Re: [9fans] Plan 9 and PR

[Jim Choate <ravage@einstein.ssz.com>]

Hi Herbert,


On Sun, 8 Feb 2004, Herbert B. Hancock wrote:

> I wonder if Plan 9 is getting the exposure it deserves?  I met with some people from IBM last week about a grid project and they weren't aware of the capabilites of Plan 9 for grid solutions.  I'm setting up a grid between departments but unfortunately need to use Linux and the Globus Toolkit because of the applications. I have nothing against Linux or Globus but it seems to me that Plan 9 is ideal for such a project. I need to have some applications on the grid which I can't do with Plan 9.  I'll even have to disguise Linux as Windows so the users won't think it's not too unfamiliar.
>
> On a better note, we published an article in Library Hi Tech vol. 21 no. 4, pp. 471-476 on Plan 9.  At least we've introduced it to some librarians.

No, it isn't. And this community is part of the problem. A major example
is the 'discussion' over P9 being brain dead for single user -single
machine- applications. They just don't get that the power of P9 is in
-transcending- this model. That is the true power of P9. The seperation of
where the output goes and where the work gets done at. It's a pity.

Using P9 as a single user single machine solution is like using a Porche
to open soup cans by running over them. It works but what a waste. I
personaly believe their reticence about admitting their mistaken approach
is that they don't want to admit they make a mistake. Typical.

I've got a 'in' with the upcoming COMMON (ie IBM user group) meeting here
in San Antonio. Among other things I hope to do a short presentation on
P9 as well as talk on a panel regarding grid solutions. The week following
that I'll be at the San Antonio College/SATLUG conference doing a similar
presentation. I've also contacted First Lego League with regard to the
"Blind and Haptic Computing SIG" we've created. The idea is to use Lego
Mindstorms to allow blind developers to build and analyse robots. Among
other things I hope to have get some info on their page about
Styx-in-a-Box.

When I worked at the LTC here in Austin I tried to talk to lower and
middle management about it but they really don't think 'grid' computing is
an answer. The general consensus I got was that it was smoke and mirrors.
It was also pretty interesting to work for a company making Open Source
software but prohibiting their employees from doing -any- outside work
even if it was for Open Source.

In the past I was asked on this list why I didn't program, IBM prohibited
it and I hate laywers. So, I quite in August of last summer and I've been
pursuing it since. Still trying to make it break even but we're getting
closer and closer. You people ain't seen shit, yet. One of Hangar 18's
goals is to put out a "Plan 9 bis" at some point. The idea will be to make
it as easy for users to -use- as possible instead of making it targeted at
'developers'.

I can say, that if -anyone- wants to do presentations or demonstrations on
P9 at any of these events I'll do my best to support your efforts. The
only caveat is that you've got to provide your own $$$.

ps I'll also be providing tech support for the upcoming Texas Gaming
   Festival (www.txgf.com) next weekend. One of the things I hope I have
   time for is setting up a couple of P9 boxes to use for accessing
   techinal resources on the net. My hope is people will ask "What is
   that?". Several of the larger game related hardware manufacturers will
   be there. If I have time I hope to burn some CD's and give them away.

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James Choate  512-451-7087  ravage@ssz.com  jchoate@open-forge.com