear it too.


Fred R. Goldstein              Digital Equipment Corp., Littleton MA
goldstein@delni.enet.dec.com   voice: +1 508 486 7388
 Do you think anyone else on the planet would share my opinions, let
 alone a multi-billion dollar corporation?