“I put my requirements out to a couple of different BPs and they were outrageously expensive. They made me feel like we were more of an after-thought. We just weren’t big enough for those IBM Business Partners.”
Background
Elevator Equipment Corporation (EECO) was founded in 1946 as Elevator Equipment Company and manufactured and sold single function valves and jack units. Through the years EECO also developed and began manufacturing unit valves, power units, switches and other components used in the installation of hydraulic elevators.
Since its beginnings in Los Angeles, California, EECO has expanded into facilities in Richmond, Indiana. This 100,000 square foot Indiana plant manufactures jacks, power units, car slings and platforms, and other mechanical and structural items used throughout the elevator industry. EECO lists all major elevator companies as customers. EECO components have been furnished to these companies for installation in projects throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, Asia and other countries.
Charlie Schisler is IT Manager at EECO. He has worked with EECO since 2007.
Aging IBM 9406-270 on V5R4
Charlie Schisler is responsible for the IBM server and MAPICS software that supports the operation. EECO had been supporting 35 users on a 9406-270 with OS400 V5R4 and MAPICS 6. Charlie became concerned about overall reliability, accessibility to on-going support and the increasing support costs of the 9406-270, which was put into service in 2002. He understood he needed improved performance to upgrade to the latest MAPICS with Java Browser GUI.
As Charlie explains, “I remember our older 9406-270 Green Streak server. I have always loved how reliable the iSeries is. But our server was getting older; our 270 was over 10 years old. We had a number of disk failures. I was concerned about the age and the reliability of this 9406-270.”
MAPICS Announcement Forces Change
“Then MAPICS (Infor) announced that they were no longer going to support the release of MAPICS we were on or the level of our OS400. They had already stopped issuing software fixes that my level of OS could install. I was required to contact friends that I knew who could assist me with converting program fixes to allow my system to install them. We had to go to OS400 V6R1or higher for the newer Infor product XA (MAPICS) release. The 9406-270 does not support V6R1.”
New POWER i Saves $40,000
“It was cheaper to buy a new server and relicense the software, instead of paying the back dues for the service support. I figured this saved us $40,000 just for software support.
“The new POWER i is a P05 software tier server instead of the 9406-270 P10. So software support was a lot less expensive as well as the reduced costs for IBM hardware support. We had not had either IBM software or hardware support for years. I was looking forward to getting back on IBM’s support.”
The Insider Newsletter – Always Something Helpful
“I knew I was going to work with Source Data. I had been receiving their newsletter, The Insider, for years. I have enjoyed every one of them; I read every copy cover to cover. There are always real life situations in there; examples of ways to increase productivity, or system security, or how to make the system work better. I always find something in there to help me explain the AS400 to my team.
“I was really impressed with the consistency of the Source Data Products team; they were so consistent and patient about following up with me. They always seemed so fair and honest as well. I appreciated that.”
Other IBM BP Quotes Outrageously Expensive
“Source Data also had the best pricing. I put my requirements out to a couple of other different places and they were outrageously expensive. Those other companies made me feel like we were more of an after-thought. We just weren’t big enough for those IBM Business Partners. SDP went the extra mile with my system config. They contacted Infor to ensure the configuration they were proposing not only met my current requirements but actually gave me plenty of power and expandability to grow in the future.”
Working with SDP Amazing
“When we finally got the green light, I found working with Source Data was amazingly easy. I kept wondering when something was going to not happen, but everything went like clockwork. My server was delivered on time. SDP was there if I had any issues. Source Data assisted us every step of the way. It was a ‘no-brainer.’
“I did the POWER i setup and migration myself because I have spent years as a consultant. But I knew Source Data would be there if I need help. I found anytime I had a problem I could call and get the answers. They even called me several times to make sure the system was ok and things were moving forward.”
New MAPICS and New POWER i – Outstanding Performance
“I took the new Infor XA (MAPICS) live this week with the green screen. Now we are working on the GUI applications, going through the training and culture shock. The performance of our new POWER i is outstanding. I am just amazed how fast it is. It is night and day faster than our old 9406-270. A backup used to take an hour. Now, I can do a complete backup in about 8 minutes. Batch jobs are so fast you can’t believe they are already done.
“My users are going to like the new system. Infor has made some major improvements. The Customer Order System is more logical and easier to follow. The GUI user interface (Power Link) is radically different then the old Green Screen interface. Being Java based, we needed a system that provided lots of power. The better performance and functionality this release offers is only viable if there is performance. This new POWER i just flat out screams with raw power. The legacy character-based system (Green Screen) is still running in this release. Infor says with the next release or so, it all goes Java-based environment. There is just no way the old 9406-270 could handle this new software.”
EECO Owner Wants All Enhancements Released NOW!
“The owner is really excited. In fact, he wants all the new enhancements released now. I have to remind him that you just don’t turn it on. There is some training that has to be done first as well as planning.”
Charlie Schisler Recommends Source Data Products
“I would recommend Source Data for a new IBM POWER i in a heartbeat. I would tell someone if you buy an IBM POWER i server, you’ve got to use Source Data. There is simply no two ways about it. Anyone other than SDP would be a stupid choice. They have met or exceeded every one of my expectations. What else could you want from a company?”