Re: Software support options when you don't have an IBM contract

[pnelson@xxxxxxxxxx]

   And what would you do if you needed to call for software support?
   -- 

   Paul Nelson
   Arbor Solutions, Inc.
   708-670-6978  Cell
   pnelson@xxxxxxxxxx
   -----midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote: -----

     To: Midrange Systems Technical Discussion <midrange-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
     From: Al Mac <macwheel99@xxxxxxxxxxx>
     Sent by: midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
     Date: 12/08/2006 10:58AM
     Subject: Re: Software support options when you don't have an IBM
     contract

       We are on SERVIT support for several reasons.
         * IBM wanted us to pay for 3 years in one bill, management wanted to
     apy
           as we go
         * SERVIT service is faster in small towns than IBM support
         * SERVIT does everything we need from IBM for lower price
         * SERVIT does not change their contact method faster than we can
           remember it, like IBM has done a lot to us
         * While SERVIT is nationwide, every local community has an IBM
     partner
           with which you can make some kind of arrangement
       What is most critical is to make sure the box remains with some outift
       whose support is such that you are on the equivalent of IBM
     maintenance,
       so that if you need to go back on, there is not a HUGE fee, to make
     sure
       your box measures up to IBM standards.  We had an occasion when we
     needed
       to move our box to a different office & get it hooked up right.
      Depending
       on where you getting your service from, and who checking it hooked up
       right, can make a HUGE difference in the support costs. & hassle.

         All,

         Besides this list ;-), what are the options for software support
     when
         you don't have an IBM support contract?

         Our current contract is expiring, and since we are moving off the
         iSeries during the next year, management is considering not
     renewing.

         I assumed IBM offered a pay per incident option for support but
         apparently that isn't the case. You can report defect for free, but
         other than that IBM apparently doesn't want to talk to you.

         This is the first time I've ever even thought of living without a
         support contract.

         Thanks,

         Charles Wilt
         --
         iSeries Systems Administrator / Developer
         Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America
         ph: 513-573-4343
         fax: 513-398-1121
          

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