S/36Doc (skating on thin ice)

From: William Donzelli <aw288_at_osfn.org>
Date: Thu Jan 31 11:45:57 2002

> I won't speak for other systems, but IBM publishes nothing for the hardware
> or original software on System/36 or System/38. The only reference they
> make to it anymore is the emulated environment still available under
> OS/400.

Well, the S/38 docs are probably in the same category as the AS/400 docs
- ultra-secret in the IBM world. I would not even try to get S/38 docs,
for fear that the answer would be a quick, blanket "NO" from IBM.

I think there are some S/36 hardware docs loose. Then again, it is not a
architecture with much to hide.

> I have a few contacts at IBM, and I've been in contact with their
> publications people. I haven't broached the subject yet, but I believe IBM
> like other vendors embraces it's history and will at least tacitly support
> hobbyists.

They do, but in a sort of "private" way. If you walk the halls of the
various IBM buildings, you would probably be AMAZED by what they have on
display. They also had an excellent exhibit at the big museum in Chicago
about ten years ago (650, a RAMAC, S/360, a huge pile of greenbar with
some old OS on it, S/370, and all sorts of great stuff). I think IBM San
Jose also has interesting bits floating around - mostly disks, of course.

> I'm guessing
> the real reason why these things aren't available is IBM didn't wish to
> invest the time in maintaining them. They also wanted to encourage
> migration. But hobbyist are a new and accomodating market. And I have a
> certain amount of faith we'll see encouragement from them.

Oh yes, and even their embracing Linux could help the cause. Im my
opinion, however, we should move slowly - starting with machines that are
in the 30+ year old category. It would be harder for IBm to make that
blanket "NO" statement.

> First things first though. I actually have to get a hold of the document
> set. Irregardless of web availability, I'm sure an email in the right (my)
> direction will yeild results, when there are results to yield :->~ nudge
> nudge, wink wink, knowwhaddamean?!
>
> Colin Eby
> Senior Consultant
> CSC Consulting
>
>
Received on Thu Jan 31 2002 - 11:45:57 GMT