SIR – WITH THE ARRIVAL OF NEW technologies on mainframe platforms, from Java and Linux through to ERP applications, the mainframe renaissance is firmly established. However, there’s a real danger that the mainframe’s value is being undermined by the obscene pricing and licensing strategies of most of the software mega vendors.

There has been an extraordinary hike in prices over recent years, and the arrogance of these vendors has created much ill will. Without a change in policy, they’re in danger of undermining the credibility of the mainframe and thus constraining business development… and, hence, economic resurgence.

The mainframe is one of the most business-critical technology platforms for any organisation, delivering the reliability and high availability that’s now required. That said, most mega vendors are still guilty of overcharging on service provision and implementation to the point of placing sometimes crippling costs on their clients. A problem with which all-too-many IT and security managers are familiar.

Implementation should be a means to an end only, and not a method for driving revenue.

Steve Revell, Regional Vice-President (UK and Ireland), ASG

Source

SMT