Re: Server consolidation

So no one in Maine teaches SQL, C, or Java? Must be sad times in New
England.

On a more serious note, if they're replacing 1 520 with n Windows systems
for an "internal cloud" I'd be hard pressed to see where/how they'll be any
cost savings. Every Windows server will need an OS license, anti-malware
software, monthly updates, a hardened configuration, and various other
bits. If the app is subject to HIPAA or PCI then every server will most
likely also need monitoring and logging tools (normally licensed per
server). This may also make audits take longer (with auditors being paid
by
the hour) since the environment is more complicated. Networking is more
complicated. Data center space/heat/power may be greater.

Of course, if you're truly going cloud and using a service provider for
everything then there is a potential for savings. But of course processes
will have to be retooled to fit the provider's offerings v. how you're
doing
business today.

I think your director needs to play golf with a different group of buddies
and/or read different mags in flight.

On Wed, Apr 6, 2011 at 8:41 PM, Michael Soucy
<michaelsoucy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>wrote:

I'm wondering if anyone out there has done a server consolidation using

an

IBM i or Power system. The company I work for has an IBM i5 model 520

which

they want to completely get rid of. The IBM will be replaced with a

bunch

of Windows servers and all of the in house developed software will be
replaced by canned Windows software. The Executive Director has it in

his

head that he wants to move to "Cloud Computing" to save money. As it is

now

it looks like we may be going with an internal cloud. The reasoning for
moving away from the IBM i is none of the colleges in the state of Maine

are

teaching anything about IBM midrange platforms, so the future doesn't

seem

to be with the IBM i or Power system. Another reason is all the canned
software that is out there for our industry (Healthcare) is all windows
based. Would the agency save any money if they looked at server
consolidation with say a Power 7 system? If so, where can I find out

more

about it and any possible cost !
benefits? I tell you I'm going to miss our IBM i when it goes.

Michael Soucy
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John Jones, CISSP
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