The IMS database is a very interesting database. In many environments, it just runs and runs and runs for years with little if any maintenance. I have heard it referred to as the “brick wall” of databases as you almost need to use a sledgehammer to bring it down. It is a wonderful product.
Recently, we were asked to do an upgrade of IMS from two versions back to the latest release. It was not a large environment, actually relatively small. The client answered questions and allowed us to look in the environment to pull the information we needed to provide a Statement of Work (SOW).
The client retained our services and the upgrade went according to plan. Additionally, as the client was very actively involved and responsive to our requests, we were able to give some extra support to the client’s resource assigned to monitor IMS once the upgrade was completed. This was a success story due in large part to active client involvement and responsiveness.
Vanguard for the mainframe is a powerful product used to manage RACF security. Many companies use it as it can cut down on the need to have a full-time RACF administrator. However, it is also an expensive product.
We recently had an opportunity with a client who wanted to migrate off of Vanguard tools for RACF and just use RACF native commands. In the conversation with the client, the director wanted to know how long the effort would take? As Vanguard is a very involved product and interacts with many different parts of the mainframe, we explained that we would need to do an assessment to determine to what extent Vanguard was involved in the environment. Based on the assessment, we would be able to provide an SOW of what we would have to do with RACF to replicate what Vanguard was currently doing.
The director was adamant that we give an exact estimate while on the call. We again explained that we are unable to do so without an assessment.
Needless to say, we were unable to give the client the information he wanted and we went our separate ways.
When clients are responsive to requests for information and allow a review of the environment prior to presenting an SOW, we are able to give very close estimates of what the work effort will be. And when we do engage and with active participation by the client, more often than not the project proceeds on schedule and results in a very happy client. The clear message to clients is to participate actively in the process—you will be glad you did.
Call us today at 1-844-388-IRON (4766) for more information about how we can help you with your project.
