You need software to run your business…and you need hardware to run your software. Your software—or more precisely, what your software does—is the reason you spend money on information technology. Some of that money has to go toward hardware, of course, but hardware is, functionally speaking, twice-removed from the “action.” Running your business profitably and efficiently is the “action,” and that’s why you want to keep your software up-to-date. But hardware also needs to be upgraded from time … [Read more...]
With IBM i (OS400/i5OS) You Give Up Things
Things Like Viruses, Security Holes, Downtime, Systems Management by Humans, And An Ever-Growing IT Staff Microsoft Windows’ predisposition to viruses is well known. But do you have any idea how extensive it is? A few years ago I did a Google search on “Microsoft Windows virus” and got over 68,500,000 hits! Do the same for “IBM i (OS400) virus,” and you will get 0 hits. This is a telltale indication that IBM i is much more stable than Windows…and far less virus-prone. It is a fact that no … [Read more...]
Can You Really Host Older IBM OS400/i5OS Application?
I really should NOT be surprised. My partner and I were recently reviewing our Cloud400 clients and reflected how many had come to us from older OS400/i5OS versions. Many might think that most of our clients come to us in the range of V5R4 to V7R2 – supported (mostly) versions of IBM i. In fact, about 30% of our clients come to us with OS400 from V3R1 (hard to believe) to V5R3. So what’s the big deal? Not all IBM i hosting providers are prepared to handle older … [Read more...]
“End of Life” IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Cloud Hosting
Why Do “End of Life” IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Users Select Cloud Hosting? This blog discusses considerations for those thinking about outsourcing “end of life” or “sunset” IBM i applications. My partner and I were recently reviewing our hosted client base. We noted a growing trend of IBM i users moving to our IBM i hosting service as part of their “end of life” application strategy. Our Go-Live Satisfaction Survey reveals common reasons why IBM i users pick hosting for “end of life” … [Read more...]
Test Drive Cloud400 Without Getting Soaked
7 Steps To Your Cloud400 Success STEP 1 – FREE I.T. Health Check Up We talk. We learn a little about your business, your operation and your goals. You describe your current iSeries/AS400 server, business software, users you support, your network infrastructure, your support costs and your needs. We provide you with expert IT advice about your options and possible budget to change your technology – all 100% free of charge. You just may discover you have a clean bill of IT health. Or, you may … [Read more...]
Moving Off IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Server ?
You May Need Help - Even If You Don’t Think So 7 Year Delays, Coupled With Over $300,000 In Transition Maintenance, Is The “Average!” Even with the decision to leave the IBM i platform and migrate to a new platform combined with the most comprehensive planning and aggressive time schedules, you will probably hang on to your IBM i longer – a whole lot longer – than you expect. Most Users That Migrate Away From Their IBM i Keep It For 7 Years Or More! 80% of the clients that notified us of … [Read more...]
9 Common Software Transfer Pitfalls
There are 9 common snags you may encounter when you transfer your software (application, utilities, middle ware, etc.). Double check to understand what is involved when you upgrade to a new OS level or change hardware server. You must do your research! Prepare your checklist to avoid these 9 common software transfer pitfalls. Research Key Software Issues Before You Finalize Your Upgrade. Transfer Fees? Will you be required to pay transfer, software tier, performance or other fees … [Read more...]
9 Common Server Upgrade Pitfalls
There are 9 common snags you may encounter when you upgrade your server (capacity, OS level, non-supported devices, etc.). Double check to understand what is involved when you change hardware server. I will cover 9 Common Software Upgrade Pitfalls in my next blog. You must do your research! Prepare your checklist to avoid these common upgrade pitfalls. Research Your Needed Steps To Move From An Older Server To A Newer Server. Appropriate Capacity. Is your new server properly … [Read more...]
IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Cloud Hosting Is Less Expensive Than Other Platforms…And EASIER.
IBM i application hosting is more straight-forward – and much less expensive – than hosting other platform applications. Plain and simple. This brief article will provide you with what you need to clearly come to the same conclusion. For those you 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 … [Read more...]
The “RIGHT” ERP RFP For Success…And No Surprises
I am shocked how many “IT experts” miss the mark for successful software selection and implementation without surprises. This probably explains why Gartner estimates approximately 75% of all ERP implementations fail. So, what’s missing? I have had several conversations with a colleague who is an ERP selection and implementation expert. How good is he? Well, in his 40 year career he has selected and installed 55 ERP solutions, for small businesses to multi-billion, multi-national … [Read more...]