[opensuse-project] RE: Collection and Storage of PC Profiles on Novell Server - What do we do with the Data that Sits there in light of Compatibility Issues with Software Releases?

During any Typical KDE Installation, after the Internet Connectivity is established, a contact with a "Novell Server" and then the users First update Server Repositories is created. With the first time connection to "The Novell Server", a Hardware Profile of the PC is sent by default. If the user has a Retail version of OpenSuse, the optional Registration code is also sent, which auto updates the users Novell Profile which has a list of Novell Registered Programs, Support/Training Sessions attended, preferences for Novell Magazines etc. etc.. My query related to only the default Hardware Profile that is sent to the 'Novell Servers" before the first allocation of an update Repository. A Gnome installation is different in that a smolt program is installed and the Hardware collection details are different and the information is held on smolt.org We must have access to thousands of users Hardware Profile Information, and more importantly, specific information on Video Cards, Processors, Chipset, Sound Cards, NIC's and other bus connected devices. With so much information available, do we use this information to consider Compatibility Issues. We should know in advance everything related to Video Cards trends, NIC trends, Sound trends, Blu-tooth, etc.. etc.. etc.. Do we use this information to help us develop new releases of software where a compatibility issue may arise in the future as we make changes to product? What is done with the data, and do we know where in Novell, It resides? I would think this information would be a huge tool in helping combat compatibility issues as we should know what hardware out there people are using our software on. The implication to Video ATI / Nvida Build Services for 1, would be invaluable, let alone the whole products development. Thanks Scott - Sorry for the Long message, but I cannot put this in 1 Paragraph ;-)
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alpha096@virginbroadband.com.au