Have A System/36 Or An Advanced System/36? Need Help?

The purpose of this blog is let System/36 users know they have a way to go forward if they are anxious if their server may fail and they cannot get parts.?

Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system. iSeries and AS400 are servers. I use these terms interchangeably to make it easy for folks to find this kind of information on the web.

You may be surprised that there are still companies that run their business on a System/36 or Advanced System/36.

For my younger readers who may ask, “What is a System/36?”

Briefly, What Is A System/36

System/36 is a multi-terminal, multi-tasking minicomputer that was popular in the 1980’s. With the advent of the IBM AS400, IBM merged the System/36 and the System/38 with the introduction of the AS400 in 1988. In fact, many of the prominent IBM i Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Business Application Software have their heritage in the original System/36 RPG code.

So many may wonder who are the folks that still run their business on System/36 SSP operating system.

Do Users Still Run System/36? Yes, Just Like Other Older Technology

Well, there are folks that still run their business on Microsoft DOS, DEC VAX, and HP 3000. Just because computers and their software may be old and not supported, does not mean they don’t work. Many enterprising companies find ways to continue to operate on systems well after the manufacturers have stopped support.

Even so, it is harder for System/36 users to find parts and software experts to continue to go forward.

Last Week I Got A Call From A System/36 Users That Needed Help

Just this last week I got a call from a New York business owner with an Advanced/36 (9402-436) whose tape drive had failed. He had been running his business on his custom SSP system since 1997. He found me with the help of Google and LinkedIn.

He asked me if I knew anything about the Advanced/36. Of course I do. I have been involved with IBM midrange servers since 1977.

System/36 Failed Tape Drive – No Way To Backup Or Restore. Yikes!

He shared with me his dilemma – that his tape drive failed so he could not backup or restore. When he also asked if I could help, I explained I could help with limitations.?

3 Steps To Get Back On Track

First, I explained that while I may be able to source a replacement tape drive, I did not want to provide on-going support for his 9402-436 because parts are difficult to locate and unreliable.?In short, 9402-436 support is a time-consuming distraction with no rewards.

Second, I explained that because of his very distinct business practices and his knowledge of his system, he would find it more cost-effective in the near-term to migrate his custom SSP-based RPG software to the IBM i System/36 environment to go forward before he took the time to research a new software solution.

Third, I explained that there are very few people active in the US that can migrate his system from SSP to IBM i OS as well as provide any tweaks that may be needed. That is because this would take a combination of System/36 skilled specialists that know the 9402-436 hardware, the SSP operating system, and the migration process from SSP to IBM i.

He now has a plan to get back on track.

How Many Other System/36 And Advanced/36 Users Are On Borrowed Time?

I do not know.

I do know that there are still many System/36 users --- and they are at risk of server failure and no recovery.

If you run your business on System/36 SSP or know someone who does, please, I encourage you to call me. I fear the day when we can no longer assemble the skilled talent to help someone whose system has died.

Need Help?

Call me at 714-593-0387 or email me at?[email protected]. Let us know how we can help!

To learn more about us, and view our customer testimonials, please visit our website:?www.Source-Data.com