Well, I won't go into the full economics lesson on this, but the jobs that spammers create are temporary, and only last as long as the customer base does. And since they are in contention, it will eventually dwindle, along with the customer base, and any potential for a growth industry or job market.
Spam is a good representation of all things stupid about the.com era. Quick buck, but burns all resources capable of sustaining further market.
I guess time will tell. I sure am glad I've stayed in companies that keep VERY clear of Spam. They'll last longer when the hammer eventually comes down.
I don't know how much you've had to deal with contract agreements with network bandwidth providers, but WorldCom (and others) have agreements with their providers. These agreements do obligate them to remedy spam issues.
Now, of course, this is if it actually uses the upward providers bandwidth. Unfortunately, this is not the case in the original posting. BUT, there are still policies that should be read.
The power the subscriber has is to cancel, and encourage every person they know to stay away from them. In addition, I would take out an ad in the personals, post on several websites.. and hell, why not use the tactic they refuse to guard against... spam as many of their clients as possible, making their service annoying so that a larger group quits. I'd be willing to bet they do something about it then.
Yes, that's a rather extremist approach. But I feel that the only place such things can truly be stopped is if policies are enforced. I get regular notifications of spam complaints from network providers. All of them are handled almost immediately. Clients are cancelled on first offense. And we make sure its EXTREMELY clear that we have a no tollerance policy. Consequently, spam is quite low related to our services.
So... "obligation" does exist. And the subscriber should use the power they have, rather than be stupid and let another company trample the rights of the consumer.
Well, you need that bandwidth for the higher quality graphics. I run OSXVNC on my PowerMac at home, and access it from my PowerBook through my DSL line. Not quite 100Mbps, but in 8bit mode, I can get to the basic things I need to.
Certainly not usable for primary work over such a slow connection. When I'm local, it's decent under the 11Mbps of 802.11b. But I have to agree, to be usable on a regular basis, 100Mbps minimum is needed. I can't wait for Gigabit switches to come down in price so we can really use the power of the network adapters in our Macs.:)
Actually, you're wrong. It's also their job to enforce their policies. Something like SPAM'ing other users (decreasing customer satisfaction) is covered under most ISP abuse policies.
It's also their responsibility to enforce abuse policies that they agree to with THEIR network provider (not necessarily being violated in this situation tho).
So, what I recommend is that people go read the abuse policy of their ISP, and see if it has anything that covers this kind of abuse. If the person sending you this SPAM over SMB (first turn off SMB messaging and get a Firewall), confirm that they are breaking their agreement, and then bitch to all high heaven. If the idiot on the phone says there's nothing they can do, ask for their manager. If they refuse, get their employee number and report them (then report the company to the appropriate agency [ie. BBB]). If that manager doesn't help, ask for his/her manager. It may not immediately solve the problem, but it will leave a big fat record of this being a problem.
If fewer people just sit on their ass, and say "It's my problem", nothing will get done on a more global level. And THAT is the only way crap like this really gets addressed. Be loud, be clear, be heard! Don't let a stupid company bully you.
And finally, even if they help you... if you feel they are a good company to you as the customer drop them. You pay them. If you are under contract, and they don't help you, accuse them of being in breach of their policies (if they are).
Not everyone knows how to protect their computer. And they shouldn't have to know how to. That's the point of computers, to make your lived easier not more of a headache.
So... in summary... I couldn't disagree more with reaper20. Don't just take it and get walked all over. Stand up, and fight for your right as a consumer and customer!
Works for me. PB 550, 512MB RAM, OS X (Jaguar now). It worked with 10.1 and 256 MB RAM too. I close the lid to put it to sleep, change the battery, and open it up to resume work.
What? You mean bring back singles? Singles were quite popular in the past. Then you-know-who decided to produce MUCH less of them because they could make more money by forcing people to buy everything.
With a 3 year maintenance plan for servers is works well into most corporate budget strategies. When designing/architecting a real production environment, many IT/sys admins plan for a 3 year life of the machine. After that, it is often the case that they are replaced. This allows hardware vendors to target a certain level of quality, as well as enable IT departments to plan budgets accurately.
Unfortunately, opt-in is something that law-makers seem to opt-out from. In most situations where companies can take advantage of contact information (obtained legally or illegally), they will use it. And law-makers continue to passively support this behavior of the corporate world.
Is it good for the economy? I don't know. Maybe. Personally, I don't think it is so good for the economy that my personal life should be invaded to pay for it.
This problem exists with "junk mail", telemarketting, and email. Any method where you normally receive information that is useful or personal to you has been invaded by companies. And often times they make it sound like you did something to initiate the call. This is a lie that they can often pass off as "a mistake".
I even had one guy call me saying that I filled out some form about a year ago requesting information on something. Well, asside from the fact that I KNOW I didn't fill out any such form, I had just moved, and had that number for less than a month. Mistake? Maybe... but I SERIOUSLY doubt it.
And what about those calls where it's clearly a recorded message, and the person tries to sound like they're really there by making "little mistakes", or seeming to "just remember" something. I thought it was pretty lame when I got the same exact message from two people. Or when I get the same call time and time again (recorded) even at different phone numbers.
So, I think that people ought to make their voice more heard. Anyone up for class action law suits? Can one apply in this case? I'm sure if you destory a major telemarketting, and it gets some press, that others will be more careful.
SPAM! In your mail box, on your phone, and in your email! Don't just accept it because some schmuck in office voted on opt-out, despite the obvious disagreement of the people they are supposed to represent. Fire the bastards! YOU employ them!
Okay... soap box stance over. I think I'm going to see about following in the foot steps of the guy who threatened to sue them if they didn't send a small amount of money (relatively... $500). It would likely cost them more to have someone go to small claims court over it. And Christmas is just around the corner. *grin*
I heard that it enables the Samba abilities of CUPS with the installation. It actually only takes a single symbolic link that Apple seems to have "left out" of the release. Once that's installed follow gimp-print's instructions on installing Samba shared printers.
Also, this is a posting with the link, should you need to create it manually. You don't have to use the web-based CUPS admin utility like stated. You can use the standard "Add Printer" in advanced mode (gimp-print explains). Read some of the follow-up posts, as they discus printing both ways (to and from a Mac).
How on EARTH did this post get a "5 Informative"???? It's almost entirely opinion, or minimally Informative. I could see maybe a 2 or 3... but 5????
Come on slashdot'ers... lets be a little more critical about where we apply mods. Don't just do a +1 because you saw someone else do it. If you have extra mod points to use, choose to let them expire rather than mod up without thinking!
Well, I dunno about all your tweaks to the base system. I'd be concerned about what happens when you update. I tried modifying "Apple" system files, and it bit me in the ass when something I'd done was reverted with an update. They are getting better about having "user" protected areas for system wide configurations, but still need to work on it (configurable system wide cshrc would be nice).
Anyway... I should have posted the relevant links. Here they are.
Configuring cups for SMB: http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/OSX/cups_printing _in_ja guar.html
Additional good quality drivers for CUPS: http://www.allosx.com/1030154694/index_html
In that second page, you can search for "Alex S" and see a post I made that also lists a sample of the SMB URL. I followed the instructions of the first link (up to creating the symbolic link). I then installed the additional drivers of the second link. This increases the options for available printers (by a LOT).
I then used the "OptionKey + AddButton" method for adding a printer in the Print Center with the "Advanced" mode being available. I like gimp-print's instructions for adding a printer more than the first link's steps. BUT, you need to do that symbolic link think in the first one, to get the Samba option.
I didn't say it was Apple's fault. In fact, I implied heavily that it was NOT Apple or OS X's fault.
The point is not that Apple who is to blame for the problems. The point is to address the statement that 10.2 is an OS that "every Mac user" should blindly upgrade to. And regardless of fault, many apps are not ported to 10.2 just yet. Most work, but there are some issues. And as such, people should take care before just taking the plunge.
I've been using OS X since March '01 as well. I never used 9 except to see what all the hub-bub is about. I came from the Linux path to OS X. And from my perspective 10.0 was more user friendly and prepared for main stream than what I had been using. But I could get around in either, so I am not a good representation of the average user.
So, while I agree that OS X is one of the best OS's out there, I do NOT agree that it is ready for prime time, nor does the ArsTechnica article author from what I read. It's close, but not quite. And as we all know, technically superior does not mean everyone will be happy with it. And happiness is important to the success of the OS. Many people are happy with OS 9. And the things that they still expect from a computer are just short of a full reality with OS X.
So... I agree with you on your feelings of OS X. Hell, I have 2 Mac's now, and about 1.5 years ago, I wouldn't have thought about touching a Mac. But, regardless of MY feelings about using OS X, there are still issues that need to be resolved. And I want to see them resolved, because they are key to the success of the OS, IMHO.
I can think of many reasons why "every" Mac user should not upgrade just yet. Maybe after 10.2.1 or 10.2.2.
For starters, there are still some basic things missing, or at very least not "user friendly". I spent a long time trying to figure out how to make Jaguar print to a Windows printer. Apple has been VERY careful about not saying Jaguar can do that, and rather goes with the more general statement of "Windows network compatibility".
It came down to me having to create a symbolic link between a samba utility and a CUPS directory. This is not something I would consider ready for every Mac user.
There's also some issues with applications becoming buggy with the release of Jaguar. Even Virtual PC is problematic since I updated to Jaguar. Is this Apple or Jaguar's fault. Not really, but updating to Jaguar IS the cause of some of my problems and instabilities with applications.
So, I'd say "every Mac user" should wait for 10.2.1 or 10.2.2...or at VERY least, wait for applications that you might use to release their updates for Jaguar compatibility.
And as for my background, I came through the Linux route, have several years experience as a *nix sys admin (small [.com startup] and big [IBM] systems). And now, I'm a senior software engineer.
I wanted to reply to the XML comment too, but am not sure enough about my understanding of LDAP to question it. I thought LDAP was a spec, and not specific about the storage implementation detail (such as XML or relational DB, etc).
I guess it's just another piece of info that was inaccurate.:)
What?? You do NOT need to go and pay for a server OS to run a server process on a machine... ESPECIALLY for home use.
YES! OS X Server would be SERIOUS overkill!
The standard release of OS X is MORE than enough to run a basic LDAP server, Apache (um, which ships with it), Named (also ships), MySQL and Postgresql.... ALL at the same time. Hell, I can probably run a ton of other stuff and not notice.
The higher end servers are needed for performance and ease of maintenance. And they're needed because their server processes would theoretically be under a high load. And even the XServes aren't really meant for the REAL high end server market.
Anyway... just couldn't let such an innacurate statement go by without comment, considering this person was referring to "home use".
Well, while I agree that it would be nice to have those that caused the.com bloat, I don't think that things will happen the way you see it... not without other effects.
I think that one effect of having a bloated industry of underqualified individuals, is that those who ARE qualified are being lost in the shuffle. Many of those that came into the industry because of the money, with business degrees, a few tech courses, and little to no real experience also had one thing going for them... something taught in business schools. That is "Networking". No, not packet or switch networks... but people networking. They cling to people they know, thus needing to rely on their own abilities less. Unfortunately, that "networking" mentality is something that many qualified IT professionals tried to avoid being dragged into.
I am always trying to keep an eye out for the friends I have that I would really like to see remain in the industry. Not just because they are friends, but because they are the type of professional that I think can contribute positively to the industry, with their experience and their potential.
So, while I agree that those.com'ers need to go... let's not forget that that shouldn't include people who were validly entering into the industry at that time, regardless of the boom. Many people who were caught up in the mess chose their majors before the boom occured, or before they were aware of such things. They may be a.com generation, but they aren't necessarily the ones that made the Net go to hell.
So, in conclusion... I know plenty of people who should be in the IT field. Unluckily, many of those are also ones finding other professions.
You didn't ACTUALLY ask for examples to justify that SAP normally runs on Oracle and DB2?
I worked as an SAP Basis admin for about 3 years (got sick of it). I didn't see a single installation (and I saw a lot having worked for Andersen Consulting) that wasn't either DB2, Oracle, or Informix.
Examples...? How about IBM Storage Systems Division, Best Buy, Canadian National Rail, etc, etc...
As for why... Well, 1. companies have years of trust and investment (systems and training) in other enterprise DB's (like Oracle, DB2, etc). And 2. I would be hesitant to use an SAP and SAP product. Not because they wouldn't work well together, but because it gives too much control to one company.
Just wait. It should be shipping with 10.2 in a couple weeks. Unless you REALLY want your toy, I'd wait. You will still have to wait for "assembly" and shipping anyway.
Slashdot Mirror
Well, I won't go into the full economics lesson on this, but the jobs that spammers create are temporary, and only last as long as the customer base does. And since they are in contention, it will eventually dwindle, along with the customer base, and any potential for a growth industry or job market.
.com era. Quick buck, but burns all resources capable of sustaining further market.
Spam is a good representation of all things stupid about the
I guess time will tell. I sure am glad I've stayed in companies that keep VERY clear of Spam. They'll last longer when the hammer eventually comes down.
-Alex
I don't know how much you've had to deal with contract agreements with network bandwidth providers, but WorldCom (and others) have agreements with their providers. These agreements do obligate them to remedy spam issues.
Now, of course, this is if it actually uses the upward providers bandwidth. Unfortunately, this is not the case in the original posting. BUT, there are still policies that should be read.
The power the subscriber has is to cancel, and encourage every person they know to stay away from them. In addition, I would take out an ad in the personals, post on several websites.. and hell, why not use the tactic they refuse to guard against... spam as many of their clients as possible, making their service annoying so that a larger group quits. I'd be willing to bet they do something about it then.
Yes, that's a rather extremist approach. But I feel that the only place such things can truly be stopped is if policies are enforced. I get regular notifications of spam complaints from network providers. All of them are handled almost immediately. Clients are cancelled on first offense. And we make sure its EXTREMELY clear that we have a no tollerance policy. Consequently, spam is quite low related to our services.
So... "obligation" does exist. And the subscriber should use the power they have, rather than be stupid and let another company trample the rights of the consumer.
Just another $0.02.
-Alex
Well, you need that bandwidth for the higher quality graphics. I run OSXVNC on my PowerMac at home, and access it from my PowerBook through my DSL line. Not quite 100Mbps, but in 8bit mode, I can get to the basic things I need to.
:)
Certainly not usable for primary work over such a slow connection. When I'm local, it's decent under the 11Mbps of 802.11b. But I have to agree, to be usable on a regular basis, 100Mbps minimum is needed. I can't wait for Gigabit switches to come down in price so we can really use the power of the network adapters in our Macs.
-Alex
Just a couple quick brain-fart corrections:
;)
If people just sit on their ass, and say
> "It's my problem", nothing will get done on a more
> global level.
and
if you feel they are not a good company to you
> as the customer drop them.
Just wanted to be more clear.
-Alex
Actually, you're wrong. It's also their job to enforce their policies. Something like SPAM'ing other users (decreasing customer satisfaction) is covered under most ISP abuse policies.
It's also their responsibility to enforce abuse policies that they agree to with THEIR network provider (not necessarily being violated in this situation tho).
So, what I recommend is that people go read the abuse policy of their ISP, and see if it has anything that covers this kind of abuse. If the person sending you this SPAM over SMB (first turn off SMB messaging and get a Firewall), confirm that they are breaking their agreement, and then bitch to all high heaven. If the idiot on the phone says there's nothing they can do, ask for their manager. If they refuse, get their employee number and report them (then report the company to the appropriate agency [ie. BBB]). If that manager doesn't help, ask for his/her manager. It may not immediately solve the problem, but it will leave a big fat record of this being a problem.
If fewer people just sit on their ass, and say "It's my problem", nothing will get done on a more global level. And THAT is the only way crap like this really gets addressed. Be loud, be clear, be heard! Don't let a stupid company bully you.
And finally, even if they help you... if you feel they are a good company to you as the customer drop them. You pay them. If you are under contract, and they don't help you, accuse them of being in breach of their policies (if they are).
Not everyone knows how to protect their computer. And they shouldn't have to know how to. That's the point of computers, to make your lived easier not more of a headache.
So... in summary... I couldn't disagree more with reaper20. Don't just take it and get walked all over. Stand up, and fight for your right as a consumer and customer!
Just my $0.02!
-Alex
Yup! Just 7 posts down. Can we stop the stupid-ass troll advertisement for .NET CLI already?!?!?!?!?!
I've read it, and no longer give a rats ass. And it seems others agree. Quit with the MS BS posts on the Apple section. We read it already!
Just my $0.02!
-Alex
Works for me. PB 550, 512MB RAM, OS X (Jaguar now). It worked with 10.1 and 256 MB RAM too. I close the lid to put it to sleep, change the battery, and open it up to resume work.
Do you still have support?
-Alex
What? You mean bring back singles? Singles were quite popular in the past. Then you-know-who decided to produce MUCH less of them because they could make more money by forcing people to buy everything.
-Alex
What Dirty Harry's gay?? When did he come out exactly?
heheh.
-Alex
I doubt it will carry over to regular users.
With a 3 year maintenance plan for servers is works well into most corporate budget strategies. When designing/architecting a real production environment, many IT/sys admins plan for a 3 year life of the machine. After that, it is often the case that they are replaced. This allows hardware vendors to target a certain level of quality, as well as enable IT departments to plan budgets accurately.
So, I think we're safe as users.
Just my thoguhts.
-Alex
Unfortunately, opt-in is something that law-makers seem to opt-out from. In most situations where companies can take advantage of contact information (obtained legally or illegally), they will use it. And law-makers continue to passively support this behavior of the corporate world.
Is it good for the economy? I don't know. Maybe. Personally, I don't think it is so good for the economy that my personal life should be invaded to pay for it.
This problem exists with "junk mail", telemarketting, and email. Any method where you normally receive information that is useful or personal to you has been invaded by companies. And often times they make it sound like you did something to initiate the call. This is a lie that they can often pass off as "a mistake".
I even had one guy call me saying that I filled out some form about a year ago requesting information on something. Well, asside from the fact that I KNOW I didn't fill out any such form, I had just moved, and had that number for less than a month. Mistake? Maybe... but I SERIOUSLY doubt it.
And what about those calls where it's clearly a recorded message, and the person tries to sound like they're really there by making "little mistakes", or seeming to "just remember" something. I thought it was pretty lame when I got the same exact message from two people. Or when I get the same call time and time again (recorded) even at different phone numbers.
So, I think that people ought to make their voice more heard. Anyone up for class action law suits? Can one apply in this case? I'm sure if you destory a major telemarketting, and it gets some press, that others will be more careful.
SPAM! In your mail box, on your phone, and in your email! Don't just accept it because some schmuck in office voted on opt-out, despite the obvious disagreement of the people they are supposed to represent. Fire the bastards! YOU employ them!
Okay... soap box stance over. I think I'm going to see about following in the foot steps of the guy who threatened to sue them if they didn't send a small amount of money (relatively... $500). It would likely cost them more to have someone go to small claims court over it. And Christmas is just around the corner. *grin*
Cheers,
-Alex
Take a look at the gimp-print project. Has lots of drivers.
I heard that it enables the Samba abilities of CUPS with the installation. It actually only takes a single symbolic link that Apple seems to have "left out" of the release. Once that's installed follow gimp-print's instructions on installing Samba shared printers.
Also, this is a posting with the link, should you need to create it manually. You don't have to use the web-based CUPS admin utility like stated. You can use the standard "Add Printer" in advanced mode (gimp-print explains). Read some of the follow-up posts, as they discus printing both ways (to and from a Mac).
Hope that helps.
-Alex
I think it's interesting that the sash on Amazon's site (particularly in the larger image) is different than the link in this post.
Instead of "Switching to MacOS X", Amazon reads "A UNIX Hackers Guide". Weird.
I wonder what that's all about.
-Alex
How on EARTH did this post get a "5 Informative"???? It's almost entirely opinion, or minimally Informative. I could see maybe a 2 or 3... but 5????
Come on slashdot'ers... lets be a little more critical about where we apply mods. Don't just do a +1 because you saw someone else do it. If you have extra mod points to use, choose to let them expire rather than mod up without thinking!
*sigh*
Just my thoughts.
-Alex
Darn, did it again... here are clickable links. :)
a guar.html
Configuring cups for SMB:
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/OSX/cups_printing_in_j
Additional good quality drivers for CUPS:
http://www.allosx.com/1030154694/index_html
I just like plain text... easier to type stuff in.
Cheers,
-Alex
Well, I dunno about all your tweaks to the base system. I'd be concerned about what happens when you update. I tried modifying "Apple" system files, and it bit me in the ass when something I'd done was reverted with an update. They are getting better about having "user" protected areas for system wide configurations, but still need to work on it (configurable system wide cshrc would be nice).
g _in_ja guar.html
l
Anyway... I should have posted the relevant links. Here they are.
Configuring cups for SMB:
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/OSX/cups_printin
Additional good quality drivers for CUPS:
http://www.allosx.com/1030154694/index_htm
In that second page, you can search for "Alex S" and see a post I made that also lists a sample of the SMB URL. I followed the instructions of the first link (up to creating the symbolic link). I then installed the additional drivers of the second link. This increases the options for available printers (by a LOT).
I then used the "OptionKey + AddButton" method for adding a printer in the Print Center with the "Advanced" mode being available. I like gimp-print's instructions for adding a printer more than the first link's steps. BUT, you need to do that symbolic link think in the first one, to get the Samba option.
I hope that helps.
-Alex
I didn't say it was Apple's fault. In fact, I implied heavily that it was NOT Apple or OS X's fault.
The point is not that Apple who is to blame for the problems. The point is to address the statement that 10.2 is an OS that "every Mac user" should blindly upgrade to. And regardless of fault, many apps are not ported to 10.2 just yet. Most work, but there are some issues. And as such, people should take care before just taking the plunge.
I've been using OS X since March '01 as well. I never used 9 except to see what all the hub-bub is about. I came from the Linux path to OS X. And from my perspective 10.0 was more user friendly and prepared for main stream than what I had been using. But I could get around in either, so I am not a good representation of the average user.
So, while I agree that OS X is one of the best OS's out there, I do NOT agree that it is ready for prime time, nor does the ArsTechnica article author from what I read. It's close, but not quite. And as we all know, technically superior does not mean everyone will be happy with it. And happiness is important to the success of the OS. Many people are happy with OS 9. And the things that they still expect from a computer are just short of a full reality with OS X.
So... I agree with you on your feelings of OS X. Hell, I have 2 Mac's now, and about 1.5 years ago, I wouldn't have thought about touching a Mac. But, regardless of MY feelings about using OS X, there are still issues that need to be resolved. And I want to see them resolved, because they are key to the success of the OS, IMHO.
Cheers,
-Alex
I can think of many reasons why "every" Mac user should not upgrade just yet. Maybe after 10.2.1 or 10.2.2.
For starters, there are still some basic things missing, or at very least not "user friendly". I spent a long time trying to figure out how to make Jaguar print to a Windows printer. Apple has been VERY careful about not saying Jaguar can do that, and rather goes with the more general statement of "Windows network compatibility".
It came down to me having to create a symbolic link between a samba utility and a CUPS directory. This is not something I would consider ready for every Mac user.
There's also some issues with applications becoming buggy with the release of Jaguar. Even Virtual PC is problematic since I updated to Jaguar. Is this Apple or Jaguar's fault. Not really, but updating to Jaguar IS the cause of some of my problems and instabilities with applications.
So, I'd say "every Mac user" should wait for 10.2.1 or 10.2.2...or at VERY least, wait for applications that you might use to release their updates for Jaguar compatibility.
And as for my background, I came through the Linux route, have several years experience as a *nix sys admin (small [.com startup] and big [IBM] systems). And now, I'm a senior software engineer.
Just my $0.02.
-Alex
I wanted to reply to the XML comment too, but am not sure enough about my understanding of LDAP to question it. I thought LDAP was a spec, and not specific about the storage implementation detail (such as XML or relational DB, etc).
:)
I guess it's just another piece of info that was inaccurate.
-Alex
What?? You do NOT need to go and pay for a server OS to run a server process on a machine... ESPECIALLY for home use.
YES! OS X Server would be SERIOUS overkill!
The standard release of OS X is MORE than enough to run a basic LDAP server, Apache (um, which ships with it), Named (also ships), MySQL and Postgresql.... ALL at the same time. Hell, I can probably run a ton of other stuff and not notice.
The higher end servers are needed for performance and ease of maintenance. And they're needed because their server processes would theoretically be under a high load. And even the XServes aren't really meant for the REAL high end server market.
Anyway... just couldn't let such an innacurate statement go by without comment, considering this person was referring to "home use".
Cheers,
-Alex
-Alex
I haven't actually tried this, but I do have their port of PostgreSQL running, and it works without a hitch.
http://www.entropy.ch/software/macosx/openldap/
Cheers,
-Alex
Well, while I agree that it would be nice to have those that caused the .com bloat, I don't think that things will happen the way you see it... not without other effects.
.com'ers need to go... let's not forget that that shouldn't include people who were validly entering into the industry at that time, regardless of the boom. Many people who were caught up in the mess chose their majors before the boom occured, or before they were aware of such things. They may be a .com generation, but they aren't necessarily the ones that made the Net go to hell.
I think that one effect of having a bloated industry of underqualified individuals, is that those who ARE qualified are being lost in the shuffle. Many of those that came into the industry because of the money, with business degrees, a few tech courses, and little to no real experience also had one thing going for them... something taught in business schools. That is "Networking". No, not packet or switch networks... but people networking. They cling to people they know, thus needing to rely on their own abilities less. Unfortunately, that "networking" mentality is something that many qualified IT professionals tried to avoid being dragged into.
I am always trying to keep an eye out for the friends I have that I would really like to see remain in the industry. Not just because they are friends, but because they are the type of professional that I think can contribute positively to the industry, with their experience and their potential.
So, while I agree that those
So, in conclusion... I know plenty of people who should be in the IT field. Unluckily, many of those are also ones finding other professions.
Just my $0.02...
-Alex
You didn't ACTUALLY ask for examples to justify that SAP normally runs on Oracle and DB2?
I worked as an SAP Basis admin for about 3 years (got sick of it). I didn't see a single installation (and I saw a lot having worked for Andersen Consulting) that wasn't either DB2, Oracle, or Informix.
Examples...? How about IBM Storage Systems Division, Best Buy, Canadian National Rail, etc, etc...
As for why...
Well, 1. companies have years of trust and investment (systems and training) in other enterprise DB's (like Oracle, DB2, etc).
And 2. I would be hesitant to use an SAP and SAP product. Not because they wouldn't work well together, but because it gives too much control to one company.
Just my $0.02.
-Alex
Just wait. It should be shipping with 10.2 in a couple weeks. Unless you REALLY want your toy, I'd wait. You will still have to wait for "assembly" and shipping anyway.
-Alex