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Unix foundation and



I think it can be of some interest for Linux group ( well, at list theoretical) 
http://www.happenings.com/step_into_my_parlor/ ( see the attachement)

By the way, I'd like to provoke some discussion on the following
subject: Linux in school. Some polishing of Linux configuration
sponsored by the Ministry of Education ,
including simplifying of Hebrew configuration  - and Linux would be much
better platform for development educational software than anything else
(I mean using both X and SVGA based applications).
The example of DOOM and Abuse proves that everything is ready for it.
Old DOS applications can be easily ported to Linux by the vendors ,
while most of them hopefully would run under dosemu.
It seems that the Israeli schools took a serious approach with respect to
the computer education of children, getting them closer to Internet etc.
Multi-user nature and UNIX-proven approach to security issues can 
help a lot here. 
	I know, it is a problem to educate the teachers. So what?
Everything is the matter of prebuilt configuration.
How many teachers are wizards of DOS/Windows configuration?

Besides, if we will get vendors producing "Hebrew Linux schoolware" CD, 
( again, supported buy correspondent bodies) it would be much cheaper
for parents and for schools than to buy and update Dos/Win versions ... 
Again, such schoolware must besomething like GNU copylefted, 
so that everybody could download it from corresponding sites.

Well, I'm intentionally provoking the flames. But the exhibition will
happen in few weeks... Let's think together.
Shai, Ariel : what is your opinion?

I could not resist this(sorry, only Russian speakers
will understand it): `
Yes, I do know that it sounds like "New-Vasyuki Lecture" but ...

			Yuri Shirman ( yuri@orbotech.co.il )
"Step into my parlor"
Microsoft's Siren Song to Windows NT Developers

The Unix Foundation

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mission

The Unix Foundation is a newly formed not-for-profit organization whose
purpose is to promote the use and development of the Unix operating system.
The Foundation will work to enhance the understanding of Unix in the
reseller and user communities. The Foundation intends to disseminate
information about the stability, proven track record and cost-effectiveness
of the Unix operating system vis-a-vis the new Microsoft Windows NT platform
in the marketplace.

Synopsis

The Unix Foundation has been formed to fill up a perceived vacuum in the
marketing of Unix. While Windows NT and OS/2 have strong and aggressive
parents pushing for their progeny's acceptance, Unix singularly has led an
orphan like existence. The sale of USL by AT&T to Novell and the subsequent
anemic Unix-related marketing efforts by Novell has led to a perilous
decline for the once dominant, open, operating system.

However, the emergence of the Internet as the computer telecommunications
standard has rejuvenated interest in Unix. This is the time for all Unix
vendors and Unix adherents in the user community to rally to the cause of
Unix and contribute to positioning Unix as a stable, proven and reliable
operating systems solution that offers significant advantages over other
platforms including the RAM-hungry new kid on the block from Microsoft
(Windows NT).

The Foundation has been founded in the belief that the software industry
needs a viable alternative operating system for mission critical high end
servers. The proposed Windows NT platform may be suitable for some
situations, but Unix has established a track record for precisely this
environment. There is no reason for users to jump ship to the costlier
Microsoft Windows NT platform just because of the GUI interface and ease of
use. The operating system kernel and the stability of the operating system
in running mission critical systems ought to be the determining factor in
the selection of the operating system for such servers.

Lack of effective competition for the Microsoft Windows NT operating system
could be lethal for the rest of the software industry. Not only is the
operating systems market for the client-server marketplace at stake, but
left unchecked Microsoft's threatening dominance in this market could spell
dire consequences for all other software utilities and applications
developers.

We feel the Unix Foundation offers perhaps the only orchestrated effort
organized by a marketing oriented organization (as opposed to techie efforts
of the past) to counter the impending onslaught of Microsoft Windows NT
marketing effort.

Structure of the Unix Foundation

The Unix Foundation will consist of 10 Life Time Sponsors, 25 Founding
Members, and an unlimited number of Vendor Affiliates and End User
Organizations. The Foundation will elect a President, a Vice President of
Communications, and a Vice President of Technology, as well as ad hoc
committees for various purposes.

The Foundation currently has (as of July 5, 1995) the following members:

1. Info Mart, Inc., Stamford, CT - Network Integrator - Founding Member
2. GHB Advertising, Inc., Stamford, CT. - High tech PR firm - Founding
Member
3. Syken Corporation, Stamford, CT - Systems integrator - Founding Member
Profiles of all three companies are available upon request.

Membership Dues

In order to effectively promote the use, development and penetration of Unix
in the commercial marketplace, the Foundation requires an operating budget.
Proceeds from the Member Dues will be utilized to pay for a nominal salary
for the Executive Director (Raj Sundra of Info Mart will serve as Executive
Director for the first year); wages for a part time assistant; and office,
marketing and promotional expenses. A proforma operating budget will be
provided upon request to prospective Sponsors and Founding Members.

Lifetime Sponsor $25,000
Founding Member $1,000 1st year, $250 each additional
year
Vendor Affiliate $250 per year
End User Corporation $100 per year
Individual Consultant $75 per year

For further details please contact:

Raj Sundra, Info Mart, Inc.
Mail: 827 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06905
Phone: 203-352-3651
EMA: infomart@netaxis.com