QIC Tape 'Survey'

IBM has dropped support for the FC #6385/6483 13GB QIC drive in V5R2. They
reason that the FC #6383/6483 16GB is functionally equivalent.  The Former
started out life supporting the 13/26GB Cartridges but supported the 16/32GB
ones when they were introduced.  The latter also supports both types. V5R2
sees the 13GB unit and varies it on. *ANY attempt to use it sends it to a
FAILED state.

While I can understand not selling the 13G unit - what's the point - I don't
understand why support should be dropped for a very common device in the field
just because an equivalent unit is available. In our customers base, we have
exactly zero FC #6383/6483 16G drives while we have Many #6385/6483 13GB drives.

So how many of you out there will be forced to spend $3900 in order to upgrade
to V5R2? NO, WAIT! STOP THE PRESSES!!! The 16G drive has been Discontinued
too!! So NOW you get to not only NOT read your old tapes, Not USE your old
taped but replace your Drive AND buy all new media! HOORAY! My 'Free' upgrade
to V5R2 just went screaming toward $10,000 with a decent tape rotation!   yippee.

In case none has picked up on this I intend to raise further 'odoriferous
emanations' in southern MN.

 - Larry

--
Larry Bolhuis           | IBM Certified Solutions Expert
Vice President          |     iSeries Technology V5 R1
Arbor Solutions, Inc.   |     e-business for AS/400 V4 R2
(616) 451-2500          | IBM Certified Specialist  AS/400
(616) 451-2571 -fax     |     RPG IV Developer
lbolhuis@arbsol.com     |     System Administrator for OS/400 V4 R4
www.arbsol.com          |     Professional Network Administrator
                        |       Network/Multiple Systems
                        |     Client Access