Re: Why can't we use eConfig??

[Larry Bolhuis <lbolhuis@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob,

  Realize that I am not an IBM representative but a BP so my views may(?!) 
not represent IBM's true position.  First eConfig requires registered access 
to update and keep current. Second it DOES contain pricing in many cases for 
thousands of features and even multiple Geographies. It also takes some talent 
to run. I see that you are an IBM certified iSeries Expert and while I don't 
know in what, I will assume for the moment that it is in iSeries Technical 
Solutions. There are not very many of us around and most are with BPs not 
customers. To be sure the process of running multiple configurations takes 
time and effort but a real BP will do this work for/with you to build the 
right system(s) for you.

  As you state the LVT does generate nice building blocks but is missing such 
trivial items as a) Power cords and redundant power supply features, b) HSL 
Cables and the features to support them, c) External tape and CD/DVD drives 
and cables and more. While these features are not usually a large percentage 
of system cost they can be significant and must not be omitted. Then there is 
software, something LVT ignores completely. Also thing like the memory rules 
for some models are next to impossible and only eConfig will give you the 
feature stack to populate the slots correctly.

  If you are serious (as I suspect you are) about generating configurations 
that will be purchased and your BP will not work with you on it, then I 
suggest you get a better BP.

  - Larry

Bob Larkin wrote:
> I have a need to run configurations on multiple scenarios, to determine 
> our strategy for growing our iSeries processing power. In days past, I 
> would simply use the configurator, Now IBM is telling me that 
> configuration is done with eConfig, and customers cannot use eConfig, 
> only BPs and IBMers.
>
> This doesn't make sense to me. I can configure a system using LPAR 
> validator, then use readily available pricing to determine a list price. 
> The problem with this approach is that the LPAR tool does not guarantee 
> a complete system, which the eConfig tool does. Also, I have to manually 
> lookup prices.
>
> Have I been misinformed? I can't believe IBM would not let customers use 
> tools that would lead to a purchase. The comment was made to just have a 
> BP perform the configurations. I feel that is asking a bit much, as 
> there can be many iterations. This is also time consuming, and will slow 
> down the process greatly.
>
> Anyone have any suggestions?
>
> Bob Larkin
> IBM Certified iSeries Expert



--
Larry Bolhuis           | IBM eServer Certified Systems Expert
Vice President          |     iSeries Technical Solutions V5R2, V5R1, V4R5...
Arbor Solutions, Inc.   |     iSeries LPAR Technical Solutions V5R2
(616) 451-2500          |     e-business for AS/400 V4R2
(616) 451-2571 -fax     | IBM eServer Certified Systems Specialist
lbolhuis@xxxxxxxxxx     |     iSeries System Administrator for OS/400 V5R2
www.arbsol.com          |     RPG IV Developer
                        |     iSeries System Command Operations V5R2
                        |     Client Access


---
[This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus]