Chapter 3: Migrating to pSeries - Why Bother?

In this chapter we take a practical look at some common situations that drive an organization to make a change.

Starting Point: AIX or UNIX?

If you have already invested in a UNIX computing infrastructure (based on pSeries servers, RS/6000 systems, another brand of UNIX server, or a mixture), you already have several advantages when you make your move to the pSeries on your way along the e-business adoption path.

First, you are already using an operating system that was born and bred in an open standards environment. Another advantage of starting from a UNIX base is that the move to a pSeries is straightforward. First of all, the chances are that whatever applications you are now running are available on a pSeries running either AIX or Linux. (Remember, pSeries can run either or both at the same time.) Another plus is that the users and system administrators of your current UNIX world will feel right at home on a pSeries, so you preserve your investment in knowledge and experience.

Okay, so the move from an RS/6000 or UNIX environment to a pSeries will be straightforward. But then there is the all-important question, "Why bother?" And it's a good question. To examine this question, you must start by thinking about your own business environment. When you do, you may see in your reflection one or more of these "Top Ten Things That Tell You It's Time for a Change."