Re: Upgrading from V3R2 to V5Rx

Odd...  I just put in an order for a new AS/400 running V4R5, and IBM is
telling me that I can upgrade from V3R2 to V4R5 directly.

Is this wrong?  (You've got me worried, now)


On Thu, 4 Jan 2001, Shrader, Patrick wrote:

> The latest copy (Jan 2001) of Midrange Computing announces that the V4R3 is
> no longer for sale, and that it is required for upgrading to the later
> releases (V4R5 & V5R1). It is understandable that IBM wants everyone on the
> latest hardware and software releases to reduce support costs.
> 
> While I would love to move from V3R2 to V4R3, there are limitations to
> making this move. Since I am still on a CISC box, a direct upgrade is not an
> option for me. Yes, I want to upgrade, but the existing box does what we
> need it to do right now and we are investing in capital projects that
> directly improves our bottom line (more than what the cost savings of a new
> system will). There is no sense in having a great computer if your core
> (non-IT) operations needs improvements and upgrades -- after all, computers
> should be tools, not life.
> 
> However, when we do move up to the RISC boxes, what types of trouble will
> this (and other similar) announcements from IBM do to me and others in the
> same boat? The CISC to RISC is not a straight forward process, and now
> without certain operating systems available, what does this do to my upgrade
> path?
> 
> Are upgrades of this type better handled by starting from a clean box, and
> restoring user libraries from the old system? We are a MAPICS shop, which
> will require data migration and reinstallation.
> 
> Basically, how big a deal is this type of announcement -- long and
> complicated, or just blowing smoke?
> 
> Patrick Shrader

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