JB Technologies – Success Story

Mainframe Relocation Project

Challenge:
When an International French Bank, decided to relocate their IBM 9121 (ES/9000) mainframe operations to Montreal, Canada they were challenged with network conversion issues, procedural changes, VM and VSE operating system modifications and the overall experience necessary to project coordinate the “cutover” from the existing New York City Data Center to the new Montreal Data Center. The bank requested the services of JB Technologies to provide the Project Management leadership necessary to successfully plan and implement the mainframe relocation.

JB Technologies Solution:

Challenges – significant changes, upgrades and modifications

• Review performance information and application requirements in order to properly size hardware for new location. Procure all necessary hardware and software for new site.
• Design and implement a network architecture conversion from IBM SNA/Token Ring to Ethernet TCP/IP
• Replace the Microsoft SNA Servers with a complete TCP/IP solution replacing an IBM 3745 FEP with an OSA/2 card providing TN/3270 and FTP access.
• Ongoing Operating System support.

Guided the senior management staff in preparing the following for Montreal:

• identifying applications for relocation
• reviewing performance reports necessary to estimate MIP requirements
• preparing the hardware procurement RFP for vendors
• Develop/Implement multi phased migration plan.

JB Technologies assigned Paul Epstein to manage the project and lead the effort:

• Sixteen years experience with IBM’s mainframe division.
• Expertise in data center/mainframe technologies and VM/VSE operating systems.
• Provide the confidence and skills necessary to manage the modifications to the enterprise.

Conclusion:

JB Technologies project management team not only prepared the project plan(s) for each move, but displayed exemplary skill and professionalism in their approach to conducting daily and weekly meetings with all department personnel. Resulting in a mainframe relocation which delivered uninterrupted service to the end users and exceeded expected service levels.