Re: Your opinions about MIMIX

Larry D. Bolhuis wrote:
> Disclaimer: We represent DataMirror Corp in Western Michigan.

I don't represent Vision Solutions in any way, but I am a happy
customer running OMS/ODS Gold Suite.  In the name of fairness, I feel
compelled to respond to some of these points, as a representative for
Vision Solutions doesn't seem to be here.

> Primary benefits of DataMirror's Transformation Server:  
>  Ability to not only mirror the data (Real time or periodic refresh)
>but also transform it on the way (eg switch dates to 4 digit year,
>change single byte codes to text, do math, and much more).

This might be good for applications other than High Systems
Availability, but for HSA I don't see the need.  I want my data to be
identical on the target machine for when I need to role swap to it
when the primary system fails.

>  Replicates data both ways (even the same file can be replicated both
>ways)

If you mean mirroring in reverse when running on the backup machine,
OMS does this.  If you mean replicating both ways at the same time, I
don't see the need for HSA.

>  Has row and column selection.

Another feature not required for HSA.  

>  Can Replicate to multiple target machines. (One to Many)
>  Can Replicate multiple systems to one terget. (Many to One)

OMS can do this no problem.

>  Ability to go to/from AS/400<->Oracle<->SQL Server and others.

Yet another feature not needed for HSA, at least I can't imagine a
scenario where you would switch your AS/400 users to a non-AS/400
system when the primary system fails.

>  Runs on SNA and TCP/IP. 

OMS does this.

>  Can replicate on the same machine. (Good for testing or building a
>datamart)

This is cool.  I don't think OMS can do this.  I will say though, that
most shops who have a second AS/400 for HSA would use that second
machine for testing rather than using the primary production machine.
That's what we do.

> DataMirror also has an object mirror package that will handle objects
>besides databases, and a Switch-over-System module that combined with
>some hardware will switch your users from a failed primary machine to
>the operational backup machine automatically.

Visions Solutions offers both products that do this, ODS and SAM
respectively.

> A total DataMirror Solution is typically cheaper than the competitive
>solutions.

This might be true, as I don't know the prices for both solutions.  

> DataMirror is very strong Financially and is a publically traded
>company (TSE:DMC) and is an IBM Business partner.

I don't know if Vision Solutions is publically traded, but they do
seem financially strong.  I do know they are an IBM Business partner.

Again, I don't represent Vision Solutions in any way, I'm just a happy
customer.

Terry Herrin
Sr. Programmer/Analyst
New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Wilmington, NC
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