Susan,

In response to your latest e-mailt:
>My first reply on this topic addressed the issue starting from the point
>that we wanted the hardware and software.
>
>In reading some of the responses, I've come up with more questions and
>comments.

I wonder if this is one of the responses you read
<snip>
        >Step One:
        >I would suggest we consider some issues then decide if the server
and its
        >software are something that we can use.
        >
        >1) Does the software allow us to maintain all of our current
operations?
        >2) Will this new server have all of the necessary compilers (C,
Perl, etc.)
        >for our current CGI's?
        >3) Will the switchover be seamless to members?
        >4) Can we maintain this server remotely? If not, where would it be
housed?
        >Will this be a permanent location? Who will run/maintain the server?
        >Etcetera.
        >
        >If we feel that this server and software will work well for our
needs, has
        >features that will allow us to expand, and we can maintain it with
little
        >extra effort, I think we should proceed to the next step. Otherwise, I
        >think we would have to decline acceptance of the donation, based on
        >whichever of the above is in conflict.
        >
        >Step Two:
        >Clearly define the agreement.
<snip>

to help you come up with this:

>First of all, do we really want to run our own server(s)?  I
>don't know what we are paying in hosting fees right now, but if we had
>our own server, we would have co-location fees or connection fees, and
>we would have the additional administration tasks of managing the
>hardware/software.
>
>While this may seem attractive up front, since we are all volunteers,
>I'm wondering who's going to "run" over to the machine to reboot it or
>back it up or do any of the myriad of administrator duties.

and this:

>If we decide to have our own server, the next question will be to decide
>if the donated hardware and software is something we want to work with.
>Will it mean re-writing all the current programs?  Will we need to
>purchase other software to achieve what we have now?  Will the new
>server provide us with opportunities to add value via new software?

If that's the case, I am gald we agree and share these concerns!

Sincerely,
Tanya Spain

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