This blog briefly explains the key reasons an IBM i (iSeries) users should KEEP IBM SWMA current. Most IBM i users I work with hunt for ways to improve productivity and cut cost. I often hear about clients that question the value of IBM Software Maintenance (SWMA) – because it looks like an expense line item that is easy to chop. 1. SWMA entitles you to IBM i Version Upgrades, PTFs and IBM phone software support. You may already know that with IBM SWMA you are … [Read more...]
5 Factors Why A New IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Server Is A Superior Value Compared To A Used Server
This blog looks at the projected costs of a used IBM server compared to buying a new one. Clearly, there are variations in pricing and server capacity. Nonetheless, without going into excessive detail you will get the point that a used server is generally a poor value for your next IBM i/iSeries server. Think Used IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Servers Are A Good Value? Think Again. You may recall a time when a used IBM iSeries/AS400 server offered a significant savings compared to a new … [Read more...]
13 Steps To Get FREE IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Software Keys For Your Backup Server – THE SEQUEL
This blog is The Sequel to How To Get FREE IBM Software Keys For Your Backup Server. Since my last blog on this topic, I became aware of IBM’s newest Backup Form to get IBM LPP Software Keys. Just like my last blog, my purpose is to explain the latest process so it is easier to understand and execute. Many IBM i (iSeries/AS400) users have a Backup Machine to continue to run their critical applications when unexpected downtime occurs. This can be as simple as a Backup Machine ready … [Read more...]
First Failure Data Capture: Why You Probably Never Heard Of It
A question IBM POWER users rarely ask—unless they work on other platforms—is what an intermittent error is? It’s a kind of bug that occurs without rhyme or reason. Your system may lock up, or worse, it may come to a complete halt. Windows users are very familiar with it—as well as users of non-IBM hardware—and it has been a major nuisance for years. But when it happens to mainframe-class systems it can be much more than a nuisance. It can be very costly. Several years ago, eBay … [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...]
7 Myths About IBM i (iSeries,AS400) Cloud Hosting
This blog briefly covers debunking 7 myths about Cloud Hosting IBM i (iSeries, AS400) application. With all the buzz about Cloud Hosting, there are several misconceptions. I have been helping clients migrate to Cloud400 IBM i (iSeries, AS400) application Cloud Hosting for years. Many have shared with me their reasons to make the move, as well as their doubts and concerns. Let me highlight the most common reservations I hear and debunk some of the myths about IBM i Cloud Hosting. … [Read more...]
IBM i Object-Base Architecture = Secure, Virus-Resistant Operation…We Take For Granted
In Case You’re Wondering Why You Haven’t Been Bothered by Viruses and Other Security Problems, Here’s the Answer Our business is upgrading and servicing IBM i (iSeries/AS400) systems, so we get to speak with the CEOs, CFOs and other senior executives of our corporate customers. Every one of them acknowledges that their company has never suffered from virus attacks, hacking or related security issues. When they think about these issues (which is not often), they appreciate how lucky they have … [Read more...]
We Make Secure, Expert IBM i Cloud Hosting EASY
Discover how to get affordable, safe, secure, expert IBM i cloud hosting...and how EASY it is to implement. IBM i application hosting is way more straight-forward than hosting other platform applications. Plain and simple. If you are 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 than IBM i require more … [Read more...]
R2D2 Is Alive And Well—Inside Your IBM i (iSeries, AS400) Server
R2D2? That little dome-headed “droid” that always kept the Star Wars heroes one step ahead of big trouble? Well, not exactly. The one we’re talking about doesn’t roll around, nor does he chirp. But unlike the movie version, ours is real. He lives inside your IBM i server and he spends his life keeping you out of trouble…with never so much as a thank you from his owner. It’s time he got a little respect, because he works day and night—not only “off the books” but entirely off your payroll. … [Read more...]