RIP Kermit

Image via WikipediaNo, not that Kermit...   This Kermit:

http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/

"Unfortunately, Columbia has determined it can no longer continue to support the Kermit Project going forward. As of July 1st, 2011, development of any new Kermit software enhancements at Columbia University will cease, as will any ability of Columbia to provide ongoing maintenance and technical support for Kermit."

Something like 25 years ago I was working on a project in which we needed serial data transfer for an unusual computer - some sort mini-computer, I don't even remember.  We just picked the phone (yes, the telephone) and called (on the telephone) the author of Kermit, over at Columbia.  We gave him some specs on our system, and a few weeks later, just like that, Kermit supported our computer!