This blog covers 6 common reasons people want to host IBM i applications instead of relying on an on-premise server. This last week I was talking to Symmetrical Solutions partner Bob Dzialowski. Symmetrical Solutions develops software for YMCAs. Over the last few years, Bob has seen increased competition from Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers. Even though Bob knows his systems offer more functionality, SaaS seems very appealing. As Bob explains, his IBM i customers want out of the … [Read more...]
IBM i Software Keys And Uncommon Transactions
This is a blog about 2 examples where IBM users encountered unexpected delays and expense to get the needed software keys when they replaced their donor servers with newer servers. Anyone familiar with installing IBM i software is familiar with software keys. As a quick reminder, software keys certify you have IBM authorization to use IBM licensed software on a serialized server in your enterprise. Without the software keys, the IBM software will stop working within 70 days of … [Read more...]
Where Is The ROI To Leave IBM i In Favor Of Another Platform?
Last week I was talking with an IBM iSeries IT Manager. Specifically, we were talking about his IBM 9406-520, the end of IBM hardware support January 31, 2019, and what his plans were when there would be no more IBM support. Possible Move To New Platform When IBM Support Ends “Bob, my management expects to move to a Windows solution by the time IBM hardware support is gone,” he said. I asked what Windows business applications his company was considering. “We haven’t even … [Read more...]
Your 4 Options When IBM Stops AS400/iSeries Support
Please be aware that IBM has announced that they intend to withdraw hardware maintenance (HWMA) for AS400’s and iSeries effective January 31 2019 through October 31, 2020*. IBM is telling us that it is more difficult to get parts for these servers. So, they have announced that after the termination date, no more hardware support. Review Your Options And Start Planning For The End Of Your IBM HWMA. When IBM HWMA expires, here are your choices: Do Nothing. Run your server until you … [Read more...]
5 Reasons To Keep IBM i PTFs And Technology Refreshes Up To Date
This blog explains the importance of keeping your IBM i OS current with PTFs and Technology refreshes. My purpose is to provide a clear understanding of the important of PTFs. I am concerned about a common inattention among our iSeries clients that neglect IBM PTFs to keep their IBM i OS (OS400/i5/OS) current. I understand the common justification – “the system is working fine, and it will all get taken care of on the next version release. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. So, why not … [Read more...]
6 Elegant IBM i Features That Keep It Advanced
I wrote this blog to stress key IBM i features in response to those critics who say the IBM I is “old.” The IBM i is NOT “old” – it continues to be advanced. Last week one of my clients shared with me that her network team leader thinks the IBM i is archaic. This network administrator also tells his management that their IBM i server is “old” and they should replace it with modern technology (hint: Microsoft Windows). Never mind that their business runs on an ERP application that has been in … [Read more...]
8 Factors To Check When Assessing IBM i Cloud Hosting Providers
Earlier this week a prospective client was telling me that he had compared several cloud providers. He liked 2 of the providers based on their annual sales. The largest had annual sales of $250 million. The second largest had annual sales of $100 million. To my way of thinking, annual sales is necessarily a good way to assess a hosting provider. In fact, it can be a misleading way to evaluate cloud hosting. Then again, I know a lot more about hosting providers than this prospective … [Read more...]
How Do I Get A Refund For Unused IBM Hardware And Software Support?
This blog briefly explains how to get a refund for the unused balance of IBM hardware and software support when a server is discontinued. This can be very helpful as customer can get refunds of $2,000 to $20,000 or more depending on circumstance. You might be amazed how many customers NEVER request a refund. I am often asked by customers upgrading to new IBM servers how they can get a refund for the unused portion of IBM hardware (HWMA) and software (SWMA) support for the server that is … [Read more...]
3 Ways You Get Overcharged For A New IBM POWER Server … And How To Avoid Them
If you are thinking about a new on-premise IBM i Server, you will want to read this. I am amazed how frequently I encounter IBM i users that have Bought servers with WAY more resource (memory, disk, core performance) than they will need – costing $50,000 to $200,000+ more than you need to spend, Paid for stuff they don’t use – costing you $3,000 -$15,000 more than you should pay, Are charged over list price for their IBM server – costing you $5,000-$20,000 too much. How come … [Read more...]
Computer Geeks Or Computer Geezers? Who Ya Gonna Call?
When You Need Expert IBM i Cloud Hosting, Who You Gonna Call? Computer Geeks…or Computer Geezers? Computer geeks? You know the type. They are young, intense (maybe too many energy drinks?), and computer smart. In fact, they will be the first to tell you just how smart they are. They talk in tongues – an incomprehensible language of impressive sounding acronyms and techno-babble. It must be a secret language they practice during the midnight ritual of on line chatting or trying to hack the … [Read more...]
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