> -----Original Message-----
> From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List On Behalf Of Steve Comstock
>
> Warner Mach wrote:
> > I believe that I have identified an interesting phenomenon
> > in the ongoing mainframe vs distributed servers debate. I
> > call this the 'small server mob advantage.'
> > .
> > We all know that the ratio of technical people to end users
> > is much higher with the smaller servers. I consider the
> > small servers to be a primary driver of IT employment. At
> > first glance it might seem that the lower ratio for mainframe
> > support would put the mainframe at an advantage in the eyes
> > of management ... But, as it turns out, what happens is that,
> > over the course of time, the number of people in small server
> > support greatly exceeds the number of people in mainframe
> > support and they form a group that actively lobbies to move
> > everything off of the mainframe. This is the 'small server
> > mob advantage.'
> > .
> > Once a conversion effort is finished and it becomes apparent
> > that people costs now far exceed the mainframe hardware and
> > software costs, the deed is done. To go back would require
> > that management admit an error ... So I would advise that
> > the mainframe folks console themselves with the fact that
> > their small server brothers and sisters are able to find
> > gainful employment.
>
> Hmmmm. I would advise the mainframe folks to be alert and
> fight the battle early, then. We need to stand up and be
> counted (although we may have to do it subtley / indirectly
> for political reasons). Your points are exactly the kind
> of information that needs to be promulgated before it's
> too late. Although it may already be too late.
Frequently the problem is not that the information is not promulgated
timely, but rather that the information is ignored.
-jc-
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