This blog briefly describes IBM’s SWMA (Software Maintenance for IBM Licensed Program Products) price increases beginning April 1, 2020 and an overview of some of your options. Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system. iSeries and AS400 are servers. I use the terms interchangeably to make it easy for folks to find this kind of information on the web. IBM plans big SWMA price increases effective April 1, 2020. You can expect to see your SWMA renewal to increase in a range of 10%-24%, … [Read more...]
What Are IBM i Data-At-Rest Encryption Limitation?
The purpose of this blog is to explain the IBM i encryption options and factors to help the reader determine when IBM i data-at-rest encryption is cost-justified. Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system. iSeries and AS400 are servers. I use these terms interchangeably to make it easy for folks this information with web searches. Security is a priority for business. We all want our sensitive and critical data to be safe from “bad guys.” As a hosting provider, we take client security … [Read more...]
7 Good Reasons For IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Online Cloud Backup Services
The purpose of this blog is to briefly highlight the 7 key benefits of online cloud backup. Tape management can be distracting and is prone to failure. Online backup is an excellent way to mitigate this risk and expense. Disclaimer: iSeries and AS400 are servers. IBM i is an operating system. I use them interchangeably to make it easier for folks to find this kind of information when searching on the web. In my blog last week, I wrote about an IBM iSeries user that had a hardware … [Read more...]
Lost System – Lost Files – YIKES! Cascading Consequences From Excessive Frugality And Lack Of IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Expertise
The purpose of this blog is to highlight how excessive frugality and lack of IBM i (iSeries/AS400) expertise can have grave consequences for users. Over the decades I have too frequently encountered unfortunate circumstances of costly disruption and lost critical data due to inadequate support and safeguards. This is just one recent example. Disclaimer: iSeries and AS400 are servers. IBM i is an operating system. I use these terms interchangeably to make it easy for folks to find this … [Read more...]
4 Expected 2020 Trends For IBM i
The purpose of this blog is to provide a high-level overview of 4 key 2020 IBM i trends. Each topic involves more detail than I can provide with this summary. Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system. iSeries and AS400 are servers. I use these terms interchangeably to make is easy for folks to find this information with web searches. 1) Security Warding off hackers, malware, ransomware and data breaches is serious stuff. Neglectful or naïve dismissal can lead to grave … [Read more...]
What Is IBM SWMA Service Extension?
The purpose of this blog is to explain IBM Software Maintenance Service Extension (SWMA SE) and how you can benefit. What Is SWMA? If you are an IBM POWER user, you may already know the acronym “SWMA” refers to IBM Software Maintenance Agreement. When you have SWMA, you are entitled to receive access to: 1) OS version upgrades, 2) Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs, or software patches), 3) Technology Releases (TRs, bi-annual PTFs), 4) Entitlement transfers, … [Read more...]
What Is IBM HWMA Extended Support For POWER Servers?
The purpose of this blog is to explain the difference between IBM Hardware Support (HWMA) and IBM HWMA Extended Support. If you are an IBM POWER server user, you may be familiar with the acronym “HWMA”, or Hardware Maintenance Agreement. If so, you probably know that if you have HWMA in place, IBM will repair a server hardware failure. In the United States, you just call 800-IBM-SERV (800-426-7378). You provide the IBM receptionist with your server type (i.e. 8286, 9009, etc.) and serial … [Read more...]
New IBM i (iSeries/AS400) User Wants To Be Safe From Ransomware
The purpose of this blog is to shout from the rooftops we just got a new FIRST-TIME IBM i user! These are rare indeed. When this new client explained his reasoning, it was so good I had to share it with others. I wish we had more IT folks that think like this IT director. Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system. iSeries and AS400 are servers. I use these terms interchangeably …. not to confuse …. instead, to make is easy for folks to find this kind of information on the web. Most … [Read more...]
How Long Does It Take To Move Off IBM i (iSeries/AS400)?
The purpose of this blog is to highlight issues to consider when migrating off the IBM i to a new platform. This is a high-level summary and is not inclusive of all the pitfalls that I have seen. I do want to stress that "We need to get off this 'antiquated server' that does not have GUI" is the WRONG reason. Further, as with any move to new technology proper discovery and planning are essential to ensure success. It can also take much longer than you think -- like 5-7 years. Sometimes … [Read more...]
5 Big IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Hosting Trends
The purpose of this blog is to highlight 5 Big IBM i Hosting Trends I expect will continue into 2020 and beyond. Disclaimer: iSeries and AS400 are servers. IBM i is an operating system. I use these terms interchangeably to make it easy for folks to find this kind of information on the web. Prediction is very difficult, especially if it is about the future. For that reason, I will not predict anything about IBM i hosting for 2020. Instead, I will write briefly about 5 Big Trends I … [Read more...]
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