On 04/22/99 13:22:15 you wrote:

These are things we need to fix.

(There will always be some secret commands that are used within engineering as part of our design and test scaffolding. We just need to take the position that when we learn a given command is useful externally, we should give it a face-lift and make it non-secret.)

Yes, Dave, but not to put too fine a point on it, this is the same thing that has been said by some employees and customers for years. I'm sure you're sincere, but I think people so far have found Netapp's progress in this area less than satisfying. There has been some, and the classes are a good step, but a lot more should be done.

Saying "we're trying to get our arms around this problem in engineering" lacks a little credibility when you realize that you've been saying the same thing for 3-4 years. It might be more honest to say that "we decided to spend that time and money on more revenue-enhancing engineering projects" and that's a sound business strategy, but let's not pretend that Netapp has only now suddenly discovered this issue and is trying to come up with the best solution.

Sorry for being a little critical; I rarely am on this list, but you hit one of my hot buttons. :)

Bruce