IBM Offers Express Lane to Network Management

On the heels of last week’s announcement introducing its Desktop Management Services program for small and mid-sized businesses, IBM today announced four new Express Portfolio services designed to manage a mid-sized business’ back-end infrastructure.

The goal of new network resiliency and manageability services, according to IBM, is to remotely monitor and manage a customer’s complete technology infrastructure and improve the availability of eServer iSeries systems.

IBM reports that is has identified several key areas where complementary services can reduce the cost and complexity of systems management, enable better use of assets, and improve availability and resiliency. The resulting four new services include the following:

IBM Network Operations and Management Services is designed to provide day-to-day management of the computing infrastructure. The service allows IBM to remotely monitor a network on a 24/7 basis. The solution tracks network performance, system health and component problems, and delivers software and firmware updates vital to the businesses infrastructure.

The IBM service provides customers monthly and real time on-line reports on system performance and status. Customers can access an Internet portal to view network status in real time. The service is also available through IBM Business Partners.

IBM Infrastructure Recovery Services is built to be a competitively priced service that helps mid-size businesses take the first step in building a comprehensive business recovery plan in the case of unforeseen business interruptions. This service includes a two-day consulting workshop with IBM to build a customized recovery plan using methodologies for IBM and non-IBM systems as well as run outage emergency exercises. The service also provides a pre-configured eServer iSeries or pSeries system for temporary use during an outage emergency. The service n be purchased directly from IBM or through IBM Business Partners.

IBM Infrastructure Management Express Portfolio Solution for iSeries is designed to help customers simplify IT environments consisting of AS/400 servers and Intel-based servers running both AS/400 and Windows applications. The infrastructure management solution combines hardware, software and services into a single package based on an IBM eServer iSeries 800 Standard or Advanced Edition system.

The total cost of IBM Infrastructure Management Express Portfolio Solution for iSeries includes one day of Windows integration, a half-day of migration planning services (offered by IBM or Business Partners at regional billable rates), no charge for removal of legacy AS/400 systems, 24×7 SupportLine access, and one year of prepaid maintenance and installation. Customers with Linux environments receive standard Linux support and one day of Linux implementation services. Starting price for the solution is $30,000. With an optional 36-month IBM Global Financing lease (beginning $775 per month).

IBM High Availability Express Portfolio Solution for iSeries is designed to allows customers to link multiple iSeries systems via third-party software from various vendors, including Data Mirror, iTera, Lakeview Technology, Maximum Availability, Trader’s and Vision Solutions. Where applicable, the service also comes with 24×7 SupportLine access and one year of prepaid maintenance and installation. Pricing begins at $51,000, with an IBM Global Financing lease rate as low as $1,935 per month for 36 months.

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Small Business Computing Staff
Small Business Computing Staff
Small Business Computing addresses the technology needs of small businesses, which are defined as businesses with fewer than 500 employees and/or less than $7 million in annual sales.

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