Here in the US we're celebrating Independence Day. Independence is an essential part of the HP 3000 heritage. Your system was created independent of HP's desires for its business — HP founder David Packard didn't believe a business computer was the right product for his company. Perhaps, in a way, his company has come full circle then, now thinking the HP 3000 isn't right for its business strategies.

Like the engineers and managers who muscled on anyway with the 3000 project, you can think for yourself. If your taste for the menu of change is moderated by your budget — or your memory is long enough to recall how much change can cost in momentum, as well as money — you have an independent option. Don't change anything but your suppliers. Or move slow enough that your change is as subtle as the evolution of the 3000's environment. MPE is software now in its fourth decade, still being changed by its creators.

If staying put is your best business plan, turn your attentions to training. Hone the cutting edge of your tool with consulting to expand the 3000's reach. Call up Paul Edwards or Frank Alden Smith and arrange for a class for your IT staff. Independent training is available, just like independent support and independent depots for systems and parts.

Not all attempts at independence succeed. One year ago this month, 3000 customers heard their user group go bump in the night, falling so it could not get up over its 2004 decision to be indepdendent of HP. The decision to go your own way can be edgy, even if it feels necessary. It can be comforting to remember the fellow rebels out there alongside you, if your path is parting from HP's.