Re: GNAT 3.03 for OS/2

[jcn@swl.msd.ray.com (John Norcross {83602})]

pontius@twonky.btv.ibm.com (Dale Pontius) writes:


>In article <4j8t6p$ae2@usenet.srv.cis.pitt.edu>, tojst1+@pitt.edu (Tore Joergensen) writes:
>>
>> I am happy for the free compiler I get. I would not be suprised if the number
>> of paying customers are below ten (I wouldn't even be suprised if it is zero).
>> It is quite obvious that the OS/2 port require more fiddling than Unix ports
>> (even emx can't change that).
>>
>Up until now, I've been quite happy, too. I've had a little off-line
>discussion with Bob Dewar on this, and the picture is not quite what
>we had thought. Without his OK, I won't release the number of paying
>OS/2 users of GNAT, but suffice it to say that GNAT gets OS/2 ports
>largely out of Mr. Dewar's own personal interest. This is not meant
>to accuse him of 'being fickle', or anything else, but circumstances
>do change, and his personal interest may not be sufficient to keep
>OS/2 revisions of GNAT coming in the long term.

>Therefore, if folks are really interested in OS/2 GNAT, we should get
>either Paying Customers, or someone willing to assist with the OS/2
>porting effort. Some of the GNAT ports are currently maintained by
>volunteers, so there is precedent for this.

>As for myself, I've found no problems so far with GNAT. All of my
>problems have been learning the language with Lovelace, examples,
>and an old pre-95 copy of Grady Booch. Still, at the appropriate
>time, I plan to look into becoming a Paying Customer, if possible.

>Also, Three Cheers to Mr. Dewar for keeping us running so far!

>Dale Pontius
>(NOT speaking for IBM)


O.K. Robert,

Get your ACT together (apologies for the pun) and offer a 
"Friend's of OS/2" support license for GNAT.  Charge $25 per 
student/hobbyist/home user and give us a bottom of the barrel 
support services - (Response to problems guaranteed within 
504 hours :) :)  

I realize that this won't generate much capital, but at least it might
keep the porting effort for an OS/2 version funded.  Who knows, you
might be surprised at how many OS/2 supporters/users there are out
here!  I for one would be happy to sign up.  (At $1200 a seat,
you won't find very many takers on the home front!)

Both Ada's and OS/2's popularity seem to be gaining mind share.  
I realize you are a big fan of OS/2 - why not consider this sugestion
and help promote GNAT's continued health on OS/2?

Ada's got a date with Merlin on my system this summer :)


Regards,

John Norcross
(Not speaking for Raytheon) ;)