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From: RWWMAINT@MSU.BITNET (Rich Wiggins)
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.notis-l
Subject: Re: Dinosaur Programming
Message-ID: <NOTIS-L%90020212334032@TCSVM.BITNET>
Date: 2 Feb 90 18:23:25 GMT
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In-Reply-To:  Message of Fri, 2 Feb 90 11:58:39 LCL from <FCLA@NERVM>

This is a busy mailing list, so perhaps it's not wise to add to this
line of discussion about how to train programmers, but:

-- Universities aren't trade schools.  They should teach computer
science, not particular specialized operating environments.)

-- Many universities have non-IBM mainframes for academic use.  (IBM
has made inroads the last few years.)  You can learn mainframe computing
without learning IBM data processing, and still be near ground zero
stepping into a blue shop.

-- IBM 370 mainframes are the overwhelming choice for large data processing
shops.  That will probably remain true for years.  Microcomputers, LANs, &
Unix are gaining fast.  I wouldn't want to see a generation of CICS-savvy
grads who won't migrate to the successor to the dinosaur.

-- Whatever we say here, it seems that there are two choices: Train people
from within, or be prepared to compete with large shops to hire specific
skills.

(Personal opinions only...)