IBM s Part of the Deal

IBM's Part of the Deal

After you have completed all your planning and are ready for the actual installation, you should call IBM (or whatever company sold you your i5) to have them perform the actual installation.

While you wait for the technician to arrive, you can save time and effort by uncrating the machines yourself. Save all the packing lists and the uncrating instructions, and follow the instructions carefully. If some crates show visible damage, don't open them! Let the IBM technician see the damage.

Also, with the help of one or more co-workers, move the uncrated machines to the space you planned for them. You shouldn't attempt to move the machines alone; most of them are extremely heavy and you could injure your back. When the IBM technician arrives, the technician will be ready to start working on the installation by hooking the units together.

Hardware Installation

An IBM technician will arrive at your site and perform the actual hardware installation. The amount of time the installation takes will depend on the size and number of the machines.

Tip 

The technician has a lot to do. Help by staying out of the way, but be available in case your assistance is needed. Keep all nonessential personnel out of the computer room while the installation is in process.

Software Installation

Part of IBM's deal includes ensuring that i5/OS is loaded onto your machine. i5/OS was probably loaded at the factory (which is good, because loading the operating system can take many hours).

The IBM technician is not responsible for the installation of other software (such as your application software) on your system. It's unfair to ask. You should call the company that sold you the software. If the software is complex (such as MAPICS or BPCS), the software company might send someone to your office to install the software for you or, at the very least, give you instructions on how to do it.

Peripheral Installation

IBM's technician should not be asked to install and connect the peripherals (displays and printers, for example) to your system. In the first place, it's not the technician's job to do it. More important, newly connected display stations could give someone in your company easy access to the server (which is still unprotected). Keep your i5 confined to the computer room until you have had a chance to set up security.

IBM's technician might be able to help you with some large printers, such as the 6262, if the units have the IBM logo on them. If the printer is manufactured by another company, you should call the company that sold you the peripheral if you cannot install it yourself.