Howard Brazee writes:
>But most mainframes are set up to be used. Unlike a PC
>that is sitting idle most of the time, we expect mainframes
>to be working. If a computer is being used 90% of its
>capacity, it can't double its workload. (But a lot
>of new work can be fit in that 10%)
You're making a different point, but a good one.
The point I was making is that you can "always" double the number of
transactions (and double the batch) on your mainframe. You would buy some
hardware (capacity increase) and some more software (peak 4 hour rolling
average license capacity) to do that. And not much else. The price of that
hardware and software won't be the same as what your base price was, it'll
be less. Much less. (There are strong price curves to both, especially
software.)
Now, there are some price curves to other technologies, sure. But, as a
general rule, the price curves are stronger ("more curvy"/more sub-linear)
on mainframes. And the other cost elements (e.g. operations headcount)
don't increase as much, if at all. (More of the other costs are more
fixed.)
I'm also assuming here a non-trivial doubling. Doubling 1 transaction per
hour (representing an entire business) to 2 transactions per hour isn't the
same as doubling 2,000 per second to 4,000. (And, again, don't forget
batch. Unfortunately too many people do, but that's the business lifeblood
stuff like billing/accounts receivable.)
- - - - -
Timothy Sipples
IBM Consulting Enterprise Software Architect
Based in Tokyo, Serving IBM Japan / Asia-Pacific
E-Mail: [email protected]
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