In this post Rex-Hide Industries' Brian Cook, IT Manager, explains why he chose to move to Cloud400. He shares the 4 reasons why he made the change and the 4 benefits he discovered after he was live on Cloud400. Background Incorporated in 1917, Rex-Hide is a manufacturer of rubber products with sales over $100 million. Located in Tyler, Texas, corporate IT supports 7 autonomous divisions with over 100 users. Their products are marketed to other manufacturers who make hoses and bumpers to be … [Read more...]
7 Myths About IBM i (iSeries,AS400) Cloud Hosting
This blog briefly covers debunking 7 myths about Cloud Hosting IBM i (iSeries, AS400) application. With all the buzz about Cloud Hosting, there are several misconceptions. I have been helping clients migrate to Cloud400 IBM i (iSeries, AS400) application Cloud Hosting for years. Many have shared with me their reasons to make the move, as well as their doubts and concerns. Let me highlight the most common reservations I hear and debunk some of the myths about IBM i Cloud Hosting. … [Read more...]
We Make Secure, Expert IBM i Cloud Hosting EASY
Discover how to get affordable, safe, secure, expert IBM i cloud hosting...and how EASY it is to implement. IBM i application hosting is way more straight-forward than hosting other platform applications. Plain and simple. If you are familiar with IBM i architecture, the reasons will be especially clear once you understand what is needed to support applications that run on such platforms as Windows, UNIX, and Linux. Cloud hosting options for platforms other than IBM i require more … [Read more...]
Cloud Hosting 101
6 Essential Concepts To Cut IT Spending Every week I read articles and blogs about cloud computing. Clearly, the topic of cloud computing is broad and deep. My sense is that as authors define and explain key terms and concepts about cloud computing, it becomes more difficult to understand what you need to know if you are interested in hosting your IBM i applications instead of using an on-premise server. Further, alarming headlines make the process seem scarier than it really … [Read more...]
5 Methods To Secure Your Cloud Hosted IBM i Applications
Every user I speak to about hosting is concerned about the security of their applications and their critical data. This post discusses 5 methods to secure hosted IBM i applications and data. 1) IBM i Secure Foundation The IBM i operating system is proprietary and unique in its design. I have attached a summary of the IBM i Secure Foundation from a very helpful website: http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/power/software/i/security/integrity.html Quite simply, unlike other operating … [Read more...]
Users Remain The Big Security Risk
Recently a prospective cloud client requested us to provide unlimited liability for a data breach, even if we were not responsible. I suggested that they would find no cloud hosting providers that would offer such a provision. I further explained that most data breaches are the consequences of users, not the cloud hosting service. This article below spells it out. You may find the reading a little tough. In essence, 1% of your users are power users that access most of your files and … [Read more...]
10 Surprising Benefits From IBM i (OS400) Cloud Hosting
No IBM i core activation fees, no user fees – We pay IBM these fees when we buy our IBM POWER servers. And we don’t rebill you. No IBM HWMA, SWMA or Service Extension Fees - Leave annual escalating IBM support fees behind. Our IBM POWER servers include IBM HWMA and SWMA so you don’t have to pay. It’s already included in our monthly fee. Pay only for what you need – Today’s IBM POWER servers are way bigger than most IBM i users need. Most IBM i users can be more than satisfied with 1000-2000 … [Read more...]
A Co-Location Data Center Is A Smart Buy…Or Is It?
Let’s first look at the features and benefits of Co-Location and then share the hidden costs that make it 194% more expensive than a new, superior alternative that is one of the fastest growing hosting solutions out there for mid-sized companies. Co-location Data Centers are popular with mid-sized companies for many reasons. The benefits include: Risk mitigation, Greater security, Better roadmap for disaster recovery, … [Read more...]
Raising Demand For Skilled IBM i (OS400) Talent Fuels Cloud Hosting Growth
Frequently what we hear from prospective clients interested in IBM i Cloud Hosting is their need for IBM i (OS400) expertise. Many have aging IBM i talent planning on retirement and want to make plans for subsequent support for the years to come. Many have a background in other technologies (such as Windows or UNIX) with the responsibility to manage IBM i technology without the needed skills. Others are consolidating and looking to outsource their IBM i support. While cost savings … [Read more...]
6 Misconceptions About IBM i (OS400) Cloud Hosting
With scary headlines about cloud computing, misconceptions are bound to occur. Here are 6 Common Myths: Myth 1 – Cloud computing is more expensive. Fact: It all depends. If you have an old AS400 that is paid for (may not even have maintenance or software support), are years behind in IBM i/OS400 upgrades, backup tapes go home in your car and you are just looking at your current costs (not including the time you may spend managing the server), cloud hosting will never be cheaper than … [Read more...]