Re: OEM DISKS

[Kirk Goins <kgoins@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Alan Pruitt wrote:
> 
> Hi, Midrange friends:
> 
> We are investigating the possibility of using OEM disks in place of the
> internal drives on our 320 systems.  Very soon, we will also be
> upgrading our RISC systems to CISC.

Did you mean CISC to RISC ?? Most would consider this to be an
upgrade as opposed to your RISC to CISC. 

> 
> For those who have experience with OEM disks, I would like to hear if
> you have had any difficulties that we should know about.  In particular,
> I'm interested in whether you have ever experienced a problem with:
>    > an O/S upgrade
>    > applying a PTF
>    > conversion from one model (RISC) to another (CISC)

I deal with lots of OEM equipment hung in/on AS/400s. OEM Tape and DASD 
started having problems near the end of V2 and especially at V3.1.0 and
above. Remember in a lot of cases the OEM must REVERSE ENGINEER whatever
change IBM puts in the OS or Microcode. Sometimes these are minor and
sometimes they are show stoppers.(ie: Many OEM TAPES couldn't handle
V3R1
when it first came out)

If your a cutting edge type of shop... Stay IBM all the way.
If cost is not a factor...             Stay IBM all the way.
If you don't like adventure...         Stay IBM all the way 

If your shop doesn't meet the above items are then you might
consider OEM equipment. PLEASE DO NOT GET ME WRONG, there
is good, reliable OEM stuff. Just do your homework like you're
doing here. 

> I don't want to blast anyone, but if you have had those types of
> problems, it would also be helpful to know the manufacturer and model.

I'm in a position that I can't name names, others here, I'm
sure can.

> Private replies are welcome to:
>    AlanPruitt@KEMET.com
> or DennisLovelady@KEMET.com
> 
> Thanks a lot.  I look forward to your responses.


-- 
Kirk Goins
Gresham, Oregon
EMAIL kgoins@ix.netcom.com              
      kirk_goins@compuserve.com
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