RE: Switching to Java on OS/400 - got a few questions.

Hi Joe,


java400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote on 20/09/2005 16:33:19:

> > From: StokesP@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> >
> >
> > You wouldn't in most cases. The point was really around why porting an
> > intensive J2EE app to AS400 app server architectures (WebSphere for
> one),
> > that'll cost a fortune and still potentially have issues, compared to
> > running the identical app on Linux, Solaris or even Windows app
> servers at
> > a fraction of the cost and full performance and reliability.
>
> There are a LOT of assumptions there.  First, what is "an intensive J2EE
> app"?  My guess is a Struts/EJB/CMP environment.  The worst possible
> architecture for an iSeries, but great for a dedicated CPU.
>
> And there's simply no way you get the same reliability on a Windows
> machine (or a Linux machine, or even a Solaris machine).
>

I would differ on that point.


>
> > > What were the processor speeds on the two boxes?
> > > How much RAM?
> >
> > 7495 x 8 / 48G
> > 7495 x 4 / 48G
>
> Model 7495 only goes to a 4-way.  Did you happen to check the CPU
> speeds?  The clocks on iSeries boxes, are quite low.  The 7495 is a
> 1.65GHz box.  The 7495 is also an enterprise enabled machine with full
> interactive capabilities.  The corresponding batch machine is only
> $100,000.  Exactly what is the alternate configuration you're running
> which matches the iSeries in performance for a fraction of the cost?
>

Original testing with a bog standard 2.6Ghz standard desktop machine
purchased thru PC World, 1 Gig RAM proved better for our app.

>
> > > Was the iSeries dedicated to web serving, or was it doing
> > > other things?
> >
> > Tried in both scenarios, it came down to the IBM implementation of
> java on
> > the AS400 that caused issues, WebSphere app server's performance under
> > load
> > of running a J2EE compliant WAR basically fell to bits. No success
> either
> > with the IBM chaps.
>
> Interesting.  I guess it depends on your definition of a J2EE compliant
> WAR.  I have many clients running powerful J2EE applications quite
> nicely on much smaller boxes.  Subsecond response time.  Complex
> database interactions.  Maybe it's your application, not the box?
>

Every vendor implements standards in a different way. Nothing to do with
the app as top brains have been on it. IBM themselves passed the app.

>
> > Because of issues we saw, I can only advise on making sure it's what
> you
> > need and works, we've had a 1 year long priority 1 call that still
> > couldn't
> > be fixed with the recommendation to stay on alternative platforms.
> Details
> > of which IBM are aware of but you'll only find out if you come across
> it
> > yourself - I can't advise on any specifics, Sorry.
>
> I see.  How about an APAR number?  Typically when a problem is reported
> to IBM, there's an APAR number associated with it.

"I can't advise on any specifics, Sorry."

>
> In any case, I'll send your name and company to somebody in the iSeries
> group and try to find out who is recommending a non-iSeries solution and
> why.
>

That's fine, no problems there. This doesn't encourage any community
support either.

Don't expect any details from myself or the company on this as one as all I
am recommending to the original poster is to make sure if porting Java apps
to an AS400 that you don't fall down later for the sake of simple testing !

I'll sign off now as I don't want to get involved in any petty platform /
OS wars - I'll leave that to people who have time to waste.

Pete.





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