Date   : Mon, 25 Nov 1985 11:10:31 EST
From   : Robert Bloom AMSTE-TEI 3775 <rbloom@apg-1.ARPA>
Subject: Multiuser Micro Result

People:

     A number of months ago I sent a request for information on
multi-user computers.  Thanks to all that responded.  This is a
recap of what happened to that request.

     I work in the Department of Defence, in the Test and
Evaluation Command of the Army Materiel Command (AMC).  The
machine in question would be used in my division and would
replace a well-used and trusted NorthStar Horizon.  Based on the
responses, I thought I had a pretty good handle on what was
available that met my requirements and was affordable.  I was
looking for a system that would be less expensive than AMC's
'standard' micro (an Intel 310).  Priminary research indicated
that there were some potentials at 1/3 of the price of an Intel
and lots at 1/2 the price.  (The Intel system was *at*least*
$50k.)

     I've been shot down in the attempt to save some taxpayer
money.  (How's that for an inflammatory statement?)

     From a AMC letter dated 19 May 85 on "Policy of Acquisition
and Use of Microcomputers", "[the Intel contract] is a mandatory
source for single-user and multi-user microcomputers for AMC
activities whose requirements can be satisfied by the contract."
Cost savings, no matter how much, is not a basis for buying
anything other than items on the contract.  Our ADPE acquisition
people are using this to beat everyone down, me included.  (We
can't even buy a plain-vanila IBM-PC any more!)

     This is not to say that the Intel 310 is not a good machine.
It's just that I don't believe that a single machine, albeit
configurable in many different ways to meet many different
requirements, is best for all those requirements.  Oh well.

     So like a good military man (which I'm not) after stating my
view, I am supporting whatever decision the commander makes.
Looks like I'll be buying an Intel 310 ethernet'ed to 8 PC
clones.

     Thanks again to those that helped me in my research.  I felt
that I had an obligation to those kind net-people that sometimes
never find out the results of the issues mentioned here.

Bob Bloom
(I do not have any affiliation with Intel, SMS, or any other
contractor, or the Army ADPE selection or acquisition.  I
consider myself 'just a poor end-user.'  Please address any
comments or replies directly to rbloom@apg-1 in case I get in
[any more] trouble for this message.)