  third-party SCSI device support? 
 The Question is:
 
Can you help?  I have a problem using the Sony SDT-7000 DAT drive in my
Alpha Workstation 433au, running VMS V7.1-1H2.  The TLZ09 unit works no
problem.  Is my version of VMS compatible with the Sony SDT-7000 series
unit?  Thanks in advance for any help.
 John.
 
 
 The Answer is:
 
  Compaq goes to great lengths to integrate, test, and support the
  subsystems that it sells.  It is Compaq's position that primary
  support for third party products is the responsibility of the vendor
  concerned.  Compaq holds this position both for its own products,
  and for those sold by others for use on Compaq's server platforms.
 
  While Compaq cannot ensure the same high level of qualification
  and integration for third party products that is provided for
  products sold by Compaq, Compaq will ensure that the Compaq server
  and system platforms meet the appropriate open system standards, and
  that nothing will be done to inhibit either technically or from a
  business perspective the ability of Compaq servers to work with other
  vendor's products.  In the event a problem occurs, Compaq will work
  diligently to ensure that the Compaq components are not the cause.
 
  Suggestions:
 
    Ask the vendor if the widget has been tested in a configuration
    similar to that proposed here.
 
    Ask the vendor if they claim the configuration is supported.  (Also
    consider asking what process was used to determine this support.)
 
    Ask the vendor how they will work with Compaq if a problem is found,
    to help the customer and Compaq to identify the source of the problem.
