The purpose of this blog is to identify end of life servers and factors so IBM i users can start thinking about their options. Disclaimer: “IBM i” is an operating system. “iSeries” and “AS400” are servers that IBM used to market. I use these terms interchangeably to reach a broader audience who Google for information. IBM users should be aware that many IBM i Servers (iSeries/AS400) will have hardware support withdrawn between 2019 to 2020. Most notably, these are 9406-520, 9406-525, 9407-515 … [Read more...]
IBM i. Unbeatable.
Why Your IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Is One Of The Best Decisions Your Organization Made This blog is meant to be shared with IBM i user management and stakeholders to remind them how their operations benefit from this marvelous server. IBM i is truly a remarkable business platform without peers. Let’s be clear. Business people focus on revenue, costs and profit. Obvious? Yep. Let me highlight the IBM i key features that business people “get” right away when it is explained: 1) … [Read more...]
Does IBM i Have A Future? You Bet It Does!
The purpose of this blog is to assure IBM i POWER Users (who also think their server is an iSeries/AS400) that there is a future for IBM i. Disclaimer: "IBM i" is the operating system. "iSeries" and "AS400" are IBM servers that precede IBM POWER. I knowingly use these terms combined to reach a larger audience with web site that host my blog. As an IBM Business Partner and cloud hosting provider, I talk to IBM i users every day. A lot of “pundits” claim IBM i is old, dying technology. I … [Read more...]
IBM i Security Built In From The Beginning. Integration And Hardware Independence, Too.
A few weeks ago I published a blog about IBM i security built in at the beginning. I want to highlight sections of Frank Soltis book “Inside the AS/400.” Dr. Soltis notes that the AS400 security features were not an afterthought. Specifically, the IBM i has actually 2 operating systems – the IBM iOS and the License Internal Cover (LIC or microcode). IBM iOS runs on top of LIC, which is part of the POWER server hardware. LIC runs “under” iOS. LIC knows the details of the hardware and … [Read more...]
Is IBM i (AS400/iSeries) Application Hosting Right For You?
This blog presents the 5 factors most Cloud400 users mention why they host their IBM i (AS400/iSeries) applications in the cloud. Not all of these considerations may apply to your circumstance. As you may think about cloud hosting for your operation, which of the following considerations resonate with you? 1) IBM i Expertise Cloud400 users want IBM expertise for a variety of reasons. Many clients have experienced their in-house IBM i talent shrink (down-sizing, attrition, … [Read more...]
Disaster Averted In The Nick Of Time
Not everyone is graced with the foresight to know when disaster is waiting to strike. But recently, Acme Refrigeration, a Louisiana wholesale supplier of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration products, had the wisdom to know that although predicting disaster is nearly impossible, being prepared for its inevitable appearance pays off in a big way. With their corporate office in Baton Rouge and eighteen branches serving Louisiana and Mississippi, the Acme made the decision … [Read more...]
Is It time To Review Your IT Disaster Recovery Plan?
OK, time for a reality check. You Either Have A Recovery Plan Or You Don’t. If You Do Have A Recovery Plan, Are You Sure It Will Work? IBM reports of all businesses with recovery plans 75% do not conduct regular recovery testing. But even if things go as planned, how realistic is the plan? Industry studies document that when downtime strikes, 33% of all recoveries do not go as expected. Can You Afford To Be Down For More Than 24 Hours – And Recover With Data That Is 36-48+ Hours … [Read more...]
What You Don’t Know About IBM i Disaster Recovery Replication Solutions Can Hurt You
Operations with critical needs to quickly recover from IBM i (iSeries/AS400) server downtime want Disaster Recovery Replication Solutions. Disaster Recovery Replication Solutions allow users to recover in minutes, not hours…if they make the proper choices and clearly understand the limitations of each solution. There Are 3 Basic IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Server HA Solutions When it comes to Disaster Recovery Replication Solutions, you … [Read more...]
7 Steps To Get FREE IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Software Keys For Your Backup Server
This blog explains how to get IBM License Program Products (LPP) software keys for your backup server. If you are not familiar with this process, it can be frustrating and bewildering. My purpose is to explain the process so it is easier to understand and execute. Many IBM i (iSeries/AS400) users have a backup server to continue to run their critical applications when unexpected downtime occurs. This can be a simple as a backup server ready to run within 16-28 hours from a tape backup to … [Read more...]
Cloud400 Costs 45% Less Than A New IBM POWER i (iSeries/AS400) Server – 4 Reasons Rex-Hide Moved To Cloud400
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...]