Volume 9, Issue 4
Fall 1996
1996 Mainframe Software Survey
This survey addresses some issues to consider when purchasing a software package for mainframe computer systems. The survey does not include enough information to make a final selection; each package has its own strengths which cannot be assessed in a survey of this type. When selecting a mainframe software package, the most useful information comes from understanding your needs and discussing them with a company representative.
The survey looks at these questions:
Price Range/Maintenance: This is always the first question on everyone’s list, but comparing prices isn’t necessarily a meaningful way to compare software. Prices vary drastically.
Compatibility: Compatibility may be critical when it comes to importing an established plan or importing information from other files. You may be spared data re-entry if you can import existing files.
Minimum base hardware configuration: This is the computer setup required to effectively run the program. Most of these package are PC-based, but some are also available for the Macintosh, and some are specifically for larger systems.
Operating Systems: Like the hardware configuration, you must be able to match your existing system with the operating system required for the software.
Recovery of systems or applications: This question addresses the products ability to recover data from systems and/or applications. This information should be considered when making a software choice.
Recovery Critical Dependencies; This subject was covered in two questions. The first asks whether all critical dependencies can be recovered from systems. The second question asks whether the product can recover all critical dependencies of applications.
Product Use Restrictions: Can the product be used during normal operations as well as a recovery? All vendors, except............, responding answered yes to this question. Therefore the information is not included in the matrix.
Other services: nearly all companies producing software also offer specialized consulting. A variety of other products and services are also available. This information is listed.
For further information on products listed in the survey, please call the appropriate contact name for each company.
To be listed in future mainframe software surveys, please contact the Disaster Recovery Journal to be added to our vendor mailing list.
Go to the 1996 Mainframe Software Survey
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Last Updated--Thursday, Nov. 14, 1996.