Source Data Products Got Us The Right Balance Of Price/Performance That Also Saved Us $30,000
“When we were evaluating our Power 6 i 8203-E4A options, SDP helped me understand the right balance between performance and lowest cost. Source Data helped me right-size our IBM server so we would get our best value.”
“SDP saved us $30,000 by not over-selling us on concurrent users. We got enough concurrent users to support our user base without over paying for seats we would not use.”
Background
Hi-Temp Insulation, Inc. manufactures aerospace insulation used in airplanes, jets, rockets and space capsules. Based in Camarillo, CA, this manufacturer employs 500 people and supports 150 users on an IBM iSeries running MAPICS and RJS Document Imaging software.
Kathleen Creamer is the MIS Manager of Hi-Temp Insulation, Inc.
Kathleen wanted to have a new IBM POWER6 i server in production before her IBM Global Finance (IGF) lease on her 9406-520 expired in January 2010.
Additional Performance Needed For Upgrade
She also knew that she needed more performance to migrate to MAPICS 7.8 to take advantage of the JAVA GUI and new functionality.
Because Kathleen had worked with Source Data Products for her last 9406-520, it was natural to have Source Data help her with her new POWER6 needs.
“I have worked with Source Data for about 10 years. I have always found their people very knowledgeable and professional. Whenever I call, they are easily accessible and have answers for me right away.”
Kathleen continues, “Hi-Temp has 500 employees and I have an IT staff of 3 to support 150 users. We run 6 days a week. So I rely on people that help me keep my system up and moving forward, people I can count on to meet our deadlines. Source Data has those kinds of people.”
Source Data Products Gets Right Balance Of Price/Performance That Also Saved Us $30,000
“I also know when I involve Source Data they have my best interests in mind. When we were evaluating our POWER6 i 8203-E4A options, SDP helped me understand the right balance between performance and lowest cost. Source Data helped me right-size our IBM server so we would get our best value.
“For example, SDP saved us $30,000 by not over-selling us on concurrent users. We got enough concurrent users to support our user base without over paying for seats we would not use.
“When I explained that we wanted to upgrade to MAPICS 7.8, Source Data was very knowledgeable of the demands of WebSphere and Java so we had enough memory and processor speed.
“Source Data summarized our requirements in a very straight-forward, easy to understand approach. This made it easy for my non-IT management team to understand what we needed and why.”
Thorough Planning Results In Seamless 4-Hour Upgrade
Kathleen goes on to say, “What I really liked is after we ordered the server, it shipped to SDP’s Data Center where their techs preloaded my system. So when my server came on site, we had everything set up in about 4 hours on a Sunday. This is a really big deal.
“In the past I hired IBM to do our upgrade. IBM would come onsite for the whole weekend. They would back everything up, do the install, restore it all, and test everything. Of course, there are always bumps along the upgrade road. It was a huge and time-consuming undertaking. And, everything at IBM rates.”
Source Data Products Made The Transition From The 9406-520 To The New 8203-E4A Seamless
“Since the days when I worked with IBM we are now a 6-day production shop. Keeping human resources, inventory, WIP (work-in-process) and costing records current every day is really important to this company. We have very little downtime available.
Kathleen raved, “With Source Data, the transition from the old 9406-520 to the new 8203-E4A was seamless. We had a successful migration to the new system on a Sunday afternoon. The whole process only took a couple of hours. On Monday, the users were thrilled with the performance improvement. In a following manager’s meeting, I received congratulations on a job well done and a round of applause. That’s great, too.”
SDP’s IBM Knowledge Saves Time and Money
“SPD is the most knowledgeable IBM Business Partner we have worked with. Not only did they know the hardware and IBM policies, they understood the characteristics of our software and our applications to guide us to make the best choice.
“With big companies, I feel like I get kicked around from department to department like a soccer ball. Working with a big company can be very frustrating trying to find anyone who really knows how to fix things. Working with SDP, they know their way around and have an inside track to get things resolved.”
SDP Helps Fix A Lease Billing Headache
“For example, when we returned our off-lease 9406-520, we followed the written return directions to the letter, yet we were still getting IGF lease invoices. SDP stepped in and helped IGF determine that the off-lease server had been delivered to IBM Rochester; someone there had improperly moved the server so it could not be accounted for. It was SDP’s diligence working with IBM that helped track the server down, clarify the details and get us our billing credits. Prior to that, I was pulling my hair out.”
I Gladly Recommend Source Data Products
“I recommend Source Data because they are very helpful – even after hours. Source Data Products has been in business for so many years. They have a large network of knowledgeable people and provide a wide range of services. I often call SDP to get ideas and opinions about options we are considering. Source Data Products is there for us.”