Re: [cobalt-users] Support, Warranty and Hype

[SM <nntp@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi,
At 20:45 02-01-2002 -0500, baltimoremd@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
>I really think Cobalt and Sun depend on their customers NOT knowing a lot
>about system admin and the web hosting business...that way they can
>produce the flawed products, sell them to the unsuspecting, and, as you've
>mentioned, use the fixes as a cash cow.

I agree with the first part about Cobalt depending on kettle users.  I
don't think that would use the fixes as a cash cow though.

>To those that defend Cobalt/Sun, I might point out that if they produced
>washing machines or cars that were flawed, they'd have to fix it...

And to those that defend software companies, I would point out that this is
the only business where the user has to waive any liability before using
the product.

>Another thing that's so hard for me to fathom is why Cobalt/Sun would
>act in such a way to alieniate their customer base....but then again,
>they may have found that the real "appliance" operators will accept
>a combination of shoddy product, lack of fixes for manufaturer induced
>stupid washing machine tricks, no support and pay per incident support.

A lot of companies sell shoddy products.  The consumer buys them out of
ignorance.  When I have to explain to someone that there is a bug in a
software and it cannot be fixed by me, the person find that difficult to
understand.

>I've seen the individual efforts of various Cobalt/Sun employees result
>in some good things for all of us...as individuals, they are to be
>commended...as individuals and professionals.

I would like to thank all the Cobalt/Sun employees who help on this mailing
list on their own time.  They are courteous, professional and always helpful.

Regards,
-sm