Re: [cobalt-users] Enough is enough...

["Bill" <bill@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> You're certainly entitled to state your opinion and for the most part
> you are correct. However your opinion is not the final word and as has
been
> pointed out several times always ignores the dump truck of manure that
> Cobalt Marketing used to sell their Server Appliances to the public.
> Cars are not good analogies. Cars are not appliances. A refridgerator is
> an appliance. A toaster is an appliance. A Television is an appliance.
> A Cobalt Raq is an appliance. The marketing bull continues to lead people
> to believe that SAFELY operating a Cobalt Server Appliance is no different
> or harder than making ice-cubes, making toast or watching TV

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents.....

I don't understand why people think that operating a web server is an easy
task that can be accomplished through a control panel GUI just by 'clicking
buttons'.  It isn't.  I don't know of a single web server on the market that
is operable by a 'novice' that does not require some knowledge of the
underlying operating system.  Believe me, I've looked.  Sure, I found some
automated systems that were pretty damn good-- and expensive, but the bottom
line is, when something breaks, or you want to upgrade the software or make
additions, you must know the underlying OS.  Sun Cobalt Servers are not any
different.

When I first began investigating Cobalt back in 1999, I read their marketing
reports, mailings, and talked to their reps.  Yes, they made claims that
administering the RaQs is an easy task.  And, for the most part, it is.
But, when things go wrong, it is good to know how to fix them.  If someone
out there expected to buy or lease a server that would never crash, get
hacked or need an upgrade, then they are quite naive.  If you are going to
jump into the fire and begin administering a web server, then I suggest that
you should not do this unless you have either 1. Knowledge of the underlying
OS or 2. The time and desire to learn.  And, the bottom line is, nothing can
save your butt in a sticky tech situation more than your own personal
knowledge!  Don't expect someone else to save you.

As for servicing their product, I think that Cobalt is about as good or
better than anyone I've ever dealt with.  I don't believe they are perfect
or even top of the line, but I also don't think they deserve the 'ragging'
they get from people on this list who are hopelessly lost.  If you stop and
think about it, who else gives FREE service for their server appliances
after the sale?  There may be some company out there, but I've never come
across them.  Time is money.

Just my 2 cents.

Bill M.