Re: Cheaper Servers?

rob@dekko.com wrote:

>What are the goals?
>- to have os/400 on everyone's desktop, unrealistic
>- to have a portable 400 for demo's
>- to have a 400 for small businesses, already done.
>
>Let's remember, one of the goals of Op's console was to be able to
>remotely operate your 400, even in a dedicated mode.  Basically do
>everything except stuff the CD's.  Will you still get this with the
>xWindows concept?
>
>Let's say you want to market product.  What will your client base be using
>on their desktops?  Browsers, 5250, Client/Server, xWindows?  I would say
>a bulk of the new sales would be using the first three.  You need to demo
>in that then.  Therefore I don't see where using a separate box is a
>drawback.  Granted, let's suppose that IBM limited the system console to
>Op's console.  You don't need a system console to IPL.  You only need it
>to perform upgrades.  Therefore I would see two attachments - 1 for the
>op's console, one for the ethernet.  Granted, in a demo situation, you
>would have a wire going out of the box into a small hub, and a wire from
>that into your client.  But let's face it, in most demos you are going to
>have other cables for the overhead projector and all that other junk.  So
>it should be hidden in the clutter.
>
my goal?? -- To allow the iSeries to be a stand alone box with its own
console. I don't see why this console needs to be a separate machine.

Regarding the other features - I didn't say get rid of them. If people
want remote operations through Ops Console then fine, why not?

Why should the client interface need to change? There will always be
clients that want to connect. Indeed, adding native X support increases
the number of clients that can readily be supported.

Regarding 400 for small businesses - I would contend this one. By small
to medium sized business IBM means $100,000+ spend on hardware. For most
small business I have contact with this is their entire annual turnover.
No chance !!

The 150 was great, the 250 is a possibility but it has a limited life,
the 270 is too expensive.

To do small business requires high volumes, something Wintel are good
at!! iSeries can replace most server farms, but in real small business
it can only do this by being cheaper, and being moved in higher volumes.
IBM's sales prevention officers will have to move over!!!

Syd Nicholson