AS400 Performance

We are running MAPICS Version 4 on an S20 AS400.  When running reports the
machine is so slow it even stops people logging on.  This is getting to be
more than an irritation, it is now stopping people from doing their work.  We
have run the performance tools and an independent party suggested changing
some system settings in the way Batch and Interactive jobs are handled.
Quite frankly it made no difference at all.  The AS400 is about 4 years old,
it has done an excellent job.  Now I am told we could need a new AS400.  I
appreciate hardware has moved on a lot in 4 years.  Yesterday I was informed
if we do get a newer model AS400, MAPICS may charge more, because the annual
fee is dependent on what model AS400 it is runningon, i.e the faster the box
the more I pay.  As this was originally sorted out by Head Office Staff, who
were made redundant some time ago, I am trying to pick up the pieces.

Does anyone know what exactly MAPICS Pricing Policy is?  Is it related to
the speed of the processor/As400?  And is anyone else suffering with poor
performance?  Is it a simple matter of extra memory or whatever in the
AS400?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.


Rick Henson
John L Seaton & Co Ltd,
Hull,
Yorkshire
United Kingdom

e-mail:  rick.henson@seatons-uk.co.uk